About Lathe Cut Records
What is a lathe cut record?
Lathe cut records are made in real time, one at a time. The audio passes through the head which either cuts or embosses the sound onto the blank. Each record is unique. Each record is unique. What you receive from one lathe cutter will be different from another. Many factors are involved such as type of lathe used, materials used, amount of heat, pressure, etc. It is more of an art than a science, though some will disagree. A lathe cut record is a beautiful thing, each with its own personalitly.
Why release a lathe cut record?
Getting records pressed in the current time is extremely costly with high minimum orders. Lathe cut records allow for small runs, even one or two for a lower initial cost. Although the ‘price per record’ will be higher, you do not have to go all in and get 300 records made for a few thousand dollars. Turn around time is faster as well. Typically only a few weeks.
With all the music sharing sites such as Bandcamp, etc. you can share your high quality digital file to your fanbase at whatever cost you want, and give access to a free download when they purchase the record. So you get the best of both worlds. A hand made piece of vinyl art and access to a high quality digital version of the tracks.
What I use here at the spareorgan laboratory:
Here I cut small hole PVC black record blanks with a diamond cutting head on a vintage 80’s Atom A-101, which is the same machine as the Vanrock E-101. It only handles 7”. The audio is mono and considered ‘lo-fi’ to an audiophiles standards. I think they sound amazing. Each is unique.
A few more notes:
Here at spareorgan I am currently only cutting noise, drone, experimental, punk and hardcore music. This is what I am into and matches well with my set up. I am not currently open to the public and only cutting for spareorgan releases. This may change eventually so feel free to get in touch about a project and we can discuss! Just shoot me a message at spareorgan@yahoo.com.