That's the funny thing, the inconsistency in cutting is completely across
the board. Doesn't matter who it is or who recommends them, they all fu*k
up - it's just a question of how often. I used Masterpiece twice, for the
first 2 releases, and they screwed both times (dunno which engineer). The
second time was spectacular, surface noise running across all one side -
basically a low hum throughout the side which got louder and louder toward
the end. As*holes refused to admit that it was an error, or refund the
work. So I moved on to another company, then another, then another. Won't
name any names - but basically all the big European ones. Like I said,
D&M were the only ones who got it right first time. But I
haven't used them since for the reasons JT mentioned.
I remember you saying about that Matt, always a pain aint it but I would
have gone down with the 12" and made them listen to it and have them tell me
it's right. Never had any problems with Simon, he calls if he's unsure about
something, in fact the only problem with him he also does Robbie Williams
stuff :)
The problem is, cutting vinyl is such a fine art, and there are so few
people out there who are real experts at it. It takes an incredible
amount of care and there are so many things that can go wrong. It really
needs more than just a quick hour session to get it right, but I guess the
mark up is so low on it now that it's such a specialist thing, no one can
afford to take the time they used to.
Prices seem to have come down, but your right Matt.
I think the most amazing story I ever heard was from Jason Brunton, who
got a record back from Detroit which suddenly sped up to 45 halfway
through the track, where someone had obviously leaned on the speed button
whilst cutting it. Genius.
Now there's an idea...
m
