home made 78 rpm records

STOP PRESS! FEBRUARY 2016. BY FAR THE BEST LUBRICANT FOR EMBOSSING ON POLYCARBONATE HAS TURNED OUT TO BE WD-40. WHY DIDN'T WE THINK OF TRYING IT SOONER? In this video, we use a 70-year-old disc cutting machine, somewhat modified, to make 78 rpm records on polycarbonate plastic.More information on the machine, the recording styli &c. may be found at normanfield.com... . While most of our recent KZbin videos have been more or less ad hoc, this one is the result of several months considered research & collaboration with my friend Mike Thomas, and tribute must above all be made to the many people who have already made disc recording machines, usually scratch-built, which record on polycarbonate plastic. This is most often done on scrap CDs and DVDs, and at 45 rpm or 33 rpm, and, amazingly, in stereo! Thanks to their work, our task was made easier, as we record only in mono, at 78 rpm, and on 10" (25cm) polycarbonate discs, on a machine that already exists. May increasing success reward their efforts!

[@GEOFF0906]

As a youngster aged around 10, (40 years ago)I had an old portable wind up gramophone, which I would use to make 'records' out of old washing up liquid bottles opened up and cut into a disc shape. I placed an old vacuum cleaner hose into the horn and stock a funnel on the other end which we could speak into. It worked surprisingly well!

[@bixanorak]

Sorry, no; you can't ply these with a steel needle. There is only a shallow furrow, nor a real groovr, so the sund box just skets into the centre of the disc with the centripetal force.Best wishes toi you and your family, Norman,

[@Agamemnon2]

In an age that's moving so fast towards all-digital, something like this is remarkably pleasing, conceptually. I really like how the finished article looks, the clear polycarbonate is rather striking.

[@foxhound4829]

Not really. Humanity did understood its failure at recognizing analog sound, so nowadays vinyls and turntables are getting more and more popular. Many of a newest records are being recorded into them. Personally, I have bought modern audiophile turntable (along with whole analog system) myself - and old vinyls sounds even better than they used to back in a days.

[@ff-qf1th]

​@@foxhound4829 They're all digital masters. Don't get me wrong, I love vinyl. But it's not because of the "analog sound" - a sufficiently high sample rate digital recording is indistinguishable from an analog recording. It's the experience, it's setting a needle down on a that spiral to let it spin. It's fun. But there's nothing superior about it in terms of sound quality.

[@wandaoreilly]

Wow... this guy cut his own 78 rpm album... i didn't know you could do that. This is pretty awesome...

[@SeeburgMusic]

it's not an album, it's a single selection.

[@erin19030]

I built one for a science project in high school back in 61. I used a cutting head from a local dealer that looked similar to yours. My was all acoustically mechanical . I knew very little about electronics. Over the years I was educated and got my EE. I worked for RCA for 35 years. In the 1930's RCA made cutting machines for home use, but I never saw one. You know more about records and cutting than anyone I've ever known of.

[@mohamedfgaier967]

i want to build a record cutting machine,i don t know how to start? my pbroblem to build the cutter head, can you help me please

[@CoolDudeClem]

Why would I want to cut my own 78's? Because that would be freaking awesome!

[@kenhymes4900]

Jack White, as you may know, has a huge shop in Detroit where you can cut acetate of live performance. It's also a worker friendly, non toxic environment, managed at great expense because Jack White is awesome like that. Really a cool place.

[@reklamaboy]

@Harold Gael bot

[@playerpianogal]

I just found your channel! I have a machine that makes recordings, but I have trouble finding BLANK records which were once found in record stores when I was a kid. The one I have was an IBM "throw-away" that I recovered years back when I retired. I made just two recordings, but could not find anyone selling blanks. I also have a number of 78's made by people long ago that were a bit odd...with ordinary conversations recorded plus singing. I love listening to them on my victrola, but have never put them on KZbin. I mainly put on player piano rolls and also band organ videos. I learned a lot from your channel and am glad I found it!! Thank you!

