Opening a 78-only record label

[SteveM]

Charles, any estimate of what a minimum initial run might cost? Perhaps 10 or 20 records?

I've been badly, badly wanting to record a few sides of my own (which I could do easily enough myself ... just Django-style guitar and vocals), getting them pressed on a shellac equivalent, then playing them and selling them (at cost) at my windup DJ gigs.

Currently at said DJ gigs, I'll occasionally plop on a not-too-cluttered instrumental (like Jimmy Noone's "Sweet Lorraine") and grab a couple vocal choruses with my megaphone/mic combo.

But this would be next-level ish!

So, I'm indeed very excited to read your post here and I could be a customer in perpetuity!

[VanEpsFan1914]

UPDATES.

I don't know when I will be working further on this--perhaps circumstance will kill it off but I hope not.

The trouble is, it is looking more and more like I can move in 2019. Not having a car, I don't want to try moving a record factory in a couple suitcases.

In the meantime I am reading about how to build up the materials to avoid playback wear, and saving up plans and song ideas. Hopefully there will be something coming soon--wish I hadn't announced this so early.

In the meantime I am researching vacuum chambers and pumps, planning molds--unfortunately I might need a laboratory to get this on! With trapping season coming up, Dad and Kid Brother will want to use the barn for animal hides, thus removing all things vintage and mechanical to the house...where no epoxy or gasoline smells are tolerated. Imagine that!

Planning, though...the idea is super hot jazz music and perhaps early country, plus whoever could record for me now.

[donniej]

Charles, any estimate of what a minimum initial run might cost? Perhaps 10 or 20 records?

I've been badly, badly wanting to record a few sides of my own (which I could do easily enough myself ... just Django-style guitar and vocals), getting them pressed on a shellac equivalent, then playing them and selling them (at cost) at my windup DJ gigs.

Steve,
I hope not to get step on anyones toes with this post and apologize in advance if I'm doing so.
I'm currently able to take a digital recording, cut it to a lacquer and then reproduce it in my shellac compatible resin. A video is below. Message me if you're interested.

https://youtu.be/1tUU-yja0WA

[travisgreyfox]

So if you guys would make say, a Beatles 78 record, would that be considered pirating and against the law? If not, could you imagine hearing something like "Hey Jude" out of a 1916 Victrola I would even like to hear something really modern play on my credenza like a trance song or other EDM song.

[SteveM]

Charles, any estimate of what a minimum initial run might cost? Perhaps 10 or 20 records?

I've been badly, badly wanting to record a few sides of my own (which I could do easily enough myself ... just Django-style guitar and vocals), getting them pressed on a shellac equivalent, then playing them and selling them (at cost) at my windup DJ gigs.

Steve,
I hope not to get step on anyones toes with this post and apologize in advance if I'm doing so.
I'm currently able to take a digital recording, cut it to a lacquer and then reproduce it in my shellac compatible resin. A video is below. Message me if you're interested.

https://youtu.be/1tUU-yja0WA

Don, I'll be in touch, thanks! Excited about your newest formulation, the video was just NUTS!

[52089]

So if you guys would make say, a Beatles 78 record, would that be considered pirating and against the law? If not, could you imagine hearing something like "Hey Jude" out of an 1916 Victrola I would even like to hear something really modern play on my credenza like a trance song or other EDM song.

Beatles records were pressed in India, perhaps as late as 1968. They are quite scarce and quite expensive.

[gramophone-georg]

I'd buy multiple copies of Beck's "Loser" on 78... it's my theme song!

[travisgreyfox]

So if you guys would make say, a Beatles 78 record, would that be considered pirating and against the law? If not, could you imagine hearing something like "Hey Jude" out of an 1916 Victrola I would even like to hear something really modern play on my credenza like a trance song or other EDM song.

Beatles records were pressed in India, perhaps as late as 1968. They are quite scarce and quite expensive.

That's why we have resin and mp3's I just do not know the legality of pressing a copyrighted song onto an obscure 78 rpm record.

I'd buy multiple copies of Beck's "Loser" on 78... it's my theme song!

My theme song is Creep by RadioHead