Agnew Analog Blog

J. I. Agnew (68)

Precise vinyl record centering for turntables

Presenting a custom record centering accessory, intended as a very quick and simple way of centering vinyl records with oversize center holes.

This compact and lightweight accessory is simply placed on the center spindle of your turntable over the record and twisted, positioning the sharp edge between the spindle and record hole, taking up any excessive clearance.

Agnew Analog Type 6016 Scribing Platform

The Agnew Analog Reference Instrument Type 6016 is a fully adjustable scribing platform that will work on any make and model of lathe of any vintage, with a 16", 14", or 12" platter, for 14", 12". 10" or 7" records. Scribing platforms are typically used by mastering engineers, to rest their hand while scribing the catalog number, their signature, or secret messages, in the land around the lead-out groove spiral, without touching the surface of the fragile lacquer master disk. Remember, it is your signature that should be proudly displayed on that master disk, not your fingerprints! Significant quantity discounts available, especially on orders over 100 pieces. Please enquire for details.

SA-74 Suspension Unit Repair From Neumann VMS-70 Disk Mastering Lathe

Repairing an SA-74 suspension unit, from a Neumann VMS-70 disk mastering lathe, which arrived with the head lift/drop lever jammed in the down position, preventing the top lid from being removed! The Neumann SX-74 stereophonic motional feedback cutter head was still attached, as it had been glued to the mount adapter, which can only be removed from the suspension unit by opening the top lid! Several mechanical and electrical repairs, adjustment/calibration procedures and even a bit of machining on the 1961 Moore Special Tools Jig Borer later, it was fully brought back to original specifications!

J.l. Agnew will be speaking at Craft Research Network event!

As part of the 5th Craft Studio event, held online via Zoom and organized by the Craft Research Network, J.l. Agnew will be holding a presentation of his work at the Agnew Analog Precision Engineering Laboratory. The event is scheduled for Friday, September 16, 2022, at 17:00 CET. Registration (free of charge) at least a week in advance of the event is required for participation. Registration form: https://craftresearch.org/join The Craft Research Network is an international, multidisciplinary research network for academics and others with an interest in craft. Craft Studio 5 is hosted by Rene Wiedner (Associate Professor, University of Warwick, UK) and Marleen Hofland-Mol (PhD Candidate, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, NL).

Agnew Analog Type 631 Direct Drive Motor and Type 231 Control Module

The Agnew Analog Reference Instrument Type 631 is a high performance direct drive motor, designed for professional disk mastering lathes and turntables. It is usually positioned on the floor under the lathe or turntable, driving the platter directly by means of a long driveshaft, similar to the drive system of the Neumann VMS-70 and several other professional disk mastering systems.