CD Labels?

[mjr]

What type of CD labels does everyone prefer? Do you prefer the ones that cover the CD, but not the clear plastic in the middle, or the ones that cover all the way to the center hole? I'm asking for design purposes. I can see pros and cons for each.

Also, what's a good name brand of CD that has nothing on it (no Memorex, or Sony, or anything like that on the CD, just the silver)? I'd prefer these to put the labels on.

What about labels for minidiscs? Same question as above.

Thanks, all!

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by mjr
What type of CD labels does everyone prefer? Do you prefer the ones that cover the CD, but not the clear plastic in the middle, or the ones that cover all the way to the center hole? I'm asking for design purposes. I can see pros and cons for each.

Actually, I prefer no paper labels, as they get stuck in my CD player. Have you looked into a CD printer and blank printable CDRs?

[mjr]

Yes, I've thought of that, but they're beyond my budget.

[reel buzzer]

www.quillcorp.com

[jonhall5446]

On my first cd I printed all the labels myself. I ended up giving most of the customers new copies with no label because they were coming off and screwing up cd play. I'm with Chris, printed.
www.diskfactory.com

I think thats the link.

If not then,

www.musiciansfriend.com and look to the right

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by jonhall5446

www.diskfactory.com

I think thats the link.

Actually, it's
www.diskfaktory.com

Annoying little misspelling, huh?

[dwillis45]

You could also take a look at mixonic.com. They offer injet printed blank cd-r's. You basically design the cd online, upload a design graphic if desired, and submit your order with payment. There is no minimum order and the prices begin at about $4 or $5 for a single cd. The printing is sharp although obviously not the same as silkscreening. Their turn around time lis very fast and typically your order is shipped the same day you order.

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by mjr
Yes, I've thought of that, but they're beyond my budget.

What's your budget?

Diskfaktory will do thermal printed CDRs for just over two bucks apiece:
http://www.diskfaktory.com/mf/enter/...PakPage=ProPak

All that and you won't have to burn your own discs or print your own labels.

[Richard Monroe]

Agree with others. The CD player in my Roland makes lovely grinding noises when CD's w/ labels are inserted.-Richie

[glynb]

They heat up, especialy in car stereos which seem to get hotter than home hifi systems. They can throw the CD 'off balance' and this can lead to read errors, etc.

[TimOBrien]

The new Epson "R" series injet printers start at $99, have 6 separate ink tanks and ALL print onto printable CDs/DVDs (a carrier runs the disk through the printer).

Labels are dead.

[Jhae]

Originally posted by TimOBrien
The new Epson "R" series injet printers start at $99, have 6 separate ink tanks and ALL print onto printable CDs/DVDs (a carrier runs the disk through the printer).

Labels are dead.

Agreed! OMG I got one of these.....Looks VERY professional, and you don't have to worry about the labels peeling. The only downside is that it's a little slow (if you're mass producing) and the ink takes about 24 hours to dry. Also, if the cd gets wet, the ink runs... but that goe sfor labels too. Trust me the positives and the sheer professional look of the thing far outweigh the negatives.

[Urza9814]

Hey, I checked out that Diskfaktory site, and would like the Pro package (100 audio, $200...think it's pro), but it's a bit too expensive. Anyone know another place that's the same deal, but a bit cheaper?

[lpdeluxe]

I'll have to check out Epson. I've got a 2200 that I use for posters and a small one that came with a "CD adapter". I put quotes around that because I ruined around 25 CDs trying to get the labels to print properly. Luckily I can use it as a regular printer.

[jonhall5446]

Originally posted by Urza9814
Hey, I checked out that Diskfaktory site, and would like the Pro package (100 audio, $200...think it's pro), but it's a bit too expensive. Anyone know another place that's the same deal, but a bit cheaper?

I am going to get the bulk of 100 for $79 bucks. I found a local printing press that prints onto cardboard. I am going to have them print the jackets for me. No cases, peple just throw them away, make sure you get your contact info on the cd in case the "case" is seperated from your masterpiece.

Anyway, Get the disKs printed for cheap and package them anyway you want. If you want to save money...

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by Urza9814
Hey, I checked out that Diskfaktory site, and would like the Pro package (100 audio, $200...think it's pro), but it's a bit too expensive. Anyone know another place that's the same deal, but a bit cheaper?

Yeaow! Think about the cost of materials and the time you'll save having someone else burn the disks. $200 is insanely cheap. I haven't seen a cheaper deal and don't know how diskfaktory.com does it, frankly.

You could always go for the bulk pack of 100 for $79 and print your own cases. Or, cheaper yet, don't use cases at all, but buy CD envelopes from the office supply store.

Remember, though, that it's possible your public is going to perceive this as "cheap" and might not be willing to part with much money for a "cheap" looking CD.

[Urza9814]

You think $200 is cheap??? I mean, our estimates were $250 doing it ourselves, but I just found a place in Pittsburgh through google (I live about 60 mi. from there, my grandparents live there) that is the same stuff, for $.85 each. BEAT THAT! :P I emailed them to make sure I am correct, but based on the picture that's right...and even if it's not, it says full color insert...so even if that's just a booklet it's still cheaper.

