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The best tips on how to get a great deal on CD or Tape manufacturing also ideas on how to finance the project. First Tip You can find listings of CD and Tape manufacturers by searching the net, looking thru magazines like Mix Magazine and others, or by asking other musicians who they used for their albums. We have a few links at the bottom of the page to help you find manufacturers. Hunt for the best price: Often manufacturers that offer "package" deals are much more expensive than going to several different companies to achieve the same goal. For example: 500 CD's full color one page insert/no backprinting for credits and a color tray card will run you from Discmakers who offer "package deals" $2,190!!! Ok that ALMOST exact thing from several companies will cost half that! For instance. Get the album mastered at Blue Planet Studios for $85 onto a glass master ready CD. Then go to The Warehouse Studio's for printing of full color insert WITH back print in b&w (so you can get some credits or contact info on there) and a black and white traycard (ok so you loose color on the traycard but that is no biggie) They do the design, layout, everything for the incredibly low price of $380 for 1,000 inserts and tray cards. Then go to Amtechdisc's for the CD's and the film design and composite for the silk screen on the CD's in 2 color for (then send them your finished inserts and tray cards which they will insert for you before they shrinkwrap the CD's and jewel cases) for a total of $690. You will come up with a grand total of $1,103 a savings of over $1,000!!!! You can also the the exact same thing when searching for ways to get your cassette albums done. Klarity has a great deal for "indie or short run cassettes". Granted this does take alot of work but it works out to your advantage to check around and ask questions. You will find links at the bottom of the page for all the above mentioned companies. Next tip: NEVER wait until the last minute to order, it usually will take about 2 months for an album to be manufactured from start to finish, and usually more so plan those release parties way ahead. To be safe in case of problems with DAT tapes (which do happen) then I would say plan the party at least 4 months from the time you order the product. Next tip: How to raise money for the album....well if you are rich its no biggie but most musicians aren't. If you have credit cards cool all places take them....bad credit or no credit?
Get a place to hold a private concert for your band. Like a local club that really loves you guys, rent a pavilion at a park somewhere (make sure its zoned for music) or throw it at a college campus, a frat house, or friends house, or someplace else. Be creative but make sure its accessible and advertised well. Charge people to come, but let them know that if you charge them they get a free copy of the album AND get their name printed on the back side of the album cover in a special Thank You area. Have someone take the money, take down the people's names, and addresses to send the albums to. Hypothetically say you charge $10 per person and you play for 2 hours that night and give the folks free food or free drinks. I am sure someone you know could supply free sodas, or beer, or deli trays or something. (If its at a pavilion and your Dad loves to grill and doesn't keep saying "get a real job" get him out there to make burgers :) Remember this is a party after all. Say 150 show up. You just made $1,500 of that $1,500 you only needed $1,100 for the album then you have $400 for the rental of the place, or the food or something. You can charge more or less etc. Next tip Distribute your albums nationally or internationally for free with IDN
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Manufacturer links: CD Sonic doesn't have a website but they have done great work for several friends of mine. 1-888-CDSONIC ask for Jules. Discmakers (if you wanna be broke) Blue Planet Studio (Editing/Mastering) Other links: Check out this band who has used many of the above tips Two Thumbs If you would like to sponsor a page on our web site for free or if you would like to link to us please click here.
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