The Secret Society of Lathe Trolls

Nigie · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

I cut on PVC but sapphire styli don't last long so I have bought a diamond stylus. The surface hiss is pretty much zero now, but the quality of sound seems a little hollow compared with the sapphire, and it distorts in the treble area (not always the same frequency).
Should I expect this or is something wrong ? The sapphire cuts were perfect sound - no difference from a commercial pressed vinyl to most ears, but the diamond sounds 'boxy'.
I have had to adjust the EQ a lot to suit the diamond.
One thing worth mentioning is the length of shank is less on the diamond so it is closer to the head. Can someone tell me if this makes a difference to the sound, and what is likely to be causing my treble distortion. Sometimes its not purely distortion, its almost like a click sound.
I have to apply less weight to the diamond stylus to cut.

Its Ortofon GO541 electrics, AR Sugden head/lathe.

Thanks

Nige

JayDC · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject:

I've heard that a shorter shank could result in a higher dynamic range. Although, someone like cuttercollector needs to step in here and "drop some knowledge".

Amp Doc · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 108 Location: UK

In the grampian head manual a long shank styli gives a louder cut but cut the top end off at 12Khz a short shank gives a lower output but the frequency responce goes upto 16khz. So it seems that a shorter shank give better high end but lower output. It might be that when you use the diamond the click is the head at its limit of deviation if you are trying to cut at the same level as the sapphire.
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blight · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 47

even diamond doesn't last forever (of course)

emorritt · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 52 Location: Louisiana

Where did you get the diamond stylus? I got two from Souri several years ago, but now he won't sell to whoever depending on his mood... Sad

Amp Doc · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 108 Location: UK

I have seen that you can get diamond styli for sx heads from
www.apollomasters.de

They sell the vinylium styli.
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!Work or Bang Time!

Nigie · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 7

I got it from AndyBee. I have found him a good guy to deal with.
He has offered to try the stylus on his cutter. However it has got damaged in the post so hopefully my compensation will buy me another.
It is the same stylus as the vynilium one in the link above.
Nigel