DIY Vinyl Release

Guest · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject: DIY Vinyl Release

I'm still very new to this message board and don't know who's who online really at all. I've been collecting records for quite sometime. I also played in a thrash/crossover band for about eight years. Now that I don't have a band and I'm still the same dork collector of metal that I was when I started, I want to give back in some way.

I'm in the process of releasing some vinyl of my own. It's a way to try and help out bands that I'm stoked on, as I'm sure many of you are already very familiar with.

Yosuke has been fucking awesome as to providing me with insight on how to get everything done, if you haven't done it before. We emailed each other a few times back and forth.

I wanted to start this topic as an open forum for tips and ideas on releasing records by yourself, if anyone would like to help me out.

I also have three jobs, and I'm in college fulltime, so I can't check the board as often as I'd like to. Anyways, this is way too long. My ears are open to suggestions. Thanks!

NWN PROD · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 13633 Location: SF Bay Area

There is already a resources thread but we can keep this one just about pressing vinyl.

I guess there are several factors that go into why you go with one pressing plant over another. Ultimately, for most people, the cost of manufacturing is probably the biggest factor when considering where to get stuff made. I would recommend the following combination of factories in the US if you want to keep your costs low.

Vinyl: United Record Pressing. Not the thicking vinyl but certainly much cheaper than going through GZ.

Jackets: Dorado Press. They have the best regular LP jackets. Very inexpensive if you don't do anything fancy like foil stamp or spot UV.

7" sleeves: Imprint or 1984. 7" fold over covers are really inexpensive anywhere.

I think I posted their URLs in the resources thread.

I usually use GZ/Pirates Press because I can do drop shipments to my distributors in Europe and they can do a lot of different custom jobs like big booklets glued inside of a clothbound casewrapped jackets that's foil stamped with black foil. You couldn't do anything that crazy unless you went to Thingmakers or the like (which I do not recommend unless you're a masochist).
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Nosliw · Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Posts: 1778 Location: Ottawa, Canada

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:11 am Post subject:

If you're in the US, a good way to cut costs is to get the mastering and plating done at Aardvark. www.aardvarkmastering.com

This is especially true if you are pressing quantities smaller than 500.

CR99 · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:33 am Post subject:

NWN PROD · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 13633 Location: SF Bay Area

Yes Revenge.
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The only email I have access to is nwnprod (at) gmail (dot) com. I do not have access to my old Yahoo addresses.

tom245 · Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 691

I keep asking this but no answer: When do you expect the Revenge LP will be available?

NWN PROD · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 13633 Location: SF Bay Area

It hasn't gone to press yet.
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The only email I have access to is nwnprod (at) gmail (dot) com. I do not have access to my old Yahoo addresses.

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 4:09 pm Post subject:

NWN PROD · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 13633 Location: SF Bay Area

I've never had major issues with getting stuff mastered at United. Some people want very specific sound when they press vinyl. I just want it to sound like the master audio I send in.
_________________
The only email I have access to is nwnprod (at) gmail (dot) com. I do not have access to my old Yahoo addresses.

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:08 am Post subject:

United has different costs for doing 45rpm or 33rpm vinyl, so if you're doing 45rpm you wouldn't save any money getting your mastering/plating done at Aardvark.

Using Aardvark and then someone like Bill Smith or Archer is preferable over United in the case when you have a release that includes a cover or samples, since United requires proof that you have the right to do the cover/use the sample, something small DIY-labels are usually unable to obtain/afford.