[@pcallas66]

That is really awesome. I can't get over how relatively quiet it is. I've seen people do this that the surface noise was terrible. So cool. Thank you for sharing.

[@AdamBrownMods]

You're an absolute legend Norman!

[@johnnybongo5077]

Loving this! I grew up in the age of vinyl, cassettes, 8-Track tapes and Reel-To-Reel tapes. I've always loved to watch the whole process on how vinyl records are cut and then pressed up.

[@gmmix]

Fascinating how-to video. The sound you've obtained from your home-made 78 is REALLY impressive. I think I'm envious! Thanks much for this informative presentation.

[@robertgaines-tulsa]

I was born toward the end of 1978 so I was fortunate to experience the record. When I was little, the record deeply fascinated me. Unlike the CD, you can see a record being played right before your eyes. Most of my original records were actually Disney records for children that are some what collectable today. They didn't fudge on quality back then either so they have deep color on a decent Hi-Fi system today that many modern CDs lack due to some sort of fear that you're going to pop your woofers or something. We still have my late father's Victrola that is still in good working order. Unfortunately, I don't think polycarbonate disks are heavy enough for that heavy needle and diaphragm.

[@lelandmunson5058]

recordscratching.

[@jasonhaman4670]

I've never had a desire to make my own 78s, but this is very impressive, and fun to watch. Thanks for sharing!

[@glennjohnson8170]

Glenn Johnson Love this!As a kid in the 50`s,the 78 was awesome and still is today.Well done

[@bixanorak]

Thanks for writing. Yes, 'the old 78s' are a long time a'dying! Cheers, Norman.

[@78rpmblog]

I've been watching this video several times now and I love it. I visited your great webpage (that has been one of my favourite sources when it comes to researching about 78 rpms since I first visited it 10 years ago) some days before and read about your project and thought that it would lead to a superb video and it did. If I had that disc cutting .... pardon embossing machine, I would empty Stockholm of polycarbonate plastic and do nothing else but making 78 rpms. Cheers!

[@m2esectr]

If only I had such a machine, I'd be making THOUSANDS of those in no time!!!

[@mikedaley1968]

Great video, Norman. I learned so much and it was really fun to watch. Beautiful final result too.

[@CounterRhythms]

That sounds surprisingly good. Impressive!

[@bixanorak]

Kind of you to write - thanks! When I (eventually) get round to it, I think it would be possible, with a heated chisel-type cutter, to actually cut a groove, rather than just 'plough a furrow' - sometimes it's quite difficult to get the replay sylus to stay in the furrow. All the best to you and yours, and stay safe! Cheers, Norman.

[@VintageGearMan]

Sweet! I still enjoy some good old original 78's. Love this machine though. It sounds amazing!

[@bixanorak]

Glad you enjoyed the vid. We're still very interested in the topic, and are currently helping a guy who found a similar machine in poor condition.Am sure it will work again! Very best wishes to you & your family, Norman.

[@deirdreryan6147]

Lovely! Thank you, Norman for your wonderful video on cutting your own 78 rpm records.

[@BloggerSWF]

Norman, i am from Brazil and learning some about cutting. i need to say i loved this video. Many thanks to spend your time to do this. Beautifull art. Regards

[@Natashahoneypot]

wonderful, wish i had my record in 78, had the honour of working with Chris Blackwell at abby road he made us a 12 inch ep. Was really fascinated by the machine there as it made the master cut.

[@HmvgramophonesEu45]

I want to congratulate with you for this wonderful and informative video about cutting 78rpm records. Really interesting and inspiring!

[@TheElverma]

Dear Mr Field: I really enjoy your videos. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@bixanorak]

Thanks for writing - glad you like the videos; there are more in the pipe-line! Cheers, Norman.

