CD Labels?

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mjr

mjr

ADD -- blessing and curse
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!
 
mjr said:
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?
 
Yes, I've thought of that, but they're beyond my budget.
 
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
 
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.
 
Agree with others. The CD player in my Roland makes lovely grinding noises when CD's w/ labels are inserted.-Richie
 
Paper labels - bad idea

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.
 
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.
 
TimOBrien said:
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.
 
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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'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.
 
Urza9814 said:
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...
 
Urza9814 said:
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.
 
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...
 
Urza9814 said:
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.
 
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
 
ChristopherM said:


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
 
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