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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
Take a look at our FAQs and if you require further information or advice, please get in touch to discuss your project → info@bladudflies.com
GENERAL
Can I order single vinyl items?
Yes, if you don’t want the full vinyl package you can order just what you need.
What optional extras do you offer?
We offer mastering, digitally printed sleeves or inserts, digital printed centre labels.
We can engrave your record with a bespoke design.
We can design your sleeve and / or centre labels.
You offer mastering?
Yes! → BF! MASTERING. And we offer a healthy discount on mastering if we are cutting your vinyl. Get in touch for more information.
Refunds / Replacements
Every single cut is checked under a microscope and the sound spot checked before shipping. In the unlikely situation that there is a problem with your order, such as a defect or an artefact from the cutting process, please get in touch within 3 working days of receiving your order. Give clear details of the issue when getting in touch. In order to proceed with a refund or replacement you must return the affected copy(ies) within 14 days.
Please note: We can only refund or replace the number of copies we receive in return. Return via recorded delivery only as we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged returns.
LATHE CUT VINYL
Does the sound quality compare to pressed vinyl?
Yes, it certainly can. However, there are many variables to consider. The most important factor and the one that will have the biggest impact, whether for lathe cut or pressed vinyl, is the quality of the source material. Is it a good mix and master? Has it been mastered specifically for vinyl? This is the factor to focus on if quality is your priority. We offer free advice on the quality of both mixing and mastering, and we will not use it as an opportunity to push our own services.
Then we all know that not all pressed vinyl sounds the same; there are excellent presses, and utterly awful sounding presses. The reasons for this are numerous, as they are for lathe cut vinyl, and too numerous to go into further detail for an FAQ.
Where does this leave the quality of a BF! lathe cut?
All things considered, our lathe cuts compare very well against the vast majority of pressed records. Clear, loud and clean with full bass.
How long will they last?
They are as durable as pressed vinyl. Handle them with the same care as you would pressed vinyl and they will last indefinitely. However, do not use any vinyl cleaning solutions as they will cause damage. Only use a slightly damp lint free 100% microfibre cloth for cleaning or discharging any static.
Do you have a minimum order?
No.
Do you have a maximum order?
No. We have cut 200 copies for Electric Wizard and regularly cut 100 copies for Current 93. For orders over 50 copies we ask that you get in touch.
How many minutes of music can I get on your lathe cuts?
Guidelines for running times are listed→ here. If you want to go over these limits, please get in touch so that we can discuss any potential issues with you.
What is included with the listed price?
Each order comes with a standard white poly-lined paper inner sleeve, as well as white adhesive centre labels (unattached, 6 labels per sheet).
Do you do anything to the audio before cutting?
Only if it is needed to get a clean and accurate cut. In all other instances we will prepare your audio using minor tweaks so that it translates as closely as possible to the original. This is not mastering. Anything that requires significant changes will be sent back to you with details of the issue.
ARTWORK
How do I print my sleeves?
Sleeves must to be designed using the template supplied and submitted as a print ready PDF. Sleeves are printed on 300gsm board. You can choose either standard (coated side) or reverse board (uncoated side).
Templates for digitally printed sleeves.
12″ album record sleeve (3mm spine)
12″ single record sleeve / inner bag
12″ album record sleeve (5mm spine)
10″ album record sleeve (3mm spine)
How do I print my centre labels?
OPTION 1:
Centre labels are professionally (digitally) printed on Graphic Vellum Permanent Split Back (self adhesive, uncoated material, 70gsm). Centre labels must to be designed using the template supplied and submitted as a print ready PDF (PDF/X-1a:2001). We will only accept files based on our templates. Minimum order of 6 pairs.
OPTION 2:
Centre labels are printed using a desktop printer. We will only accept files based on our templates. Please don’t submit labels using the 6 x sheet template (OPTION 3).
7+10″ centre label – side a + b
OPTION 3:
Print your own centre labels using a desktop printer. Download 6 x sheet template. Please note this template has been created to fit the sheet (298 x 212 mm) as accurately as possible. We advise setting your print paper size to 298 x 212 mm and not A4 to help with alignment and to run an initial test print.
What is a print ready PDF?
High resolution (300dpi), 3mm bleed, supplied in single page format and saved in CMYK (not RGB) with all fonts embedded or outlined. Please submit your artwork in PDF format: PDF/X-1a is an excellent ISO Standard for graphic file exchange.
How do I submit a design for engraved centre labels?
Engraved centre labels must to be designed using the template supplied. Our CNC router works with vectors – no bitmaps please! Submit the file as an .AI (Adobe Illustrator) or PDF.
COPYRIGHT
Please ensure that the copyright in the materials you supply is vested in you and that the supply of Goods or Services shall not give rise to any breach of copyright or other intellectual property right. If you are a label; acceptance of our invoice is to confirm that, where necessary, you have all relevant licenses in place.