[78-L] The stylus discussion has led me to a totally unrelated terminology question.

[David Breneman]

 From: ERIC BYRON <bear128 at verizon.net>


> Does one use the same/similar terminology when
> describing how one records sound?  Would
> this description be correct?  Sound
> enters a horn and is transmitted to a diaphragm.  The diaphragm is connected to 
> a stylus bar.  The stylus bar is attached to a cutting
> needle.  The vibrating needle scratches
> the sound into the record.

That's basically correct, but the verb "scratches" implies a lot less
precision than is achieved in the actual process.  The groove is cut
into the surface of a thick wax disk which is later plated with metal
to produce a stamper, or a matrix for producing multiple stampers.  The
wax disk, whose surface does not survive this process intact, is then
shaved down to a smooth surface and re-used.