[@transformingArt]

Fabulous video indeed - arguably one of the most interesting video that I have ever seen on your channel. You are basically following the footsteps of the many great Jazz reissue dubs from the 1930s and 40s, like UHCA, Biltmore, and the like.....Always fascinated to see a record cutter working - wish I can own one some day. I have read the whole article on your webpage and it is just as fascinating as this one. The painting you used for the label - John William Waterhouse's "Echo and Narcissus"- , is my favorite painting, so it even adds up more charm to this video. :-) Again, many. many thanks for posting this and if you have a chance, please post the transfer of the final result on this channel!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

transformingArt I agree, most fascinating, something I never thought I'd get to see

[@tarstarkusz]

Will it work for 33? Will the reduced speed just make it unlistenable? It is one thing to emboss 4 minutes of music on these plastic discs, it's quite another to put 20 minutes on that same disc.

[@quantumleap359]

Absolutely fascinating! You make it look easy! Thanks for posting.

[@kenheitmueller69]

agreed, that modulation at 10:05 gave me chills. congrats on the embossing machine. the record looks beautiful!

[@bixanorak]

Many thanks. Yes, it turned out that track, 'Chinese Jumble' was arranged by a chap called Irving Peskin. He was a young aspiring trumpet player and arranger at the time, and made that arrangement as a kind of showcase, or exercise, for his talents. Although the record was never issued, it remains a great side. Not so many years ago, Peskin, then in his '90s, recorded some reminiscences of his early days - I think they are up on line somewhere. Cheers, Norman.

[@YellowsourceOrg]

I love your videos, as always. But this one shines!

[@MrBugman1400]

One of the most educational and interesting videos I've ever seen!

[@anonymousfuck9320]

An older person marint youtube videos, i get happy! :)

[@jeb419]

I fully expected this to sound terrible but I was so surprised how good it sounded!

[@bixanorak]

Wow - that's great, thanks! Still tinkering with it here... need to warm up the polycarbonate disc to maybe 35°C, coat it with thin spray of WD40, and have a heated cutting stylus... One day will have a major campaign on it! Of course, I should have used a modern recording, which would have sounded far better anyway 😀Cheers, Norman.

[@vacbrewernut]

OMG! Thank you for doing this. I would love to se this done for modern songs to play on Jukeboxes and Victrolas.

[@memotronic697]

I´m 45 yo, but I wisj I had been born waaaay earlier, music and tech where so simply yet marvelous!!!! Thank you for sharing :D

[@TheWorldOfBudgetVinylRecords]

I love the way you present the item of interest in your videos. Yeah, your videos are on the long side, however it's worth watching them because they are well produced.

[@thatrecord5313]

I've discovered how to make a material that starts off moldable and when dried, it hardens. What's nice about this is it is as scratch resistant as shellac 78s and just as brittle. When I cut a "groove" into it and put it on my record player for 78 seconds (equivalent to 78 plays on a gramophone), little to no material was scratched up. After watching this video, I realized that if I cut my own negative out of poly carbonate, I can use it to press it up against my "concoction" and let it dry. I'll see how the sound quality sounds then, and if successful, I'll use it to make my own "shellac" 78s. Thanks for the idea!

[@djcrokidakis]

I'm learning about cut record. Thank you for this video. Happiness and success to you.

[@bixanorak]

Glad you like the video. Yes - the basic principle is very simple; wavy sound wave becomes wavy groove in disc! The problem was to make it work! Wishing you all success in you studies. Best regards, Norman Field.

[@alexmckenna1171]

Jolly good fun! Now all we need is a shellac pressing plant.. Maybe someone will find the bricked-up and abandoned Warner-Brunswick factory or something like that one day. As the grooves are embossed - what are the groove profiles like? Rounded bottom like a Pathe?

[@carlfuggiasco7495]

Thank you Norman. I have watched this video 20 times, or more over the past year, or two. Either on KZbin, or on my computer as a download....lovely. It makes me happy every time. I could not possibly afford to do this at home. However I so love the idea that I think it is about as cool as cool can get. Again thank you...keep spinning and Oh I am a subscriber too!

[@akella728]

i wonder why such a cool enthuziast doesnt have have millions of subscribers?

[@siledevelopment]

I don't even know why or how I stumbled onto this but it's awesome nevertheless. It's completely not my genre of music, and 78s are before my time but I'm reminded of Trevor Chaplin, of the Biederbeck trilogy, something not many people of my generation remember. Even if you don't like something, an appreciation of it is always nice and I like what this chap does, and his excitement doing it.

