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Which current brands make excellent modern turntables? I've been looking around and they current models seem to be held together with a bunch of plastic and a prayer.
Technics! They're reintroducing various models akin to their venerable 1200.
I like my portable turntable that was made by Crosley. It doesn't take up a lot of space, it has built-in speakers, and it has held up well so far. I think some people prefer to fix up old turntables from yesteryear, but that can get expensive once you're sourcing parts.
I like Technics direct-drive turntables too. And are also very nice turntables from Rega and VPI. Each of those manufacturers offer moderately-priced high-quality turntables. There are a ton of low-fi tables with ceramic cartridges and low-quality tone arms and mechanisms. They're the "plastic and a prayer" devices you are talking about. I won't list any of those here. And there are also plenty or turntables that cost as much as luxury automobiles. I won't list those here either.
Hi, it largely depends on the price. You can get decent players from Rega and Pro-ject as examples. But the lowest price range where there are any good ones (IMO) starts at about $400. Pretty much everything below that price point is as you noticed plastic and flimsy. Beware of brand names that were famous in years gone by that are now made as budget devices to lure you into thinking you are getting a high quality unit. Think along the lines that the software (records) will rapidly be more valuable than the thing they are played on. 20 new LPs at retail prices will equal the cost of a modest player. Even bought from used record exchange stores they will end up being the bigger part of the investment. You need to protect them from excessive wear and damage and cheap turntables place them at serious risk.
I have received some great replies here. I sure appreciate it too. I owned a music (new and antiques) years ago before selling it. So, I was rather surprised at how terribly turntables are thrown together today. I see I was just looking in the wrong places. It's amazing how things have changed. I don't mind spending a bit more for something that will last and won't damage my vinyl records. I had hoped to see it in stores to get a feel for the player, but I see I'll probably have to order one online instead as I'm leaning towards Technics from the suggestions so far.