DIY Vinyl Records at Home

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Journey of Vinyl Records
3. The Gawken Toy Record Maker
4. The Wilcox Gay Recordet
5. The Quest for Portable Record Cutters
6. Challenges and Experimentation
7. Unboxing the Goken Record Cutter
8. Building the Record Cutter
9. Test Cuts and Initial Results
10. Understanding How Records Work
11. The Role of Bass in Record Cutting
12. Teenage Engineering and the PO80 Record Factory
13. The Process of Commercial Record Production
14. The Magic of Mastering Engineering
15. From Recordios to Personal Recordings
16. Exploring Other Uses for the Record Cutter
17. The Value of Imperfections
18. Conclusion

The Journey of Vinyl Records and the Evolution of Home Record Cutters

Introduction

Vinyl records have stood the test of time as a beloved medium for music enthusiasts. The warm sound and physical presence of these discs have made them a symbol of nostalgia and authenticity in the digital age. While commercial record production has traditionally been carried out in specialized factories, there have been attempts to bring the art of making records into the hands of everyday consumers. In this article, we will explore the world of portable record cutters and their journey from the past to the present.

The Gawken Toy Record Maker

One such portable record cutter that has gained attention in recent years is the Gawken Toy Record Maker. Released in 2020, this compact device promises to allow users to create their own vinyl records at home. Its glossy packaging and enticing magazine filled with interviews and articles make for an exciting unboxing experience. However, the initial excitement can quickly turn to confusion for those who do not understand Japanese, as the instructions are predominantly in that language.

The Wilcox Gay Recordet

Before the advent of the Gawken Toy Record Maker, there were earlier attempts at creating portable record cutters. One notable example is the Wilcox Gay Recordet from 1949. It was a gift given to Dave by the author, who was dissatisfied with the lack of options for making vinyl records at home. The Wilcox Gay Recordet required special record blanks made of aluminum covered with lacquer, which became increasingly rare over time. Despite efforts to procure these blanks, the recordings made with them turned out to be of poor quality.

The Quest for Portable Record Cutters

The author's dissatisfaction with previous attempts at portable record cutters led to extensive research and discovery of the Gawken Toy Record Maker. The excitement of acquiring this new device was soon replaced by the realization that the instructions were in Japanese. However, with the help of online resources, the author managed to overcome the language barrier and embarked on the journey of building and using the record cutter.

Challenges and Experimentation

Building the Gawken Toy Record Maker proved to be a fun yet intricate task. Small parts and careful attention were required, making it an intermediate-level build. After over an hour of assembly, the record cutter was finally ready for a test run. Plugging it into a power source and connecting it to an iPhone for audio input, the author eagerly placed a blank record on the platter and adjusted the cutting arm.

Unboxing the Goken Record Cutter

The packaging of the Gawken Toy Record Maker includes a glossy magazine filled with captivating interviews and articles. Profiles of notable figures like Mark Mothersbaugh and Yuri Suzuki, the artist and designer behind the device, provide fascinating insights into the world of record making. Additionally, the package contains blank records and labels for customization.

Building the Record Cutter

In the box, various parts and components await assembly to create the fully-functional Gawken Toy Record Maker. Following the language-barrier-breaking search for English instructions, the author carefully follows the steps provided, ensuring each part is correctly fitted. The process requires precision and attention to detail, making it a fulfilling but challenging task.

Test Cuts and Initial Results

After assembling the record cutter, it is finally time to put it to the test. Turning on the power and setting the platter in motion, the author performs a quick audio test using a personally composed piece of music. Despite initial excitement, the results are underwhelming. The playback needle struggles to stay in the grooves, resulting in subpar sound quality. Analysis reveals that the excessive bass frequencies in the source material contribute to the flawed outcome.

Understanding How Records Work

To comprehend the intricacies of record cutting and playback, it is essential to understand the basics of vinyl records. These round discs are covered with microscopically tiny grooves that store sound. Record players, equipped with a needle or stylus, traverse these grooves as the record rotates. Anything encountered on this sonic journey causes the needle to vibrate, reproducing the recorded sounds. The needle is connected to an amplifier, which then drives the speakers, effectively transforming the physical grooves into audible sound.

The Role of Bass in Record Cutting

In the quest to achieve satisfactory results with record cutting, the impact of bass frequencies becomes apparent. The width of the resulting groove directly correlates to the level of bass in the source material. Excessive bass can cause the groove to widen, potentially spilling over into neighboring grooves, rendering the record unplayable. This challenge was recognized by the recording industry, leading to the adoption of filters in commercial record production. By removing bass frequencies during the cutting process, the issue of groove width was effectively mitigated.

Teenage Engineering and the PO80 Record Factory

Recognizing the limitations of consumer-grade record cutters, the renowned company Teenage Engineering took on the challenge of reimagining the portable record cutting experience. They released their version of the Goken kit, called the PO80 Record Factory. While visually similar to its predecessor, the PO80 incorporates a handy online tool for mastering recordings. This tool applies a customized curve that removes most of the bass frequencies, optimizing the record-cutting process.

