1971: The PAINSTAKING art of RECORD RESTORATION | Tomorrow's World | BBC Archive

Derek Cooper narrates this item on a method of restoring the sound of old records, as demonstrated by John R. T. Davies of The Temperance Seven.

The sound is transferred to tape, where each note can be carefully inspected for minuscule pops and crackles - so brief as to be barely perceptible to the average listener - which can then be marked and physically cut out of the tape. The tape can also be manipulated using special equalisation hardware that controls audio frequencies, to bring it in line with the kind of sound quality listeners expect in the 1970s. In the event that a note cannot be salvaged, the intrepid record restorer has little alternative but to recreate the sound himself using his collection of musical instruments.

It's fair to say that this is a job that requires a good ear, dedication and incredible patience.

This clip is from Tomorrow's World, originally broadcast 23 April, 1971.




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