Here's the site, not sure if they'll mail stuff to you though: http://www.imagineaudiomedia.com/ [click 'compact disks']

I knew when I saw the sites those were from I could find it cheaper...GC and Musician's Friend...those places are always way over-priced...

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by Urza9814
I just found a place in Pittsburgh through google (I live about 60 mi. from there, my grandparents live there) that is the same stuff, for $.85 each. BEAT THAT! :P I emailed them to make sure I am correct, but based on the picture that's right...and even if it's not, it says full color insert...so even if that's just a booklet it's still cheaper.

"As low as" 85 cents each.

How many do you have to buy to get that price? If it's 1000, you're not getting off under your budget.

Discmakers.com will got "as low as" 78 cents, but you have to buy 10,000 discs.

Did they reply to your email yet? I'd be interested in see what their real pricing schedule is. I tried calling them, but it's 10:00 pm on the west coast and they're closed (I thought I just might get a human voice if it's a "ma and pa shop" as I suspect). If you can get 'em done at 85 cents each for only 100 discs, I'll be very impressed at the price and curious to see how they turn out.

[Urza9814]

True, it is 'as low as', but they will still be cheaper then that diskfaktory...for they say 'we will beat any price'...now if I could find another place that'd do that...I could drive it down to a few bucks total :P

[jonhall5446]

Originally posted by ChristopherM


Remember, though, that it's possible your public is going to perceive this as "cheap" and might not be willing to part with much money for a "cheap" looking CD.

Unfortunately I agree, but that is exactly the problem with folks today. There is no such thing as "cheap" music. It's either good or bad. The looks of your cd hopefully won't be sells them. Yes it might help in a record store, but your music, live show, and over-all networking skills will sell your cd's. No matter how cheap your cases are. If people like it and they like you, they will buy it. If you are going to make crappy music then I suggest the diamond studded cases

[ChristopherM]

Well, I got a reply from that company "Image Media" regarding their CD duplication.
Here's my original email to them:

ChristopherM wrote:

> I've got a side-project I'm working on and really only need 100 CDs made.
> I'm interested in the "CDs with full color inserts in jewel cases" option.
> I see your site quotes "as low as 85 cents," and I imagine that's for a big run.
> How much for a run of 100?
>
> Thanks,
> Christopher
>


And their reply:



Imagineam@aol.com wrote:

>You're right that price is for a run of 25,000 cds. We do runs of 100 very
>often but the price is higher per unit. 100 cds with a 2 panel full color insert
>& traycard, full color printing on the cd, a jewel case & shrinkwrap is $3.49
>each. It takes about 2-5 days to complete. Your website is cool. Let me know
>if you have any questions
>
>Thanks
>
>Dino
>

[ChristopherM]

Before you start emailing them about "beating Diskfaktory's price," keep in mind that Image Media actually presses the CDs, while Diskfaktory burns them.

Let me know if you find another "cheaper" option for CDRs than Diskfaktory, I'd really like to know. I currently use Diskfaktory for my demos but wouldn't balk at paying less.

Christopher

[glynb]

Originally posted by ChristopherM
Before you start emailing them about "beating Diskfaktory's price," keep in mind that Image Media actually presses the CDs, while Diskfaktory burns them.

Let me know if you find another "cheaper" option for CDRs than Diskfaktory, I'd really like to know. I currently use Diskfaktory for my demos but wouldn't balk at paying less.

Christopher

Christopher,
What type of run (number) do you normaly go for initialy on your CDs?

I was thinking for my first forray into an Indie CD, which will be mainly available on the website/cd baby, to friends, reviewers, media, & maybe at a few shows with my (totaly unrelated) covers band, a run of 500 would be more than sufficient. (Don't want to end up with them catching dust under the bed, been there before!).

I will want top quality in everything as far as budget allows.

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by glynb
Christopher,
What type of run (number) do you normaly go for initialy on your CDs?

I was thinking for my first forray into an Indie CD, which will be mainly available on the website/cd baby, to friends, reviewers, media, & maybe at a few shows with my (totaly unrelated) covers band, a run of 500 would be more than sufficient. (Don't want to end up with them catching dust under the bed, been there before!).

I will want top quality in everything as far as budget allows.

Personally, I think 500 is perfect for me, but will probably go 1000 as I'm looking at DiscMakers as my source and it's only $100 difference. I might end up sitting on the other 500 for a very long time, but I don't plan on recording another CD for a while, so I guess I'll always have a supply for my merch booth.

[ds21]

Originally posted by Jhae
Agreed! OMG I got one of these.....Looks VERY professional, and you don't have to worry about the labels peeling. The only downside is that it's a little slow (if you're mass producing) and the ink takes about 24 hours to dry. Also, if the cd gets wet, the ink runs... but that goe sfor labels too. Trust me the positives and the sheer professional look of the thing far outweigh the negatives.

To improve durability, I "mist" mine with a light coat of clear paint, no water runs or fingerprints on mine and you really have to "try" to scratch it to make a mark, I've been doing it for over a year and it works great!