Make your own vinyl records at home | Teenage Engineering PO-80 & Gakken Record Maker

The sample library I made in this video can be downloaded here: www.decentsamples.com/product...
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Support what I do on Patreon: / dhilowitz
Find my FILM & INSTRUMENTAL music here: davidhilowitz.bandcamp.com
Find my ROCK MUSIC here: manwomanchild.bandcamp.com
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HERE ARE THE VIDEOS I REFERENCED:
How records are made: • Vinyl Record Mass Prod...
Cutting Vinyl At Abbey Road: • Cutting Vinyl At Abbey...
How to Cut Vinyl: • How to Cut Vinyl (Lacq...
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The Gakken record maker can be purchased on eBay: www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
The Teenage Engineering version can be found here: teenage.engineering/products/...

[@catloverkitten10]

I have a “homemade” record of my dad singing that he sent home when he was in the army WW2. It was done by the Red Cross. Pretty good quality and I treasure it despite it being a bit scratchy. Cool video thanks!

[@PiercingSight]

Dang! That sounds amazing. Have you digitized and backed it up? Something like that should absolutely be saved for future generations.

[@catloverkitten10]

@@PiercingSight Thanks I never thought to do that! Will pursue this.

[@gingernutpreacher]

Was it on bakelite or something else?

[@catloverkitten10]

@@gingernutpreacher I think it’s called acetate.

[@gingernutpreacher]

@@catloverkitten10 yep please get that stored digitally that stuff does degrade with age

[@vinylarchaeologist]

As a child I used to have fun putting my fingernail into the record groove while it‘s spinning - yes, you can actually hear the music that way! I found that fascinating. As an adult, I have to add that you should only do that to records you don‘t care about too much 😂

[@Bittamin]

Does it play directly into your soul? 😅

[@SubuNomo]

@@Bittamin i wanna know too! 😅

[@Space_Reptile]

why records you dont care about too much? your fingernail is alot softer than the Vinyl so it shud not wear it out, if 40 years of metal needles didnt wear my abba records out, a fingernail wont either

[@SyncronedStuff]

@@Space_Reptile The thing is, your finger also moves. And yes, the vinyl is harser than he fingernail, but these microscopic grooves ON the plate (Or rather the grooves cut into the plate) are very fragile

[@vinylarchaeologist]

@@Space_Reptile A stylus has a microscopically small tip to "read" the record, and does so with a weight of usually under 5 grams. A fingernail is much thicker and has a different shape. No doubt it would damage the outer groovewalls of the record, especially since it's probably going to be more than 10 grams of downforce in order to hear anything.

[@JorbLovesGear]

The first chord you played with the sampled instrument shocked me, turned out really cool. Great work!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Thanks! It was kind of eye-opening for me as well. And to think I could have been doing things like that for years with the old Wilcox-Gay cutter…

[@jackalope_VC]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic Ok now you HAVE to try doing this with the Wilcox. Perhaps using a blank record from the TE record kit to record on the Wilcox and then run that through the TE to capture the sound would work?

[@guts2112]

Hi Jorb!

[@Karlfalcon]

As someone who has worked with both home and semi-pro level lathes for a while now, I think the biggest problem in fidelity is due to cutting cold into the plastic. Try heating the blank record under a lamp just before, or while making the cut. I've gotten much better fidelity simply pressing a groove into a sheet, or "embossing," than I ever have when trying to actually cut into plastic. Maybe something to consider as a mod for the machine?

[@muddhopkins]

I think if they just used a heat gun angled at a distance they could get the effect you're thinking of

[@MrThegreatmc]

when you say embossing, do you mean that the heat causes it not to cut, or are you saying separately modifying it as in dulling the cutting needle?

[@Karlfalcon]

@@MrThegreatmc using a different needle all together. A shallow cone shape that presses into and deforms the surface rather than the sharp edge that cuts out a strip of material.

[@keepinmahprivacy9754]

I was thinking maybe put a little extra weight on the cutting arm... tape a silver dollar or something on top of it. Might screw it up completely... or it might improve the quality of the cut.

[@Keifer-D]

Another thing that might help is EQ the audio as it comes out of the record. But yeah, great ideas on the heating it up. Might want to cut them in a well heated room or temperature controlled box.

