Historic portable lathes.

[concretecowboy71]

After reading a bio of Alan Lomax and of other historic recording sessions, I have started to wonder if anybody has ever done any research into what disc recording machines were used. Does anybody have ideas, photos or any info on pre 1945 disc recorders used for professional recording?

[audiocarver]

I saw a very early Scully lathe that actually had Western Electric logos and emblems on it. Supposedly it was made in the mid to late 1930s, when Larry Scully's father was still in charge of the Scully company.

Earlier, his father worked for Columbia, who at the time from the 1910s to 1920s, made their own recording equipment. Then later, his father went into business himself making recording equipment.

Seems all the studios back then made their own equipment, Columbia, RCA, Western Electric, Edison.

Heres an interview with Larry Scully and he discusses his father and his own career. Interesting read to say the least. Gives an idea about what the industry was like back then for sure.

High_Fidelity-5612-Scully_Sm.pdf

[mossboss]

Thank You for that pdf it is Brilliant
Best

[tragwag]

cool thread!
I'd be interested in knowing a little more about the Neumann/Telefunken portable lathes, as they seemed to be very high quality.

[TwerkBass]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACa7NzesY4w

Thats pretty cool.

[TwerkBass]

I have a Presto from the 30s

[concretecowboy71]

Wow! That video is great! Some awesome old gear.

[sakuszi]

This aluminum plate is beautiful, not at all oxidized, shock !
Thanks !