Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Anything goes! Inventors! Artists! Cutting edge solutions to old problems. But also non-commercial usage of record cutting. Cost- effective, cost-ineffective, nutso, brilliant, terribly fabulous and sometimes fabulously terrible ideas.

Moderators: piaptk, tragwag, Steve E., Aussie0zborn

Post Reply
User avatar
jesusfwrl
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu May 16, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Earth
Contact:

Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52552Unread post jesusfwrl
Fri Mar 08, 2019 1:36 pm

Variable pitch and automations on an ancient Presto MRC-16!

Read here: https://agnewanalog.com/blog/2019/03/08/presto-mrc-16-variable-pitch-modification/
21.JPG
This started as a "can we just fix this broken piece" and escalated out of control, where the Flintstones enter the space age!

This kind of modification can of course also be implemented on Rek-O-Kut, RCA, and other similarly styled lathes!
15.JPG
Also building a new suspension unit with oil dashpot and provision for centerline adjustment, with mount for the usual mono heads as well as Caruso, Neumann, SC-99 or Agnew Analog stereo heads!
IMG_6856.JPG
Everything is possible!
More soon...
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
~~~ Precision Mechanical Engineering, Analog Disk Mastering ~~~
Agnew Analog Reference Instruments: http://www.agnewanalog.com

User avatar
symatic
Posts: 241
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2015 10:41 am

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52562Unread post symatic
Mon Mar 11, 2019 10:02 am

wow great work

User avatar
mrd
Posts: 137
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2018 9:46 am

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52564Unread post mrd
Mon Mar 11, 2019 2:15 pm

Seriously amazing work :D

User avatar
boryo
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:32 am
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52570Unread post boryo
Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:13 am

If only it's creators could see what happened with their creation...

User avatar
jesusfwrl
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu May 16, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Earth
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52662Unread post jesusfwrl
Sat Mar 23, 2019 3:40 pm

25.JPG
A suspension unit "toolpost" for holding the cutter head, with integrated dashpot.
1.JPG
This fully machined aluminum piece offers exceptional rigidity and positioning accuracy. It allows horizontal position adjustment to bring the stylus to the centerline, vertical adjustment for height, head tilt through the use of angled bars as in the Neumann head system, while the lateral alignment of the head is adjusted only once from the overhead assembly and remains accurate with no need to readjust each time the head is removed and replaced.
10.JPG
12.JPG
14.JPG
Many more pictures and details on the Agnew Analog Blog (https://agnewanalog.com/blog/2019/03/23/lab-report-an-improved-cutter-head-mounting-system-with-integrated-dashpot/) and website (http://agnewanalog.com/productsdiskmastering.shtml)!

Compatible with Neumann type heads and all other heads through the use of the Series 1400 range of cutter head mount adapters (http://agnewanalog.com/products/mountingadapter.shtml).

More soon!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
~~~ Precision Mechanical Engineering, Analog Disk Mastering ~~~
Agnew Analog Reference Instruments: http://www.agnewanalog.com

User avatar
jesusfwrl
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu May 16, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Earth
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52837Unread post jesusfwrl
Sat Apr 06, 2019 12:50 pm

Many thanks, everyone! Here's the fully assembled suspension system:
1.JPG
3.JPG
4.JPG
10.JPG
16.JPG
Many more detailed pictures of the "making of" and description on the Agnew Analog Blog: https://agnewanalog.com/blog/2019/04/06/a-new-suspension-system-for-vintage-lathes/.

Teaser:
22.JPG
We started a youtube channel as well and uploaded a short video of the suspension. Subscribe to receive notifications for new videos!
More soon...
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
~~~ Precision Mechanical Engineering, Analog Disk Mastering ~~~
Agnew Analog Reference Instruments: http://www.agnewanalog.com

User avatar
boryo
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:32 am
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52838Unread post boryo
Sat Apr 06, 2019 1:21 pm

Wow! Great work as always! Can't wait to see what's next!

User avatar
jesusfwrl
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu May 16, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Earth
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52846Unread post jesusfwrl
Mon Apr 08, 2019 12:01 pm

Thank you, boryo, more to come soon!
~~~ Precision Mechanical Engineering, Analog Disk Mastering ~~~
Agnew Analog Reference Instruments: http://www.agnewanalog.com

User avatar
soeffingodly
Posts: 273
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2018 8:48 am
Location: Florida, USA

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52852Unread post soeffingodly
Mon Apr 08, 2019 2:47 pm

Well done!
"I wasn't lying. Things I said later seemed untrue."