[@Lou_The_DooWopRocker]

When in my 20s (mid 1960s) I was servicing electronics, I had acquired a Presto cutter with the hot needle add on, repaired the record amp, and cut many acetate records. I learned how to operate my lathe from Glenn Campbell of G&C Records Pittsburgh, and even worked with him learning the business using the 2 presses he had. I met him when his Ampex 8 track (tube record/play amplifiers) needed service. Watching this video made me wish I had kept the Presto! Glenn retired and I lost track of him. The studio electronics were all tube including Neuman condenser tube mics, Western Electric board, Ampex 1" 8 track, Ampex 1/4" 2 track, Ampex 1/4" full track, Pultek EQs, EMT plate reverb, Altec amps, and more than I remember. As Bob Hope would say.......Thanks for the memories! Lou, Clearwater FL

[@jackfinch4482]

When i was 15 I built a recording phonograph that used: 1) cardboard discs cut from the plastic-coated cardboard boxes refrigerators came in, 2) old acetate-covered transcription discs, 3) thick candle-wax poured on top of shirt cardboards cut into discs. I used a needle stylus glued to a thin plastic sheet glued to the open end of one of the weight retainers on a barbell, with the whole affair amplified by a swiped orange road-cone horn. The results? Really not bad at all when played on a regular HiFi at 78 RPM. I still have "Shortnin Bread" played by my Troop 188 boy scout band. Other than the fact that you had to shout and record really close to the mouth of the horn, these DIY experiments were really a lot of enduring fun. Keep at it yourself! you'll succeed without Gakken!

[@dizzywilliams3557]

@jackfinch4482 champion! Thanx

[@rahreee]

Which of the three types of records sounded the best?

[@chilling-boy]

Its just insane to me how a needle can make all these millions of sounds from just plastic it’s magic

[@eldrickejleest]

I still can't comprehend it

[@Vel_0000]

@@eldrickejleest me neither

[@kaitlyn__L]

​@@eldrickejleest that's the beauty and simplicity of analogue - it literally IS the waveform, inscribed into an object! That's one reason they used the technique for the Voyager golden records, as the method is simple enough to describe in a couple pictograms. Analogue audio tape is basically the same, when you look at it under a magnetic tape viewer there's all these gradients from strong to nothing. Looks a bit like an analogue barcode. And that's also literally the waveform, but viewed from the top-down instead of side-on like records are. (The Edison cylinder was also cut top-down, and so also kind of looked like a long barcode!)

[@Terrydober1]

@@kaitlyn__L finally I'm able to comprehend! You are the first person to explain what I really wanted to know

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@Terrydober1 hey I’m glad it helped! You reminded me to check what I said again, and I missed the word magnetic once when talking about tape. So I added that back in. (A deeper/wider groove in a needle-pickup system is exactly equivalent to a stronger magnetisation in a magnetic-pickup system!)

[@allyourgardeningneeds]

The coolest thing in the video is how you turned out the usual expectations around the device and made it into a sound producer instead of a reproducer. Awesome job, Dave.

[@joooooooooooe]

this is so freaking cute how you two collaborated. thanks so much for introducing this musical tool/toy to me, for the unboxing and essay around the device, and for providing these beautiful, eclectic samples. i greatly appreciate all you two have done and look forward to more collaborative work between you two

[@cosmowerkstapes]

if you are able to get enough volume onto the needle, you can get an ok sound with ambient music. it also helps to use a small paintbrush to brush away the swarf, and it helps if the record blank is warm when you cut. we used to do them on cd singles as bonus tracks. you could play the compact-disc as a record as well as a cd, they were done on a homebrew cutter.

[@mysteryc07]

That sounds very cool!

[@maiastniki]

g2k

[@landonewts]

I was super curious about the TE kit, so it’s really cool to see this deep dive into the history of consumer record cutters. My neighbors had a record cutter in their bar/rumpus room, I wish we’d been allowed to play with it. Also learned a few things about how records are made that I never knew. And now I want to write a song called “Swarf” Thank you!

[@damonkerbein2265]

Your videos are so cool! You make audio equipment and sound design look like the coolest things ever!

[@markgreco1962]

I agree! I’m not a sound or music person, but his videos are just so cool.

[@TheSoundFXGuy]

While watching this video, I couldn't stop thinking about a way to use it in sound design and then you went and did it. The sample library sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@laurindolleschka6509]

For some reason your videos haves a very calming effect on me Such a friendly and peaceful narrator voice Thank you for your beautiful work!

[@pixelfrenzy]

Same here. And what a bonus to hear Mrs Dave on this one as well!

[@KasbashPlays]

7:32 - The hit of nostalgia I experienced for a time I wasn't even born in, is fascinating. So many stories told, so little time to listen to them all.

[@stevesm2010]

A very interesting library and great to hear your wife getting in on the act, definitely need more of you both working together in the future.

[@Lu._.Soriano]

I can't get enough of your videos. Great work!!

