So, you might be asking: what is a lathe cut record?
Lathe cut records are made by cutting music into a surface of a disc in real time. Yes, it’s insanely cool.
Every record is quality checked yet everyone is handmade and therefore unique. Unlike pressed vinyl which requires making a master plate and pressing duplicates from that every record is an original and therefore very small runs (as low as one) can be made for a reasonable price.
What this means is that while you might really like the idea of having your music on vinyl the idea of selling 300+ records might be a daunting one. On the other hand selling a few dozen might be a lot more achievable and that’s where the magic of lathe cutting comes in. Everyone can put their music on record, even if it’s only one copy!
Interested? Read on for more info…
FAQ
How much music can you fit on a disc?
In theory a 7″ can fit 7 minutes at 33 1/2 RPM and 5 minutes at 45RPM, although in practice it’s tricky to cut that much so it’s better to plan for slightly less than that. If you’re interested in to which sounds better and why we’d recommend this article.
How’s the sound quality?
We use a vintage Presto machine which has been painstackingly refurbished it retains all the charms and eccentricities of it’s era. Therefore the records it cuts make for a pleasant listen in our opinion, it’s just important to have realistic expectations before you order. What you aren’t going to get is pressed vinyl, but what you will get is a bespoke recording that has been treated with attention, care, and checked for quality. Every record is a unique object and you can get really creative with that eg. different tracks on each record, slightly different versions.
Will they play on a regular player?
Yes, although auto-play/suitcase turn tables can sometimes have a problem locking into the lead groove, so you might need to experiment a bit in order to get them to play. If the playback sounds distorted and fades in and out trying gently nudging the tone arm into the groove. You may need to adjust the weight of the tone arm, if your player doesn’t have this option try placing a coin on the base of the tone arm. Polycarbonate picks up static easily so when not playing the record keep it in its sleeve.
How should I prepare my audio for lathe cutting?
The general rules that would apply to mastering for vinyl apply here: blasting through a brick wall limiter isn’t going to translate well; excessive low end is not going to be replicable, and as mentioned above as all cuts are currently mono anything placed more widely in the stereo field is at risk of disappearing so bear this in mind. Regardless we’ll process the tracks you give us to get the best results, to help with this process please attempt to deliver mastered tracks which are sympathetic to the music.
Is there anything you won’t cut?
We’ll cut any genre of music for anyone who wants to put their music on a physical format. However if your music is anyway associated with discriminatory/hateful speech or ideology such a racist, sexist, transphobic or, xenophobic themes please take your work elsewhere as we’re not interested. The other caveat is any sounds you have us cut must belong to you, as we will have no part in bootlegging other artist’s work.
Pricing
Example quantity | Single sided upcyled CD (4.75″) | Double sided CD (4.75″) | Single sided 7” | Single sided 7” picture disc | Double sided 7” | Doubled sided 7” picture disc |
| 25 copies | £5 each | £6each | £11 each | £18 each | £13 each | £18 each |
- For queries and to discuss a bespoke number of records you’d like to order drop us a line at daftpopsounds AT proton DOT me
- Price includes center label and choice of black, white, or red card sleeves, or transparent sleeve with cover insert. Shaped records available upon request.
- CD cuts can hold around 4 minutes of music at 33RPM and 18 minutes of audio data. Please get in contact to discuss possibilities for CDs.
- Please bear in mind that these records are hand made and larger orders are therefore time consuming, so if you have a hard deadline factor this when placing your order.
