Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We Got You.

From sound quality to shipping to strange and beautiful ideas — here’s everything you might want to know before cutting your vinyl. If you’re still unsure, contact us here.

💿 General Questions

  • Lathe-cut vinyl is made by physically cutting your audio onto a blank plastic record, one at a time, by hand. Each record we cut is a one-of-a-kind piece.

  • Lathe-cut records are individually cut in real time and ideal for small quantities. Pressed vinyl is manufactured using stampers and is suited for larger runs.

  • Almost anything. Music, voice notes, wedding vows, poems, baby heartbeats, radio interviews, DJ drops, podcast moments, affirmations — if you can hear it, we can cut it.

  • Lathe-Cut Vinyl (1–6 copies)
    Lathe-cut records are cut in real time, one at a time. They have a warm, intimate character and are perfect for small runs, demos, special editions, and keepsakes. Because they are individually cut rather than mass-manufactured, you may notice slightly more surface noise and a different tonal character compared to pressed records. Many artists appreciate their raw, handmade feel.

    Pressed Vinyl (10–1000 copies)
    Pressed records are manufactured using metal stampers created from a lacquer master. This process produces a more consistent, traditional vinyl sound with lower surface noise and greater durability — especially suited for full releases, retail copies, and larger runs. Pressed vinyl is the industry standard used for commercial albums worldwide.

🎧 Audio & Format Questions

  • WAV, AIFF, MP3, MPEG-4. WAV is preferred for best quality.

  • Yes, we offer mastering specifically for vinyl cutting and pressing.

    • 33 ⅓ RPM: slightly lower sound quality but longer play time

    • 45 RPM: slightly better sound quality but shorter play time

  • Depends on the vinyl size and speed:

    7" Vinyl

    •             Up to 6 minutes per side at 33 ⅓ RPM

    •             Up to 4 minutes per side at 45 RPM

    10" Vinyl

    •             Up to 12 minutes per side at 33 ⅓ RPM

    •             Up to 8 minutes per side at 45 RPM

    12" Vinyl

    •             Up to 18 minutes per side at 33 ⅓ RPM

    •             Up to 12 minutes per side at 45 RPM

  • Yes and No — depending on the format you choose.

    For lathe-cut records (1–6 copies), we cannot provide a test cut.

    For pressed vinyl (10–1000 copies), a formal test pressing is available. This is a small sample from the production run that allows you to check sound quality and ensure everything is correct before full manufacturing continues.

🎨 Design, Artwork & Customisation

  • Yes — all artwork is self-submitted. We do not offer design services, but we’re happy to print your custom design exactly as you send it.

    Important: Please try to ensure the resolution of the image is high enough, it is important that when it is scaled to the size of your sleeve it is still clear and isn't starting to blur or pixelate.

    🖨️ We print what we receive — so please double-check everything before uploading.

    We can’t take responsibility for delays or print issues due to incorrectly supplied artwork — but we do care about getting your creations right, and we’ll always aim to make them look great on the first try.

  • Yes, custom artwork and packaging options are available.

🛍️ Ordering & Pricing

  • Full pricing can be viewed here

  • Yes!

  • Yes! As long as it fits the time limit, you can blend audio files creatively yourself and upload the audio to us.

🚚 Delivery & Shipping

  • Delivery is quoted separately based on location, weight and urgency.

  • Email us info@musicine.net if you're outside SA.

  • 🕒 Standard Delivery Time - One Off/Small Run Vinyl (Lathe-Cut):4–6 weeks.

    🕒 Standard Delivery Time - Short Run Pressed Records:8–12 weeks.

🧾 Payments & Invoicing

  • Yes. Once you place your order and submitted the form, you’ll receive a detailed quote/invoice via email.

  • A detailed quote/invoice will be sent to you via email and this will include banking details for payment.

⚖️ Copyright & Permissions

  • We can only cut music or audio you legally own or have written permission to use.

    If you want to create a vinyl of a commercially released song, you must already own that song in a purchased format (like a digital download, CD, or vinyl).

    👉 Streaming access (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.) does not count as ownership.

  • We totally understand — and yes, you can request a vinyl of music you’ve purchased for personal use only (such as a gift, tribute, or keepsake).
    But even then, we may need to see proof of ownership, especially for commercial music, to protect both you and the original artists.

    Examples of acceptable ownership:

    • A digital purchase receipt (e.g. iTunes, Beatport)

    • A CD or vinyl you already own (you can send a photo or order confirmation)

    • Direct written permission from the rights holder

  • No, unless you have permission or own the rights. Content from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or streaming services is still protected by copyright, even if it's freely accessible online.

  • You’re always good to go if:

    • You created or recorded the audio yourself

    • You recorded voice notes, vows, speeches, or podcast clips you have permission to use

    • You’re an artist submitting your own original song, spoken word, or demo

    • You’re sending audio made by a friend or loved one with their consent

  • We’ll pause your order and reach out to you. We don’t want to turn anyone away, but we also have to protect our business and the rights of other creators.

❤️ Creative & Emotional Questions

  • Yes — and it’s magic. Whether it’s a message from someone who passed, a love letter, a baby’s voice — it becomes a forever sound artefact.

  • No problem. We love experimental ideas — send us a message on the Contact Page, and we’ll figure it out.

  • Vinyl has a unique sound — warm, slightly raw, and real. There may be soft surface noise or character — that’s the beauty of it. It's not supposed to sound like Spotify. It’s meant to feel alive.

📜T & Cs - Refund Policy Questions