The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

johann · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

Hello all, my name is John Tamm-Buckle and I'm completely new to this whole record cutting business. I've been making noise and chopped up electronic music for a few years now, and have just started a record label, Kvist records, to release my stuff and probably other people's too, and the first release should be out mid-July (on translucent amber vinyl). Anyway, I recently found a Rek-O-Kut TR43H cutter for sale at what seemed a reasonable price, and I bought it. However, now I don't know what to do. I have an Astatic X-26 cutting head, which doesn't seem like it is easily compatible with the TR43H, but I am confident in my improvising skills so I expect that won't be a problem. What I don't have is an amp, so I guess the questions I have for people here are (and I'm sure some of the answers can be found on previous posts to this forum):

- What kind of amp do I need? Can I use my existing generic amp put through a 7 band EQ? I have a digital multimeter and know how to use it, so I can ride levels if needs be Smile

- Will I be wanting a different cutter head? (I know, a subjective question, but with regards to maybe getting a head that will mount more easily to the TR43H)

I had other questions but they've already been answered by posters on this forum.

Thanks!

John

emorritt · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 87 Location: Louisiana

Unless you have a matching transformer or a vacuum tube amp, you will have trouble driving an X-26. They require about 180 volts RMS in order to work. This can be done with a solid state amp, but you need a matching transformer. With a tube amp, you must carefully wire direct plate drive for the head. I don't recommend trying this if you're not sure exactly what you're doing, because you can either fry yourself or damage the head.

Also, if the crystal in the X-26 is no good, you will have to have it rebuilt by West Tech. The old rochelle salt crystal material they used to build these originally absorbs moisture over time, and the head eventually stops working. West Tech can replace the element with a newer piezo material that doesn't react the same way as rochelle salt.

I'm surprised you didn't get an Audax magnetic head with the 43H - it was pretty standard. For good sound quality you should try to find a Presto 1-C or 1-D on eBay. These can be driven with an amp with about a 20 - 60 watt output and sound pretty good. This should get you started.

johann · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

Thanks!