- Total runtime: 45 RPM — Up to 8 min total (4 min per side)
A HALLOWEEN RECORD FROM THE OTHER SIDE. The 12″ Black Ghost is individually CNC cut into a haunted ghost silhouette with a real 7″ lathe-cut groove area hidden inside. Designed primarily as a collectible and decoration.
A dubplate, or lathe-cut vinyl record, is made one at a time in real time. Each groove is physically cut into a durable PETG disc using a diamond stylus, with mono and stereo formats available.
Your record is cut from two completed audio programs: one continuous file for Side A and one continuous file for Side B. Arrange your songs in the exact order you want them to play before uploading.
Arrange your songs into two continuous sides in the exact order you want them to play.
Export each completed side as its own audio file:
Artist_SideA.wav
Artist_SideB.wav
Upload both completed audio files using the Hot Pink uploader during checkout.
If your side contains multiple songs, approximately 2 seconds of complete audible silence between songs helps us identify where a visible track band may be desired.
How visible track bands work: A visible track band is created mechanically by the lathe during cutting. It is not automatically transferred from your digital audio file.
Silence does not guarantee a visible band. We may add, adjust, or omit physical track bands at our production discretion, even when silence is present in the submitted audio.
The exact position, width, and appearance of a physical track band may vary. Maximum 4 visible track gaps / 5 tracks per side.
Each record format and pricing option has a maximum playing time per side. Your completed audio must fit the specific runtime option you purchased, even if the physical record format can accommodate a longer program.
A small overage of approximately 10–15 seconds may be accommodated at our discretion. This is not a guaranteed allowance.
If your audio substantially exceeds the purchased runtime, we may fade out at approximately the purchased time limit and omit the remaining audio.
We do not require a specific LUFS target or a separate vinyl master. Send us the best-quality version of your mix at its original resolution.
LUFS is commonly used to describe perceived loudness in digital audio and streaming. Our vinyl-cutting decisions are based on RMS level, peak level, dynamics, frequency content, stereo information, and the physical requirements of the lathe.
We do not use a streaming-style LUFS target as our cutting calibration. LUFS examples are provided only to help customers understand how heavily limited their submitted masters may be.
If you submit a heavily limited master, particularly bass-heavy music such as trap, hip-hop, or electronic music, do not expect the finished record to reproduce the exact same bass impact, loudness, or frequency balance as your submitted digital master.
Excessive sub-bass, stereo low-frequency information, aggressive limiting, distortion, sibilance, and sustained high-frequency energy can create significant cutting and playback challenges.
During our included vinyl premastering, we may reduce the overall cutting level, control low frequencies, manage stereo bass, reduce excessive high-frequency energy, apply de-essing, or make other technical adjustments necessary for reliable cutting and playback.
These adjustments may change the sound of your submitted master. We cannot restore dynamics that were already removed by aggressive compression or limiting.
Included vinyl premastering may involve adjustments to overall cutting level, groove spacing, fades, filtering, stereo bass management, de-essing, and other technical parameters required for reliable cutting and playback.
Vinyl premastering is applied to the entire completed side as one continuous program , not independently to every song.
The loudest, brightest, most distorted, or bass-heaviest song can determine the maximum safe cutting level for the entire side.
Every mix is different. Sub-bass, vocal sibilance, stereo information, clipping, limiting, distortion, crest factor, frequency content, and playing time all affect how a record can be cut.
Our recommendation:
Whenever possible, submit a more dynamic,
un-clipped premaster without aggressive
final limiting.
Simply lowering the volume of an already
limited master does not restore its
original dynamics.
If you only have individual songs instead of completed Side A and Side B files, purchase Side Sequencing or Vinyl Mastering.
When we sequence individual songs for you, we build the completed Side A and Side B files and send those files back to you for approval before cutting.
Standard orders where you submit your own completed Side A and Side B files do not receive an additional sequencing approval. Your submitted files are treated as your approved sequence.
If your files exceed the checkout upload limit, use WeTransfer and include your order number.
The checkout uploader includes three upload slots.
Title_SideA.wav
WAV or AIFF
Title_SideB.wav
WAV or AIFF
Upload artwork, a PQ Sheet, or a ZIP containing additional production materials when applicable.
Each Side A + Side B program is its own production order. We receive and check the files, vinyl-premaster the completed sides, prepare the program for cutting, manufacture the records, package them, and fulfill that order.
Our standard $10 production, shipping & handling charge applies to each applicable program/order group.
This charge is not solely postage. It contributes to program preparation, included whole-side premastering, handling, packaging, shipping preparation, fulfillment, and standard USPS Media Mail shipping when applicable.
If you order another record with different audio, that is a different program and requires a separate checkout with its own shipping/handling.
Audio containing harsh noise, continuous full-spectrum noise, excessive distortion, sustained high-frequency energy, feedback, brickwall limiting, little to no crest factor, clipping, or other extreme sonic characteristics may be considered unsafe for the lathe-cutting process.
If submitted audio is determined to pose a risk to the cutter head, stylus, or cutting system, we reserve the right to reduce the cutting level, apply filtering or other mastering adjustments, shorten the program, or decline the project.