[@playedon78]

Hi Norman from Australia! I love your passion, especially when you are mid recording and in raptures over the California Ramblers orchestration! You are a man of my own heart and I would have loved to be there to witness the work myself. As a 16 year old in 1969, I inherited an old record cutter (sadly gone now) from an amusement park here and had a lot of fun getting better and better with "dubs" of my own and friends jazz 78s and my own spoken words. I even managed to convince the manager of EMI in Melbourne to sell me individual blank laquers as my meek apprentice earnings didn't stretch to boxes of 10!!! Another time, I found an old "Kedron Vibrex" machine and improved my technique. I am currently in the process of building my own ground-up machine now (happily with time from retirement) and have taken the unusual and perhaps masochistic step in making it an "acoustic" recorder! What fun! Norman you are a true inspiration. All good health and happiness to you and the UK collecting fraternity.

[@bixanorak]

Hi Martin! Sorry for the delay in replying. I started to reply three days ago, but pressed the wrong button, & it all hung up. But no matter. I've found your original meassage so can reply. What can I say, except that you're doing great work, and I really like the idea of you doing mechanical (=acoustic) recording. Go for it! Pretty well anybody can do electric recording. I've dabbled a bit with vertical-cut mechanical recording, on soft wax discs, vertical cut. If I may ask, what wax compositions have you used? I've tried with beeswax plus ~10% Carnauba wax, plus 5% sealing wax, as a plasticiser. The results are rather unpredictable. Write again, if you want to, & maybe we can help each other? All the best in Lockdown - take care! Cheers, Norman.

[@gerryroberts662]

Cause its Frikkin' Cool.... Just got mine working with an alarm cloclk radio.. Just took thw two wires out for the speaker.. and jumped mine.. I cut some cd's to test them.. And i tried two 6'' disks.. Mine cut at 48.rpm.. It playes slower on the 70s Equipment.. But it works now.. All these videos helped.. thanks.. Cheers,,,

[@neilforbes416]

Just now finished reading the linked article - fascinating!

[@ThePillenwerfer]

Absolutely brilliant! I salute you, Sir.

[@cjspease]

That was an AWESOME video. I would love to try that. It sounded really good when you played it back on your turntable as well! My compliments. 6 years, 5 months and 24 days (but who's counting) until I retire from my job as an analytical chemist. I am definitely going to make a hobby out of this when I retire. Such an awesome video!!!

[@bixanorak]

Hi Chris. Glad you liked the video! I've got another in the pipeline, rather simpler: recording speech mechanically, vertical cut, on a soft wax disc. There's not a lot you can do with it further than that - but it's *fun*! Cheers, Norman.

[@cheliae8560]

That's unbelievable!!! Amazing!!!! Well done and thank you for posting!

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

Website appears to be down, hope it comes back soon, and man would a system like this be wonderful....This has been a favorite video of mine for a long time & I look forward to being able to read up on it on the site. Sourcing a cutter these days is a pipe dream but one of these days....Great work!

[@full_time_motorhome]

Great stuff. As a 48yr old getting back into vinyl or shalack for the 78s love the tech video. Need a new set of curtains though unless you are a retro guy xx keep up the good work.

[@gerryroberts662]

Out of all the videos,, i like this one the most. This guy is so cherry, I like watching this video repeatedly... This is exactly the video we need, will share it with steve on lathe trolls... This is a very informativ video..

[@kencekosh2127]

Wow. Beautiful.

[@tommybewick]

This is absolutly facinating Norman, great job, I really enjoyed seeing this project. 73 (or should that be 78...), Tom Bewick

[@thatrecord5313]

Hehe, I get it

[@AmigaA-or2hj]

Great dude!!! No more broken records!

