| It's a typical situation. You've been putting | | | | |
| a lot of energy in your craft and people are | | | | DIY CD Duplication |
| starting to talk about your band. You've | | | | |
| played a few shows and everyone is asking for | | | | · 1 Computer with CD Recorder |
| a CD. I used to think that in order to | | | | |
| release your own CD you would go out and play | | | | · 100 Memorex CD-R |
| a bunch of shows and then someone would come | | | | |
| out and sign you. They'd take care of | | | | · CD Jewel Cases |
| everything. They'd set up the recording | | | | |
| studio, organize the artwork, and pay for it | | | | · Printer Ink |
| to get manufactured. That's not the case | | | | |
| these days. | | | | · Man Hours |
| | | | |
| At present, technology is readily available | | | | Total $1495.00 |
| for any budding musician to record, create, | | | | |
| and duplicate CDs. CD duplication involves | | | | Typical CD Replication Package |
| CD-R media. CD-R prices have dropped | | | | |
| dramatically since the first CD Recorders | | | | · CD Replication for 1000 CDs |
| were available on the consumer market. This | | | | |
| makes it an affordable option for anyone who | | | | · 1-3 color on-disc silk-screen imprint |
| wants to copy their own CDs and pass them on | | | | |
| to friends, family, or fans. This is a great | | | | · CD Jewel box, assembly, professional |
| option for the young band that is still | | | | quality film-wrap |
| getting their feet wet in the music industry. | | | | |
| Duplicating a limited amount of CDs can keep | | | | · 2 Panel Insert and Tray card |
| a limited budget in place. | | | | |
| | | | · Bar Code |
| If your band is at the point were your ready | | | | |
| to start selling your CD your best option is | | | | Total $1000.00 |
| to make a retail-ready CD and having it | | | | |
| replicated. What is a retail ready CD? These | | | | These prices are very approximate and are |
| are the same CDs you find in the music stores | | | | only used for the purpose of estimating the |
| by the major label artists. They have great | | | | difference between CD Duplication and CD |
| artwork printed on CD inserts, a nice tray | | | | Replication. Lets dig in a little bit. I've |
| card insert, silk screened art on the CD, and | | | | already illustrated some of the benefits of |
| they are shrink-wrapped. | | | | CD Duplication and the benefits of CD |
| | | | Replication. You can see above that you are |
| The retail-ready CDs are not duplicated, but | | | | spending approximately $500 more taking on |
| Replicated. This means that an exact replica | | | | the CD duplication responsibilities yourself |
| of your CD master has been stamped out on all | | | | and only getting 100 CDs!! Having your CDs |
| of the CDs. CD Replication is the way to go | | | | Replicated costs less and someone else is |
| if you are serious about selling your music | | | | doing the work. You can spend the time you'd |
| for profit. In fact most music stores will | | | | spend on CD duplication and practice your |
| not sell duplicated CDs. Think about it this | | | | chops or promote your upcoming CD release |
| way. It is illegal to sell or profit from | | | | party, saving yourself $500 that you can use |
| duplicating copy written material. If you | | | | for items like merchandising, t-shirts, |
| tried to sell CDs that have been duplicated | | | | stickers, and posters. |
| to a retail store you'll more than likely get | | | | |
| turned down. How are they to know that it is | | | | Whether you choose CD Replication or CD |
| really your band? One of the best anti-piracy | | | | Duplication, you'll need to do some research. |
| practices that CD manufacturing plants have | | | | There are plenty of resources available for |
| instituted is the verification of copyright | | | | CD Duplication and you probably own |
| and ownership through a International | | | | everything you need. It is up to you and your |
| Property Rights Form. Filling out an I.P.R. | | | | band to decide which option is better |
| form ensures the CD Replication plant that | | | | depending on what level you see your band on. |
| they are not infringing on anyone's | | | | Are you a band that plays parties or small |
| copyright. | | | | clubs, or is your band seasoned and touring? |
| | | | There are benefits to both. Find a local CD |
| CD Replication not only shows that you value | | | | manufacturer in your area and ask for their |
| your art enough to have it made retail-ready, | | | | recommendation. Most CD manufacturers also |
| but also cost effective. I'll break it down | | | | offer quick turn high quality CD Duplication |
| in general. | | | | with printing on the CDs. Keep rockin'! |