Our primary responsibility is protecting the cutting system while producing the highest-quality record possible.
Preparing artwork for a lathe-cut record does not need to be complicated. Use the guides below for our standard center labels, jackets and CNC engraving. We handle the final sizing and production preparation.
7" records use 3.5" center-label artwork.
12" records use 4" center-label artwork.
Submit Side A and Side B artwork
separately.
Do not add the .313" center hole.
We add the center hole during production.
Our only standard center-label
offering is full-color printed
labels included with eligible
full artwork packages.
7" jackets:
7" × 7" front and back artwork.
Our 7" package uses two printed
cardstock panels inside a
clear slip-on outer sleeve.
12" jackets:
12" × 12" front and back artwork.
Our tip-on jackets use
separately printed adhesive
artwork panels applied to the
front and back of the jacket
,
with a finished spine.
You do not need to add bleed. Your artwork does not have to be built to commercial print-shop specifications or fit our dimensions perfectly. By submitting artwork, you authorize reasonable sizing, scaling, cropping, positioning and other production adjustments needed to fit our standard production format.
Because artwork may need minor sizing or cropping, keep important text, logos, faces and other critical design elements away from the extreme edges. 300 DPI PNG or print-quality PDF files are preferred.
Our 7", 10" and 12" short-run product pages display the artwork and packaging options currently available for each record size.
Only artwork options listed on the applicable product page are available for purchase at checkout. If a particular center-label, jacket or packaging option is not listed, it is not currently offered or stocked for that record size.
Artwork and packaging options vary by product, size and current inventory. Availability of an option for one record size does not guarantee availability for another.
Our only standard center-label offering is full-color printed center labels included with eligible full artwork packages. We do not offer standalone printed center-label services. To receive printed center labels, select an eligible full artwork package when purchasing your records.
Blank white paper center labels are not a standard product and are not automatically included with records purchased without artwork.
Customers are welcome to request blank white paper center labels. When available, we may provide them free of charge as a complimentary material.
Complimentary blank labels are subject to availability, are not guaranteed and must be requested. We reserve the right to decline requests when materials are unavailable.
An additional application fee may apply if you would like us to attach blank paper center labels to your records. Any applicable fee must be arranged before the additional work is performed.
Our small-run lathe-cut records
are designed for independent
artists, bands, collectors
and creative projects.
You are always welcome to
purchase records without
an artwork package.
Create your own center labels,
jackets, sleeves, inserts,
lyric sheets and packaging.
We encourage customers to
personalize their own releases.
If you prefer to handle the
artwork and packaging yourself,
simply order the applicable
record without an artwork
package and DIY!
Have something different in mind? We can work with picture discs, UV printing, CNC engraving, specialty materials, mirror or reflective finishes, holographic effects, custom shapes, multi-hole designs, zoetrope artwork, inserts, lyric sheets and specialty packaging.
Multiple processes can be combined. Send us your concept and we can determine the best way to manufacture it. Specialty projects are subject to separate approval, availability and pricing.
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Our standard production estimates are based on records without printed artwork. Orders requiring artwork, custom packaging, or additional assembly may take longer.
All records are individually cut and assembled in-house. Production begins once the required audio, artwork, order details, and other required production materials have been received and are reasonably usable for production.
Our advertised production times are estimates for vinyl records without printed artwork. Printed center labels, custom jackets, and other finishing services require additional preparation and production time.
Custom record orders normally ship via USPS Media Mail. Our standard production, shipping and handling charges cover more than postage, including applicable A+B program preparation, included whole-side vinyl premastering, handling, packaging, shipping preparation, and fulfillment. Rush Production and expedited USPS shipping upgrades are also available.
Qualifying U.S. custom record orders normally ship via USPS Media Mail.
Our standard production, shipping and handling charge is more than postage. It contributes to applicable A+B program preparation, included whole-side vinyl premastering, packaging, handling, shipping preparation, fulfillment, and standard USPS Media Mail shipping when applicable.
Each unique A+B program is treated as its own production program for applicable production, shipping and handling charges.
Different songs, programs, or Side A / Side B combinations are not combined as identical copies for this purpose.
Shipping transit begins after production is complete and the package has been accepted by USPS. Tracking is provided after shipment.
Our records are manufactured specifically for your audio, artwork, configuration, and order.
Because custom records are personalized and made to order, all sales are final except where otherwise required by law.
If your order arrives damaged or you believe it has a manufacturing defect, contact info@lathecutvinylrecords.com within 7 days of delivery.
Include your order number and clear photos or other information showing the issue so we can review it.
Depending on order size, your records may ship in multiple record mailers or be combined into one or more larger shipping boxes.
Final packaging depends on quantity, jackets, weight, destination, and the safest and most practical way to ship your order.
Our standard production, shipping and handling charges remain $10 per group of up to 10 identical records without jackets or up to 5 identical records with jackets, using the same A+B program.
These charges continue to apply when multiple mailers are consolidated into a larger box. They help cover normal packaging, preparation, handling, and fulfillment costs.
