Matrix Scribing

[concretecowboy71]

I have noticed that some matrix numbers are not handwritten, but look like they were pressed into the run out. Was this some kind of stamper that was heated and pressed into the lacquer? The most common one I see is "Mastered by Capitol" but some new reissues by gzvinyl have this too.

I dont mind writing my matrix info, just wondering what the tools are to do it this other way.

[cymbalism]

I was wondering the same thing the other day, I wanted to get one made for my sig I put on my lathe cuts

[mossboss]

Simple enough device with numbers and characters formed of French rubber The type is on a conitinious loop like a wide rubber band with thumb wheels so they can be rotated
Like a date rubber stamp on sees in any office so as to stamp incoming mail
Not the round ones the rectangular type
Thats before email were the main form of comms of course was Snail mail
A little heating coil behind the plate where the characters rest after you rotate them to get the desired combination applies enough heat
French rubber takes a bit of heat, it does not get that hot or for to long any way
Its on a stand with a fixed platter, a centre spindle so as to locate the lacquer is also provided
The stamp part is mounted on a vertical round post with a lever to move it up and down Like a drill stand
The rest is obvious
Set your number letters combo Turn it on wait a few minutes Place lacquer on platter when hot enough move the lever down Hold for a few seconds, Presto Oh Oh, thats another device

There is one around we use
Will take a few shots and post them Up for you guys
Cheers

[Aussie0zborn]

The other method is the pantograph, commonly used for matrix numbers. The lacquer goes onto the spindle and using a manual stepper arrangement, you turn the lacquer disc each time you want to inscribe a character. An alpha-numeric wheel is rotated to the required character, you trace that character as the arm insribes it into the lacquer.

It is tedious and boring but looks neat. I always preferred to scribe by hand so that each disc had my personal "signature" if you like. Very neat when you're at a dinner party and someone says "have you heard this?" and you say "oh, yeah I think my handwriting might be etched into that record". Really good for wank value but a stamp that says "Mastered by The Cowboy" just makes it look more "official".

Mossy's French rubber method sounds like the best method for that corporate seal of approval on your records.