[@marvindiagne237]

great what you made in the ending finding an alternate use, this sounds so smooth and calming

[@AidinZolghadr]

Best new channel I've discvovered. Love it even more by each new video I watch.

[@CousinWhatIsIt]

Thank you for giving away such wonderful samples. You are inspiring and make this world a better place with your science and art.

[@martinpanev6651]

Beautiful little video and record player. I am so glad that I came across your channel a few months back. Got me into synths!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Great to hear!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Equally inspires and dissuades one from wanting to buy one of these. Beautiful video, thanks!

[@Hadiplaysmusic]

this is incredible as always David!

[@descry1]

the sample library you created out of this product is exactly why i bought it. i wanted to do the exact same thing and have some fun in my sonic journey. thanks for doing this!

[@tejchhabra3023]

Love your videos! I feel like I check almost every day to see if you've posted a new one. You are a master!

[@mmutants116]

awesome!! thank you both for sharing this with us, what a stunning little piece of tech...

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

Very interesting! Thanks for taking the time to do this video and share this info David

[@happyaccident2263]

thank you so much for making the sample library free, you are awesome

[@nonono8788]

Gakken kits are awesome! One of my first synths was the SX-150, which I still use sometimes for beeps and blorps and fshhh.

[@DobDob]

The way the sample library you made sounds is so calming and nostalgic, I love it.

[@le9038]

I decided to come back to this video for not only for the fact that you can create homemade vinyls (though that is very cool) but for the one song you used in this. I feel captivated by this song. Think you should turn your sample into a full song for people to listen! I don't think I've heard something like this before! So please do! I would love to hear something just like what you just made!

[@PebloNemo]

I think your approach of sampling waves is the best use anyone could do of this machine, well done sir!

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

You never cease to amaze, Dave ❤

[@marceloharguindey159]

Wow man! This library rocks. Thanks for the mail!

[@flytrapmusic]

Man you are so awesome. Fascinating content and the sample packs sound great!👏

[@anatomyrecapped5311]

What an interesting concept! Thanks Dave

[@bizrael11]

Your videos are SO amazing. What a gift.

[@Lynngobrrrr]

the song you made was so wonderful. even though it was just a sample i would love to be able to listen to the full thing one day on spotify

[@joedent1763]

Thank you Dave for your lovely videos

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

You are very welcome

[@AutumnRain]

wow! what the heck! i had just discovered this a few days ago and just now you post a review! anyway, super cool to see how well (or not well) this works and i really love the sound of that sample library

[@g.mantua1195]

David, your videos are some of the most interesting videos on KZbin.

[@broncoxy]

I'm fascinated. Again. Great video, man!!

[@KevinChaires]

What a cool gadget! And likewise, the way you used it to create a sample really surprised me! It has such a nice warmth to it!

[@tsuwaque]

Nice vid! I find these old recordable discs and sound letters pretty interesting, since they let ordinary people record their voices and stuff before tape became available to the general public.

[@trelauney]

Actually, if you care a little less about playability, magnetic Wire Recorders had some consumer popularity between WWII and the 60s.

[@soulfulandnice]

This is great! A very educational video on vinyl cutters. Thank you for sharing this!! 😃

[@MyFaceYourMusic]

Love the video! Goes to show that any piece of gear can be turned into something useful.

[@TimberhawkRock]

So cool! You’re videos are awesome!

[@8thguy633]

The first few chords you played with the sample were so calming, I wish there was more. Really lo-fi

[@spingleboygle]

i agree lol!

[@deepershadesofhouse]

Wow. Those waves sound awesome ..

[@_daadi_]

Incredible, what a cool idea to sample one-shots from this thing.

[@DavisMakesGames]

Hey, that's funny, just bought one of these and was planning to make a video on it! First time I cut a record with this, I was expecting my first one to come out terribly but it actually sounded pretty great. I was in awe, I couldn't believe I had actually just cut a record with a tiny kit I built hours ago.

[@unadomandaperte]

Goes to show you that today we have everything given to us on a silver platter. But look at how much work and devotion went into something just to make the process work! I certainly appreciate this learning experience.

[@TheFreakingpanda]

i subscribed because of how beautiful the production of your videos are. amazing work man. super educational informative and interesting

[@jimsanger]

Fantastic video Dave, fascinating

[@4GodSoLovedCR]

Those samples are so sick!!

[@TDRKB]

How cool! Great video as always.

[@LouieTaylorMusic]

amazing as usual David!

[@DIVINITYDIVINITYDIVINITY]

Oh my. This video just made my inner child so very happy. Thank you

[@thefeelcompany]

Dude. This has been a beautiful blast. Subbed for for more gloriousness!!!!

