Dual 1229 (Early 1970s)

A fully automatic turntable with four playback modes and precision gyro-gimbal tone arm support

Overview

The Dual 1229 is a fully automatic turntable made in the early 1970s, representing the peak of Dual’s idler-drive engineering. It shares design and service similarities with the 1219 and offers four playback modes: manual, single-play, multi-play (up to six records), and repeat play. It was built with professional-grade operability and complex, over-engineered construction, featuring a die-cast non-magnetic platter and a newly designed synchronous continuous pole motor.

Specifications

Turntable	30.5 cm non-magnetic die cast, 3.1 kg, fully dynamic balanced
Drive motor	Synchronous continuous pole motor
Speed	33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm
Pitch control	Each speed 6% (about half tone)
Wow and flutter	Not more than 0.06% (according to DIN45 507)
Rumble	-42dB -63dB (according to DIN45500)
Tone arm	Extra Long Pipe Arm with effective length of 222 mm
Tone arm support	4-point gimbal / gyro-gimbal type support structure
Tracking error	1.5 degrees or less / 1°30' for a record diameter of 110 to 293 mm
Tone arm angle (by cartridge)	Horizontal: 0.015g or less / Vertical: not more than 0.007g
Cartridge mounting	With a detachable special shell (1~12g cartridge attachable); head shell is die-cast and the cartridge holder conforms to EIA standard
Needle pressure adjustment	Direct Reading Dial, 0~3g Variable (up to 5.5g possible); error of the direct reading value is within ±0.1g
Anti-skating	Direct-Reading Dial with Conical/Elliptical Needle; dial system with red letters for elliptical needles and white letters for conical needles
Queue control	Silicone oil dump type / Viscos dump cylinder
Strobe light	Neon-reflecting strobe (for 33 1/3, 45 rpm)
Power	AC110/220V, switch switching 50Hz/60Hz, replacement of motor pulley
Power consumption	Approx. 10W
External dimensions	Width 376 x Height 26 (Counter Weight Part) x Depth 308 mm
Weight	7.2kg

Design

The Dual 1229 uses a gyro-gimbal tone arm support with high-precision miniature bearings, a first for Dual’s auto turntable line. The counterweight is damped to the shaft via a rubber shock absorber to reduce resonance. The spindle rotates with the turntable to prevent uneven rotation from friction. It includes a mode selector that adjusts the tone arm’s vertical angle—critical for maintaining accuracy across single and multi-play modes, where the angle shifts up to 15 degrees by the third record. The queue control uses a Viscos dump cylinder, and the design is noted for its tank-like build and mechanical complexity.

Context

The 1229 is a sibling model to the 1219 and part of Dual’s high-end idler-drive series. It was engineered to support discrete four-channel record playback by improving tone arm sensitivity. From service documentation, the 1229 and 1219 share repair and servicing similarities, indicating a closely related product family.

Market

Hardened grease is common in Dual idler drives and requires servicing. While parts are generally available, the turntable’s complexity demands a skilled technician. Collectors are advised to prioritize units that have been professionally restored over untested “mint” examples.