Custom-made shellac (?) 78 rpm records.

[emgcr]

Has anyone any experience of these products ? Looks like vinyl but...……..?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Custom-Made- ... OSwlw1dupi~

[kirtley2012]

Looks interesting, though for the price I'd hope for a little more information or background, or sound examples

[poodling around]

The label design reminds me of Polydor ?

[emgcr]

I asked the company for full details of their operation and what materials they use for shellac records, suggesting that vinyl was not the thing, and got a one line reply :

"The material is a hard molded plastic similar to bowling ball material. Very durable."


Hardly encouraging, given the price they are asking ! Has anyone tried one of their records ?

[donniej]

I'll bet its the same polyurethane I use to make Diamond Discs with. It works ok with a steel needle below around 75*F.

[emgcr]

Thank you for that Don and thank you also for being so open about all your caveats, operations and processes---greatly appreciated. Your approach and very helpful attitude is quite the opposite of Custom Records it would seem.

[Orchorsol]

It would be interesting to examine one of their discs and see whether they're actually cutting or embossing a coarse (78) groove in the first place, or not.

[donniej]

It would be interesting to examine one of their discs and see whether they're actually cutting or embossing a coarse (78) groove in the first place, or not.

I believe I saw a video of one of their records being played. The steel needle is set in the run-out area in the center and run for several seconds to dull it a bit, then the record can be played. It tracked just fine.
Cutting a 78 groove in vinyl (PVC) isn't very difficult with a heat lamp and a good sapphire stylus.

[Orchorsol]

It would be interesting to examine one of their discs and see whether they're actually cutting or embossing a coarse (78) groove in the first place, or not.

I believe I saw a video of one of their records being played. The steel needle is set in the run-out area in the center and run for several seconds to dull it a bit, then the record can be played. It tracked just fine.
Cutting a 78 groove in vinyl (PVC) isn't very difficult with a heat lamp and a good sapphire stylus.

That's interesting Don. I tried to find a UK dubplate cutting facility able & willing to cut a 78 groove a couple of years ago but couldn't find one.

[donniej]

I tried to find a UK dubplate cutting facility able & willing to cut a 78 groove a couple of years ago but couldn't find one.

Some places will cut a 78 that will play on a 1950's jukebox but it's *really* hard to find someone who has the right feedscrew for 120lpi, 3mil sapphire and has the patience to set the proper depth of cut. I couldn't find anyone capable so I ultimately bought my own vintage lathe and learned how to use it.