Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeffhs
What can go wrong with the cutting heads used in those old record cutters?
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There were 2 types of cutter-heads used in home record recorders. Probably the most common was a Crystal cutter head, which used a Rochelle salt crystal similar to the crystal in common phonograph cartridges of the period, only much larger. It would deform under voltage and thru a mechanical link to the cutter stylus provide the drive to cut the signal in the acetate blank disc. As with all Crystal (not ceramic) cartridges, the crystal element deteriorates with time and in most cases is not useable at this point.
The other common style would be a magnetic cutter head. It works just the same, and unless the coil is open should be a candidate to repair.
Both types would have rubber suspension parts that would be deteriorated and hardened and would need to be replaced. The armature that holds the cutter needle would be cradled in a rubber sleeve of some sort.
Most of these cutters designed for consumer recorders were designed to be driven by relatively low-power amplifiers, in general the same amplifier that provides the play-back audio.
Replacement cutter heads were still offered in Allied and Lafayette catalogs as late as 1965, but these may have been remaining stock.