About Us

WHO IS Hairball TT Lab?

Hairball Turntable (TT) Lab has set the standard in professional turntable repair since 2011. With dedicated Labs in both Chicago and Los Angeles, we deliver expert service, complete rebuilds, and meticulous rewiring for Technics 1200s and premium analog DJ mixers. Trusted by top-tier DJs, clubs, and audio professionals worldwide, Hairball TT Lab remains the go-to source for serious turntable care.

Our Story

...What don’t you do?

"If I had $5 for every time I’ve been asked that, I might not need this website!"

"Truth be told, there are a bunch of things I don’t do, but I have surrounded myself with talented professionals who do what I don’t and like to collaborate on fun projects. That collaboration has helped me build a reputation for delivering quality work, on budget, and in a timely manner."

Ken Paul - Owner

The Really Helpful Group

Hairball TT Labs

After serving in the US Navy as an Electronic Technician, Ken Paul began his career as a technician for Jet Propulsion Lab on the Galileo Spacecraft and at Hughes Aircraft working on the Milstar program. On a visit to the UK, he met a manufacturer of a Commodore 64 based sampler and ended up helping introduce the product at the NAMM Show in Los Angeles. At that show he met legendary drummer Larrie Londin and worked with him and several L.A. session drummers to integrate triggered electronic drums with their acoustic drum kits, and eventually helping build some of the early home recording studios in LA.

In 1987, Ken moved to the Midwest, where he continued working as a studio technician & installer, in addition to mixing and mastering in his own recording studio, which led to the inception of The Really Helpful Group, our parent company. The Really Helpful Group has since gone on to design, install and consult on the design construction, tuning and wiring of a number of recordings studios for the likes of Chuck Berry, Derrick Carter, Bad Boy Bill, NBC Chicago, and many others.

In 2010, a DJ friend in need sent Ken a pair of Technics 1200 tone arms which had been previously serviced by a "tech" who lazily returned them for "not passing signal". This lack of integrity & ability in the marketplace inspired Ken to expand his business into repairing and restoring turntables for the bustling Chicago dance music scene.

As if his plate wasn't full enough, Ken and his daughter Olive, who is a successful clothing and graphic designer in their own right, teamed up to launch their Catspit Record label and online broadcast station, as well as a boutique, brick-&-mortar record store under the same name, that continues today to sell online.

When Chicago got too small & windy for their dreams, this dynamic-duo set out to California and have since opened a second Hairball TT Lab, in order to service their West Coast clientele.

Having now serviced & repaired nearly 1000 turntables over the past 15 yrs for our clients in the Midwest, Hairball TT Labs is excited to announce the opening of our SECOND location in Topanga, CA, within Los Angeles. Now with two locations in Chicago and Los Angeles, we're more capable than ever to serve all your turntable needs!

How can we Help you?