The Process of Commercial Record Production

In contrast to the portable record cutters explored thus far, commercial record production involves large-scale manufacturing processes. A pressing plant takes an original master record and creates thousands of copies. The master record, created by a mastering engineer using specialized equipment like a record lathe, serves as the blueprint for mass production. Mastering engineering is a highly specialized skill, responsible for ensuring the highest level of sonic fidelity and consistency in the final product.

The Magic of Mastering Engineering

Mastering engineering is a vital step in the commercial record production process. It involves the precise calibration of audio recordings to achieve optimum sound quality and balance across different playback systems. Mastering engineers use professional-grade record lathes and carefully cut the sound onto acetate blanks, creating the master records. These masters serve as the reference for creating stampers, which are used to press the vinyl records. The mastery of this complex process by skilled engineers is what sets commercial records apart from home-cut records.

From Recordios to Personal Recordings

Before the advent of portable record cutters, devices like the Wilcox Gay Recordet catered to a different market. These machines were marketed as family-friendly devices, encouraging people to record their own audio postcards using specialized recording disks. These vintage recordings offer a glimpse into personal lives, with individuals singing or recounting stories. While consumer-grade record cutters may not replicate the commercial sound quality, they still hold sentimental value.

Exploring Other Uses for the Record Cutter

In the pursuit of audio perfection, the author of this article deviated from the traditional approach of trying to reproduce existing music and instead focused on using the record cutter as a tool for sound generation. By embracing the imperfections and limitations of the device, the author utilized it to create unique waveforms and sample libraries for sound design. The flaws that hinder its ability to accurately reproduce sound became assets in the realm of creative experimentation.

The Value of Imperfections

While the sound quality produced by the Gawken Toy Record Maker may not rival that of commercially pressed records, the journey of exploring this portable record cutter has been rewarding. It challenges the notion that records are beyond the reach of everyday consumers, offering a glimpse into an alternative world of DIY personalization and experimentation. Despite its flaws, the fact that this record cutter works at all is a testament to the innovation and passion of those behind its creation.

Conclusion

The landscape of record cutting has transformed over the years, with portable devices bridging the gap between professional production and home experimentation. The Gawken Toy Record Maker and its predecessors, like the Wilcox Gay Recordet, have allowed individuals to embark on their own vinyl record-making journeys. While the quest for perfect sound reproduction may continue, the imperfections and unique qualities of these consumer-grade record cutters have opened the door to new creative opportunities. Vinyl enthusiasts can now venture into the realm of personalization and sound design, making the experience of vinyl records even more intimate and individualized.

Highlights

1. Portable record cutters have brought the joy of vinyl record-making into the hands of everyday consumers, blurring the line between professional production and DIY experimentation.
2. The Gawken Toy Record Maker and the Wilcox Gay Recordet are examples of consumer-grade portable record cutters that have challenged the notion of records being solely produced in specialized factories.
3. The quest for satisfactory sound quality with home-cut records has led to experimentation with filters and mastering techniques to mitigate the impact of excessive bass frequencies.
4. Teenage Engineering's PO80 Record Factory showcases advancements in portable record cutting technology, offering an online mastering tool for optimizing the process.
5. Commercial record production involves mastering engineers and specialized machines like record lathes to create master records, from which thousands of copies are manufactured.
6. Vintage devices like the Wilcox Gay Recordet were marketed as family-friendly and allowed individuals to create their own personal audio recordings, offering a glimpse into their lives.
7. Embracing the imperfections and limitations of portable record cutters opens up possibilities for creative sound generation and unique sample libraries for sound design.
8. The journey of building and using a portable record cutter is rewarding, even if it doesn't match the sound quality of commercial records. It offers a sense of personalization and experimentation in the realm of vinyl records.
9. Consumer-grade record cutters have made it possible for enthusiasts to explore the world of vinyl records, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and nostalgia associated with this medium.

FAQ

Q: Can I create commercial-quality records using portable record cutters?

A: Portable record cutters are primarily designed for personal use and creative experimentation. The sound quality achieved may not match that of commercial records produced in specialized factories. However, advancements in technology have allowed for better results, as seen in devices like the PO80 Record Factory.

Q: Are blank record blanks readily available for use in portable record cutters?

A: The availability of blank record blanks can vary depending on factors such as the age of the record cutter and the type of blanks required. Some blanks may have become rare or discontinued, requiring enthusiasts to search through various sources such as online marketplaces or vintage stores.

Q: Can I use portable record cutters to reproduce existing music accurately?

A: Portable record cutters may not be able to reproduce existing music with commercial-level accuracy. Factors such as groove width limitations and the removal of bass frequencies during cutting can affect the fidelity of the sound reproduction. However, through creative experimentation, unique interpretations and sound libraries can be created.

Q: Are commercial records still better quality than records made at home with portable record cutters?

A: Commercial records are generally considered to have higher sound quality due to the use of specialized equipment, professional mastering techniques, and large-scale manufacturing processes. However, the imperfections and unique qualities of records made at home with portable record cutters can offer a distinctive and personalized listening experience.