FAQs
The key difference between acetate dubplates (also known as lacquers) and PVC lathe cuts lies in the materials used. Despite the name, acetate is actually a metal disc coated with nitrocellulose lacquer. The music is etched into this lacquer on a lathe using a sapphire cutting head. Due to the softness of the lacquer, acetate dubplates typically have a short lifespan.
On the other hand, lathe cut vinyl records are not the same as pressed vinyl records. They are made from a highly durable plastic compound, offering a lifespan comparable to that of pressed records. The music is engraved into the plastic on a lathe using a diamond cutting head. With proper care, they can last as long as a pressed record.
45 RPM offers higher fidelity because more information passes through the cutting stylus per second, resulting in clearer high frequencies and less surface noise, especially towards the end of the record. For longer durations, a slower speed 33 RPM allows more music per revolution but at a trade of less higher frequency and in some cases higher surface noise.
Cutting records is a meticulous process that must be done in real time, with no shortcuts available. Typically, orders take 7-10 business days to process once we have received all the necessary materials. During busy periods or for orders of 10 or more records, processing time may be longer.
