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Playing original lacquer discs

A buddy of mine is in a band that just discovered their original lacquer cuttings from back in the day. He’s asked if I’d be willing to play them and record them digitally. A prior attempt from master tapes didn’t work because the tapes failed during playback.

While I have no problem with the request (I’m actually pretty flattered to be asked), we’re talking about lacquers of unknown quality cut 40+ years ago in unknown condition. Some problems are visible with magnification, but I’m also concerned about how many "set-up" attempts I can run to get good recordings without causing damage. Adjusting VTA, pitch and input levels can take a few tries to get right.

So if any of you analog and recording pros out there can pass along your wisdom, I’ll be most appreciative. I can then relay those on to the folks who played the music in the first place to make an informed decision about whether they want to move forward.

I look forward to your replies.

effischer

Showing 2 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Do you mean original lacquer masterdisc of acetate (dubplate), they are all lacquer.

I have old demo acetates (and new acetates) and if they are clean they can be played just like any other records.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Technology is the same now, there is a difference between lacquer used as a master (sent to the pressing plant from the studio) and a lacquer made as one-off for demo for everyone else (which is less critical to cut compared to the master lacquer). 

Anyway, you can still order both types today, same technology, just like in the 70s. Available in 7’inch, 10’inch or 12’inch.

Watch this video if you want to see how they cut it.
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