What are lathe-cut records?
Updated 18/10/2020: We occasionally commission ultra-limited, handmade records, which are available on a first come first served basis. Most of these have been lathe-cut by Michael Lawrence at Bladud Flies! These are collectors items for lovers of rare, handcrafted artefacts (and surface noise). It’s important to note that, even though lathe-cutting technology has improved since we first explored its possibilities in 2009, the audio quality is still not as high as conventionally pressed vinyl records.
We have produced the following lathe-cut records:
– John Callaghan – Once More With Feeling 7″ (Cut by Peter King. Limited to 33 copies in a hand-knitted sleeve – SOLD OUT)
– Sons of Joy – Death & Glory 12″ (Cut by Bladud Flies! Limited to 15 copies – SOLD OUT)
– Jack Rundell – Death Clock 7″ (Cut by Bladud Flies! Limited to 33 copies)
– Earth Mother Fucker – I Fuck Therefore I Am 7″ (Cut by Peter King. Limited to 50 copies. Part of the I Fuck Therefore I Am CD special edition)
– Henry Homesweet – Bali / Hush 8″ (Cut by Bladud Flies! Limited to 33 copies, of which only 15 were made available)
All other vinyl records (SuperGlu, Gaffa Tape Sandy, Sealionwoman and Dead Rat Orchestra/Sutari) have been professionally pressed by Key Production, who manufacture vinyl for Radiohead, Mogwai, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds etc.
What are lathe-cut records?
Limited edition handmade records, playable on any record player.
How are they made?
Conventional vinyl records are mass-produced by pressing a metal master disc (or stamper) into heated vinyl. Lathe-cut records are made by cutting micro-grooves into a polycarbonate disc using a record lathe.
How do they sound?
The sound reproduction is not as accurate as a vinyl pressing and there is some surface noise, comparable to a flexi-disc or an old 78, if you remember those. Some lathe-cuts are prone to static build up; more so than vinyl. This can cause pops and crackles, particularly the first time they are played. This is easily dealt with by wiping the record with a damp cloth, in a circular motion with the grooves. As the groove is cut into the plastic instead of pressed, there can be tiny particles of residue from the lathing process. A good wipe and a couple of plays will actually improve the sound quality of the record.
How long do they last?
The records are made from polycarbonate – the same type of plastic used for CDs. They are much more durable than acetate dubplates and can be played repeatedly without any appreciable loss of sound quality.
Why are they so expensive?
Each record is cut in real-time, so there is very little reduction in cost per unit.
Why would I want to buy a lathe-cut record that doesn’t sound as good as vinyl?
Maybe because you want to be one of 14 people in the world that owns a copy of the Death & Glory album by Sons of Joy (don’t ask, these went instantly). Or because you want to admire the faux Stax packaging of Jack Rundell’s Death Clock 7” while listening to a high-quality download.
Or maybe you are one of the 48% of people who buy a vinyl record and don’t actually play it*. But we’re not judging.
* According to an ICM poll for the BBC in 2016, which also revealed that 7% don’t even own a turntable.