[@carsonkundolf3448]

I've been wanting to cut a 78 to play on a gramophone, the songs I want I can't find. I plan to build a home made cutter and this gives me some good thoughts on the process

[@roybo1930]

I forgot! Cutting both sides gives the clear records a neet effect! The grooves wave about on the record wale playing! I have been making My own labels under the Royola name, IT`S NOT EASY! But I believe I am going to silk screen them! Printing them off, then using a gold paint pin is a tad time consuming as well! I may start out, using Gold colored printing paper with Purple or Black print. By the way! I designed the Nauck record label for Kurt Nauck, He has been so good to Me! He uses it, which I am very honored He does!

[@davestar6125]

Absolutely fab. I love the thought of making my own recordings but on Cylinder. I have made some recordings using an Edison recorder and they are ok but not as good as they would be if done with some sort of electric lathe. There is a chap on KZbin in the USA called the Victrola guy that does this but when asked how he won't tell. Anyway well done brilliant. Dave.

[@lippa2105]

Oh my god, that is so awesome! I would really love to cut my own records, that would be sweet. Well done - great video.

[@klauspetersen8593]

Amazing result and great presentation. Good work

[@markhall9412]

what a cool process, awesome thanks

[@user-tt8wt9yp9m]

wow sir, speech less job, love from India🇮🇳

[@bixanorak]

Hi there - glad you liked it! But you know, I just restored an existing machine; but many have made their own - if you haven't seen any of these videos, have a a look around - there are many clever ideas to be seen. Best regards, Norman.

[@jesserussell7242]

I love the sound of 78th I have discovered 78 recently and it’ll be cold to make my own 78 I love the sound that it makes and it’s one of the records that needs to come back in the Lionel revival and there’s some good stuff to be found on 78th. what is your favorite 78 of all time?

[@MultiCampBoss]

Great video! Great tunes too!

[@bombasticbuster9340]

You are awesome Mr. Norman! This is so cool. I actually have a recordio record cutter with am radio and playback. You have inspired me to get it going. Thanks for a great video. From Arkansas USA.

[@allanegleston13]

howdi. i remember seeing a old pamphlet called having fun with radio by hugo gernsbback. the phamplet is in my files and cant really find it now . there was a article on how to set up a home recording set up using a small weight , a micrphone , and a schematic for the set up. i think one end went into the 2nd af tube . hem . nice cutting setup there .

[@ryukisai99]

Thanks for sharing that video! That is impressive! I wish i could find one to produce my own music on my own records!

[@MarcoMeile]

Hey Norman, are there Drawings and Schematics of the cutting machine? i would really like build my own one!

[@musikdoktor]

Master.. Great vid,. i love how you enjoy the music!.. Greetings from Uruguay! Cheers!

[@slybocat]

Wow! I wish I had this capability! Excellent video :)

[@danielbeller972]

Norman ' you are amazing! Well done! Admirable work!

[@Clayton_WoodHelm]

Quite Admirable! Say, would the disks work on an acoustic gramophone? - Presumably it would be understandable it would require a harder-wearing substance though.

[@rhodeswayne55]

All I can say in wow. whats so amazing I can not belive my ears and ears this is just genius your hole video it shere left me speechless and on a 70 year old machine wow

[@LostinMND]

Wow! That was cool!

[@seattleday9690]

Nice man this is very educational.

[@MrRJDB1969]

Great, great video !

[@hollstein100]

BERRY GOOD HOME MADE SISTEM ,,CONGRATULATION,,, SER GUTE HAUS TEKNIK , DANKE,,MUY BUENA TECNICA PARA LA IMPRESION DEL GRAVADO DEL SONIDO CON MATERIALES MODERNOS Y ECONOMICOS,,POLICARBONATO,,,EN LAMINA,, Y SU MAQUINA GRABADORA FANTASTICA,,gracias,,FRUTILLAR CHILE

[@msks4714]

First of all, let me say this, you mister, are a Sir! The information, the editing, the lathe, this is all brilliant! RESPECT!!! May i ask where are the discs from!? Thank you so much for this beautifull information!