[@Amaro3210]

The record cutter synth is brilliant for lo-fi music

[@LBJedi]

This was so fantastically fascinating! Thank you😊

[@aquietgarden]

This record maker looks so cool. I love it. That's why I downloaded the sounds!

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

Nice! I love that. Reminds me of the cool stuff that Alessandro Cortini does with old tascam tape recorders.

[@musicianwithchild]

Oh this is super cool. I love everything about this biz

[@gilberth_]

Thanks for trying these for the rest of us (not that I wanted one, my vinyl collection is large enough). Thanks also for the information about manufacturing and sound engineerings these vinyls. Great

[@GameyRaccoon]

quickly becoming my favorite channel on KZbin.

[@woodybob01]

I love your videos. I love all this old music tech, it's so so cool

[@flamesofyesteryear9627]

Unexpected but very welcome recommendation. Very fascinating tech.

[@mikeblack622]

Ace David, pure ace!

[@affable.pebble]

This is super interesting and I love the idea of recording vinyl postcards!

[@nicolas9570]

What a great video that was ! Thanks

[@uabish5314]

Awesome video. Loved it ❤ always wondered how records actually worked. In love with vinyls something about them that’s comforting.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

My grandmother & step-grandfather and (a few years later) my mom & dad got married in Las Vegas in the 1950’s and the chapel recorded each ceremony on a record. I still have the recordings of the ceremonies. One of my prized possessions.

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

that’s really cool!

[@poetsdreamsatc]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic I’ve watched this video a few times. I have made up my mind to get one of these “toy” record machines. They’re sold out at the moment but I’ll keep checking back. It’s really pretty cool! I love this! Even if the sound isn’t so good. Thanks for your video.

[@maurilioalbertofernandezde2798]

This video is so great, it actually feels like a narrated "design ah!" Episode

[@foujj]

Right on, man. That sine wave set is money.

[@bdollarbeats]

The idea of creating music on your own blank record is too cool.

[@NoraNoita]

This video made me appreciate Vinyls even more.

[@tohumblyvogue]

YOOOO the synths you made is fire!!! and it's free?! youre amazing

[@Floflox]

Clap clap, beautiful as always

[@PhillipRaymondGoodman]

I actually really loved the snippets you played of your various attempts to record with the Wilcox, but then I am a fan of noise music

[@theascendingancient]

Awesome Video Man!

[@TheShamblingUnknown]

Facinating stuff. Real pro video !

[@3ntotto]

glad you made a good use of it,very inspiring!

[@nicholas-s-timelines]

Really love the different style intro this time with your wife being in the video too!

[@ercost60]

FANTASTIC!

[@skarefac]

Brilliant! Reviving a lost technology!

[@pcallas66]

I loved this!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@rob.carrillo]

Yo that sampler-synth you made is actually pretty cool

[@dhartist]

I didn't know I needed this.... ✨🤯

[@coolguy-ow5xw]

WHAT THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR LIKE A MONTH AGO

[@itsahsah]

There are a group of people here on KZbin who use the Gakken with blank blank cds, and a different type of needle, and found they were able to make much better reproductions of their music. You should check it out and update this video!

[@jonniefast]

cool! ill check it out

[@el-creeper9001]

You are a genius. Ty for the amazing sample pack.

[@heavylt3333]

This was a really cool and fascinating video!

[@W4LT3Rego]

First time watching, great video!

[@fluffycritter]

My grandpa had one of those Wilcox-Gay record cutters. When he died I found only a single cut record in his home, and it was a little audio postcard that my grandma and aunt had recorded for him while he was away in WW2. I recorded and cleaned up a digital copy of it for preservation and gave the record to my aunt. I don't know what other records they had recorded, but the audio quality was surprisingly good so I'm guessing they had a lot of practice cutting records for friends all over the place.

[@johnstrand7456]

Guitarist Les Paul made some of his 1940s hit records using a homemade lathe he built himself - an old Cadillac flywheel for the turntable and dentist drill belts - I think he was using 16inch blank discs at 78rpm and only recording on the outer edges for fidelity - he and Mary Ford did a number of disc to disc overdub hits before he switched to tape in early 50s - those early discs are amazing for their hifi sound quality

[@aaronedgeart]

You most definitely turned lemons into lemonade, this was amazing... thanx!!!

[@kaybecker]

Very interesting David, thanks for making this. :D

[@kingatheist7231]

I'm still amazed when Ip ut my own recordings onto a CD. This was pretty cool!

[@digitalduch1111]

I like your approach here!