We expect our standard handling structure to cover most ordinary shipments. However, actual postage may increase with package weight, dimensions, destination, and selected USPS service.
Need your records faster? Rush Production moves your order ahead of standard production orders and prioritizes getting your completed package to USPS sooner.
Rush orders are processed first come, first served within the Rush production queue, once payment and required usable production materials have been received.
Priority manufacturing followed by standard USPS Media Mail shipping. Our most economical Rush option.
Priority manufacturing followed by USPS Priority Mail shipping once your records are completed.
Our fastest production and shipping combination. Priority manufacturing followed by USPS Priority Mail Express. Same-day cutting or shipment is not guaranteed.
All three Rush services use USPS. Rush pricing combines production priority with the USPS transportation service selected. Rush does not guarantee a specific arrival date.
Rush production still takes time. Every record is individually cut in real time. Rush does not eliminate cutting time, artwork preparation, technical adjustments, replacement cuts, equipment maintenance, or quality control.
Small orders can often move very quickly. Approximately 50 records may require up to 1 week of production, while 100 records may require up to 2 weeks. These are estimates, and complex projects may take longer.
Standard $10 production, shipping and handling charges still apply to Rush orders. Rush purchases do not replace or eliminate the applicable standard charges per group of records.
We expect the standard shipping and handling structure to cover most ordinary shipments. However, larger orders may require multiple mailers or heavier shipping boxes.
USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express postage can increase substantially depending on final package weight, dimensions, destination, and the number of packages.
If additional postage is required, we will contact you before shipment with the additional amount.
Customers may approve and pay the additional postage to retain the selected shipping service or discuss an available lower-cost shipping method.
If additional Express postage is not paid, we may offer USPS Priority Mail or Media Mail instead. Any downgrade requires customer agreement and an appropriate adjustment to the shipping charges.
If an agreement cannot be reached, shipment may be delayed while the available options are resolved, subject to applicable order cancellation and refund requirements.
Rush production priority may still be maintained even when a slower USPS transportation service is selected.
Signature Confirmation & Optional Services: We typically add signature confirmation when appropriate, particularly for Express shipments. However, signature confirmation is provided at our discretion and is not guaranteed unless expressly agreed.
Additional insurance, special handling, and optional carrier services are not automatically included unless expressly stated. Any services provided by USPS remain subject to its rules.
Have a required deadline? Contact us before ordering or purchasing Rush. A deadline provided after checkout does not automatically become an agreed production, dispatch, or delivery commitment.
Purchasing Rush, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express does not by itself guarantee completion, shipment, or delivery by a particular date.
Production speed and USPS transit speed are separate. Standard production generally takes approximately 3–14 business days after all required usable materials have been received.
Rush Production affects your position in our production queue. USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express affect transportation after production is complete.
When we expressly agree to a specific ship-by date, our commitment is to physically tender the completed package to USPS by that date. Printing a shipping label alone does not constitute shipment.
Handmade production may occasionally require additional time. If we cannot meet an agreed dispatch deadline, we will communicate the delay and provide applicable options.
USPS determines transit times and final delivery. Carrier delays do not automatically establish that our Rush production service was performed incorrectly.
Any carrier-provided delivery guarantee or postage refund is governed by the applicable USPS service terms.
Once a completed order has been accepted by USPS, transportation, routing, tracking scans, and final delivery are handled by the carrier.
Customers are encouraged to monitor tracking information and contact USPS directly regarding delayed, missing, or misdelivered packages.
Lathe Cut Vinyl Records does not routinely open missing-mail searches, intercept requests, or carrier delivery inquiries on behalf of customers.
If a carrier or insurance claim requires information that only the sender can reasonably provide, we may provide appropriate assistance.
Carrier delays, routing issues, or missed transit estimates do not by themselves constitute manufacturing defects. Nothing in this section limits applicable customer rights or remedies for merchandise that is not delivered.
We recommend that all eligible U.S. customers sign up for USPS Informed Delivery. This is a free service provided by the United States Postal Service.
Informed Delivery helps eligible customers monitor incoming USPS packages, receive tracking notifications, and stay informed about expected deliveries.
Certain delivery-management options may also be available depending on the shipment and USPS eligibility requirements.
We encourage customers to monitor their tracking information once an order ships. Informed Delivery does not guarantee delivery dates or prevent carrier delays.
USPS delivery estimates begin after production is complete and the shipment has been accepted by the carrier. Transit estimates are separate from our manufacturing timeline.
Purchasing faster USPS transportation does not eliminate the time required to manufacture your records.
Our responsibility is to manufacture your order and tender the completed shipment using the applicable purchased or agreed shipping service, subject to our Terms of Service and applicable law.
Once USPS accepts the shipment, subsequent transportation and delivery are controlled by the carrier. Applicable USPS service guarantees and non-waivable customer rights remain in effect.
Custom lathe cut vinyl records, disc mastering, cutter supplies, artwork, and studio work from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2557 Maguire Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Mastering & Studio Services
Diamond Stylus & Record Blanks
Rush Orders