[@canwehit100ksubsfordimitry7]

You sound crazy :)

[@roybo1930]

I have been turning a Wilcox Gay steel needle backwards, (You can find them on ebay!) And cutting Records! But You have to be careful wale cutting them, You have to tilt the cutter a tad more, because it actually eats a groove into the polycarbonate disc! But You are having such GREAT Luck and sound, I am going to see if I can have some needles made like Yours! I have been making My own disc, Is there a source who makes these disc, And sells them? It is rather time consuming indeed!! I have been adding heat also, with a infrared lamp! I LOVE Your Uploads!

[@Driessens_Peter]

i like youre style very much! keeping it simple but with all the right techniques, and eye for detail! really enjoyed your vid! (y)

[@usshackman]

Great job Norm!!!!!

[@MrLONCARD]

Hi John Fantastic. Regards from Denmark.

[@heliosium]

Fantastic! A nice job, congratulations from Chile!

[@RogerBaswell]

Amazing... an award is due

[@bobjerome5390]

hi recorder cutters are very hard to find i have a lot of rare recording gear and i never seen this unit you have looks like a hand made unit a lot of the parts are RS parts POLYCARBONATE costs big money i have a 1/8 reel to reel a EMI btr 4 that's be rework to the 8 inch reels i wish there was a video have yours was made i bet later on there will be people after the cutter i love this video shows you what can be done

[@chrisrogers8374]

What a truly fabulous video fascinating I watched every second, well done!

[@stevenplester8879]

Awesome Job Norman - And Sounds Great Also

[@Rebel9668]

I love the concept. Personally, if I had such a machine I think I'd not only re-record period tunes, but I would also put modern...well, modern to me being 1970's onward, onto 78's as well. I've often heard the faster rpms make for a better sound which I guess is why most 16rpm records are spoken word instead of music. I think something like Journey's song "Lights" would be awesome on a 78. I'd also consider making single sided discs so that I could paint the backside a deep black or whatever color I fancied at the time.

[@trig6712]

Wow Innovation and excellent music thanks again Trig 4NNC

[@Funz2022]

Wonderful, great video!

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

If I listen to it long enough, I can like any song! As long as it's a proper song!

[@kit6041]

That's pretty neat!

[@joostderidder]

very cool!!! I wonder how modern music would sound on this.

[@Danroxye01]

Now you realy got me dreaming, this is great! thank you for this video

[@milanmihajlovic8569]

Great Video. Thx for sharing.

[@tommyb.6064]

I went to a thrift shop today and like I never usually see, there were a buch of 78's. I still don't know if I'm about to be loving more the 78's or the 8 tracks... well, I'll have to try them and get a good setup to play them propely as the same occurs to any particular format. Downside of 78's, fragile, heavy and roomy... I'll try some this year

[@bixanorak]

Thanks for writing, Tommy. But please be careful - you just might be 'drawn in' to the magic Lost World of the 78 rpm disc! As for me, I was doomed at the age of 8 or 9 years old, when an aunt gave me her old wind-up gramophone (= hand-crank phonograph) and a few 78s. That was around 1950-52, and I've never been able to shake 'em off. You have been warned. 8^) Cheers, Norman.

[@MyDiesel101]

Fantastic!

[@lookoutleo]

the sound is brilliant for a home made disc, i'm going to make one of these

[@bixanorak]

All the best of luck. The basic mechanism, as you can see, is very simple. Cheers, Norman.

[@Parlophonic]

Oh Norman! Ab Fab!!

[@studamanduncan9728]

Well,that was interesting.I wonder if 78s are coming back?I saw a Louis Armstrong autographed 78 go for pennies recently on Flog It.which kinda saddens ya.I do like the "cutter" sorry "embosser".Very nice.Also I wouldnt mind a bit of info on yer Hi Fi turntable.So glad its not a 301 or as they say in China "flee oh one "I could record myself singing Bad Moon Rising and claim Credence stole it!!!!!Ha ha ha.Good luck, Stu.

[@PA2OLD]

FANTASTIC !!!

[@stephendobbins9316]

Very Great Video!

[@robertfenney]

All I can say is wow!

[@garyandleslied]

That's awesome. I'd love to try that myself.