record pressing

[Brian]

anyone have recommendations for a pressing plant?

good experiences, bad experiences, horror stories?

[eileen]

i think music connection (aka the old WEA plant) is cheap and responsive/easy to deal with.

united is cheap and good, but they get backed up sometimes depending on how busy it is. actually they all do get backed up from time to time.

RTI in cali is good quality and very responsive but more expensive.

and you can get even cheaper if you use a place that does dmm, but we haven't done that yet.

[Geo Jack]

RTI is very decent. The only problem is the turn time. You could be looking at 4 weeks before you even receive your test pressings to approve, and two to three more weeks for pressings. Also, if you plan to have records shipped to distributors in, let's say New York, you're looking at another week's worth of shipping and higher shipping charges for the long trip.

Currently, I use Dynamic L.P. Stereo in New Jersey. It'll do for now. The turn time is better that RTI's. But, they don't accept credit cards, which is what I do not like. However, they are in New Jersey which means that distributors will receive records either the same or the next day for the regular shipping price, versus next day prices.

I do not use any of these plants for their mastering/eq'ing services. I have my own guy that I use. Many, if not all of the pressing companies are now including their own in-house price for mastering, and they will not accept outside lacquers, so be sure to inquire about that.

Hopefully this helps,

Peace,

G

[Paradox]

How much does it cost, and it what quantities can I get a 12" or LP pressed?

Do I have to order in qty's of 100? 1,000? etc.

What are the other costs also? (labeling, cover w/4color art, insert, etc.)

Not looking for exacts #'s, just approximations. Just doing some research.
TIA!

[eileen]

that's weird, i have never heard of a plant that won't accept outside lacquers...?

even if the plant does digital mastering and can't take lacquers at all, you could probably get your lacquers turned into plates and then send the plates to the plant.

for pricing and stuff i think it's best to narrow your list and then contact the plants and mastering guys for prices, then figure out what artwork you want and price that directly with the plants and with outside printers. there are too many variables to just give ballpark estimates, at least in my experience.

e