New lathe wanted (EU)

[Tony]

Hi,

I know this has been covered a few times, but I'm still trying to figure out a way into this...

I have been in loose contact with Souri for the last few years in an attempt to acquire a VR. I knew from the start he was a very particular man to deal with. However, given his reputation and how long this has dragged on, it doesn't seem to be leading anywhere.

I had also contacted Flo a few years ago but all his machines were all sold by that time and unfortunately I don't think he will be making more any time soon.

Judging the phonocut from a few audio samples on the internet, I have to be honest I was not impressed. I mean no disrespect because it takes a lot to build these things but ideally I need something that can cut a proper 12" and can be modified.

I wouldn't mind a 6N, and do not have a problem with mono (in fact I prefer mono in most cases). I remember someone at a record fair selling a Presto console he inherited from a radio DJ... At the time I didn't have a van so just bought all the blanks for cutting at Music House and passed on the lathe - I do regret that as he was not asking much for it. Now I'm not sure they are so easy to find, but maybe something worth considering.

Of the records I've had cut on the VR, some were exceptional and for the bad ones (mainly just mild surface noise and sibilance) I've heard worse cuts on a VMS70. It's modular design/possibilities for modification seem to make it ideal for my purposes. The only catch seems to be the availability, or lack thereof...

With that said, I would appreciate any up to date advice on alternatives to the VR I may have missed, and if there are any plausible DIY routes for piecing together a decent disc cutting lathe or any in development.

Also if anyone is looking to sell in EU...

Based in UK and Italy.

Thanks.

[piaptk]

There are several Stereo cutter heads coming onto the market now. A Presto 6N or better lathe can be set up to ruin with diamond and will be a MUCH heavier dutier lathe than Souris.

I sell restored lathes (and can set one up for stereo for you) and provide training and tech support.

Shoot me an email at lathecuts//aaaat///yahooo///dawt///cawm for a list of current lathes I have available.

[Tony]

Hi Mike - if I was still in the USA I probably wouldn't think twice. Shipping to Europe would involve a fair amount of extra costs and hassle but I will send you an email later. If you can send me a list of restored lathes that would be great.

[lecliché]

According to the latest email from Phonocut (January 2022), the revised delivery date is (at the very earliest) Winter of 2024.
2 more years wait. Added to the original 2 year delay.
Anyone who wants out can ask for a refund.
They have now closed pre-orders and say they will honour all preorders at the original price (2500 I think?) but that the revised retail price is likely to be between 8 and 10,000 euros! Glups.

[HannesFTL]

Think we can safely move the Phonocut to the not-gonna-happen/(not intentional) _____ list

Get out while you still can

[soeffingodly]

I'd still look into international shipping. I had to suck it up for my VR but it was SO WORTH IT. And a 6N rocking a stereo head with a diamond will be totally B.A. as well. I'd give a +1 to piaptk, he is amazing to deal with. We've done lots of business.

[piaptk]

I can occasionally be persuaded to deliver a lathe from the US to Europe through carryon luggage, which minimizes shipping and customs and ensures you get training and set up on your hometurf.