User avatar
opcode66
Posts: 2700
Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:56 pm
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52859Unread post opcode66
Tue Apr 09, 2019 1:43 am

Looks like an Opcode66 Mono Cutterhead Rebuild to me...

Thought you were on the "bleeding edge" of transducer technology? Why have your head serviced by me? Hmm.

:)
Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

User avatar
boryo
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:32 am
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52860Unread post boryo
Tue Apr 09, 2019 2:41 am

opcode66 wrote:Looks like an Opcode66 Mono Cutterhead Rebuild to me...

Thought you were on the "bleeding edge" of transducer technology? Why have your head serviced by me? Hmm.

:)
Indeed, it's my head serviced by you :)

User avatar
jesusfwrl
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu May 16, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Earth
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52889Unread post jesusfwrl
Thu Apr 11, 2019 12:08 pm

Opcode66, apart from being involved in research and development projects pertaining to the bleeding edge of transducer design, I also have a day job doing work on any equipment a customer wishes me to work on, regardless of who made it or who did work on it in the past.

Good to confirm that it was your work on this head, I've been wondering...

I do not own this head or lathe, which is very often the case with a lot of the equipment I repair, modify, design and build, on behalf of customers from various corners of the world.
Some of it is publicly displayed because I find some aspect of the machines, or work done to it, to be particularly noteworthy, as with the suspension system and overhead modifications in this case.

I am flattered that you take such great interest in my work, thank you.
~~~ Precision Mechanical Engineering, Analog Disk Mastering ~~~
Agnew Analog Reference Instruments: http://www.agnewanalog.com

User avatar
opcode66
Posts: 2700
Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:56 pm
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 52920Unread post opcode66
Fri Apr 12, 2019 10:56 pm

You're consistently behind me. Why I would care???

Just pointing out the obvious professor.

If you actually would show the serial I could confirm the work. Glad you take so much interest in mine :D

My day job...
file.png
Written by: Neal Andrew Emil Gustafson
For: Musician's Friend
Link: https://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/behind-the-brand/dangerous-music-s-todd-mariana-discusses-sustainable-product-design?fbclid=IwAR2EFmmB02W0iFRKF7Qqxb5jdhWFR2AxMpfZlRjPiTNuefILpTAIOKV2YNM
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Cutting, Inventing & Innovating
Groove Graphics, VMS Halfnuts, MIDI Automation, Professional Stereo Feedback Cutterheads, and Pesto 1-D Cutterhead Clones
Cutterhead Repair: Recoiling, Cleaning, Cloning of Screws, Dampers & More
http://mantra.audio

User avatar
Radardoug
Posts: 58
Joined: Fri Sep 23, 2011 4:22 am
Location: New Zealand
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 53005Unread post Radardoug
Sun Apr 28, 2019 6:09 pm

Todd, theres no call to be so rude. It indicates to me that you are very unsure of yourself.

User avatar
boryo
Posts: 200
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:32 am
Contact:

Re: Presto MRC-16 Variable Pitch and Automation Project

Post: # 63105Unread post boryo
Sat Jul 08, 2023 7:21 pm

Great job by Jesus! Here is the result :)
- variable pitch
- 33/45 direct drive motor
- electronic head lift/drop
- stylus heating
- possibility to install probably any head, just needs an adapter
- oil dashpot
- additional button to increase LPI on-the-fly for the louder parts if needed
- kind of built-in microscope stand on the top of the lathe

i can definitely say this is not a Presto anymore
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Post Reply