Maybe I’m from the old school, but 1200’s set up the normal way is way easier to mix with than turning it 90 degrees, especially when adjusting pitch. Scratching, then yes, the needle is out of the way.
Broo I remember going to a certain store as a kid in New York when first found the kid robot toys. Then a few years later I found another store near my house with those and still got a few kicking around. Nostalgia trip