OK - basically it is easy to "make your own CD" - like wise it's easy to print your own magazine........ why don't we... well it would cost too much!!! How come then when CDs are so cheap would it cost to much to make your own??

I'll keep this as short as I can.... 3 years ago a friend an musical partner and myself set up a small cottage industry recording and making CDs. To make it work for our friends in the local music industry we did a no cost package (basically studio time, mixing, basic art work, and 20 CDs cost £200 - they sold for a tenner each and you got your money back - further CDs could then be purchased in quantities of one upwards)

This has worked well and allowed several artists to produce a CD that wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

We have put a lot of money into the equipment we use and produce what we feel to be a quality product. I have many CDs produced by artists "in house" most are recognisable as amateur attempts after playing the first track - poor balance, very digital, not finalised and worst of all too much effects effect effe eff ef e YES ECHO that go on and on for a start! packaging is also often poor and some look as though they've been printed in low resolution

Great do your own recordings buy 6 good mikes (studio not stage), dedicated 16 track recorders, finalizers, effects units, mixer decks, spend money on your "bedroom" to keep out next doors hi-fi etc. mastering equipment, CD copiers, Colour laser printers (please don't use ink jet it runs like I don't know what!!!)etc etc. spend a few days recording your songs, make a 1000 copies (they'll come in handy some day) and then work out how much they've cost each!!!!!!!! - PS don't forget to get MCPS permission and pay the copyright (if in UK) - so many don't!!!!!

The money we've made over the last three years has all gone back into the equipment and like the music we play is done more for the love than the money (It has to be!) - there's only a few "rich" folk singers out there

Having said that some of the "In house" production are excellent - but mainly for quality of the contents not the technical side and if that's what you want it can be produced cheaply. DIY is ok but it seldom equals the work of a professional for everyone out there that has had the luxury of a sound mixer at a gig - you know he has the ability to make you sound either your best or Crap! (hey sound guys I think you do a great job!!!)

CDR's are a great way to get music out to the public and if several artists get together and get the right gear and location to record - share in the cost - and work at the sound it can work.......

Remember when you get paid for a 45 min spot at a club - and someone says that's a good hourly rate when they ask your fee - remember the years it took to learn your profession, the money invested in instrument, the miles you've travelled etc. etc then apply that to the sound technicians, designers/printers, sound recordist etc... that all work on that CD - maybe they're not so dear after all?

Pete

!!!!bet that puts the cats amongst the pigeons!!!!