FAQ

Pressing records may seem overwhelming but we are here to make it as fun and as painless as possible. Check out the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you still don’t have the answers you are looking for drop us a line below.

CONTACT

WHO CAN PRESS RECORDS WITH HOLIDAY RECORDS?

Holiday Records will be offering vinyl record pressing to any and everyone. Whether the artist is a small-town indie rock band from Timaru wishing to press 100 records for their friends and devoted fans, or Adele – Holiday Records is happy to assist.
Although Holiday Records are looking forward to pressing vinyl records for any artist, we hope to place emphasis and support the local music scene. We hope to further inspire the vinyl record resurgence in New Zealand.

HOW SHOULD MY AUDIO BE PREPARED?

Please refer to the Audio tab our Resources page for all the information.

DO YOU OFFER RECORD PACKAGING AS WELL AS RECORDS THEMSELVES?

Yes - please find all the information on what standard packaging we offer under the Packaging tab on our Services page.


We can also work with our local printers to accommodate any special packaging requests that you may have e.g. gold foiling, embossing etc. So feel free to enquire if you are looking to make your project extra special.

WHAT ARE THE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR PACKAGING?

Please refer to the Artwork tab on our Resources page for more information.

WHAT IS THE MATRIX NUMBER?

A matrix number is an alphanumeric code (e.g. AB001) stamped or handwritten into the run-out groove area of a record. This is used for cataloguing purposes and so we can identify your records and stampers.

WHAT ARE YOUR TURNAROUND TIMES?

As each project is different, it is difficult to provide a fixed turnaround time. That said, we will provide an estimated date of completion when an order has been placed and we work hard to meet these projected deadlines.
Turnaround time begins when audio and artwork has been approved and a deposit paid.

That said, these turnaround times are just estimates and can never be guaranteed.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 180GM AND 140GM RECORDS?

The difference is debatable. Some audiophiles believe that the heavier the record, the better the audio quality. We believe we press some of the best 140gm and 180gm records without any audible difference between the two weights.
Obviously 180gm is heavier, and therefore notably more robust and sturdy to hold. For this reason, it is more popular than the standard 140gram weight.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 33.3RPM AND 45RPM?

RPM (Revolutions per Minute) is the speed you record spins on your turntable. 45RPM is known to be better audio quality (and typically used for singles), although it has the limitation of not being able to fit as many minutes as a 33.3RPM record. Consequently, most 12” records are 33RPM.

WHAT IS A TEST PRESSING?

Test pressings are records that we press once we first receive your stamper. The audio on your test pressings is what you will hear on your final pressed copies so it is important you listen to them. You will then need to approve them so production can begin.
Although we personally listen to test pressings to ensure they meet our high quality standards, it is important that you check and test them as well so you are equally satisfied.
It is also worth noting that all test pressings are done using black vinyl, even if your records are to be produced in colour.
Test pressings are not required, but recommended.

WHAT SIZE RECORDS CAN YOU PRESS?

We currently only offer 12” records

DO YOU OFFER COLOURED, SPLATTER, MARBLED AND PICTURE DISCS?

Alongside our premium quality black PVC, we offer high quality coloured vinyl in a variety of colours (see our Services page for more information). We have the ability to source additional colours that may not feature on our website so please do not hesitate to ask.
Although it is generally inaudible to the most listeners, coloured vinyl has been known to produce marginally inferior sound quality when compared to black vinyl. That said, we have sourced some of the best quality PVC compound on the market (both black and coloured) to ensure all vinyl produced by Holiday Records is the very best quality possible.
Currently, we only offer solid, translucent and marbled colours. We do not offer splatter or picture discs.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY RECORDS ONCE THEY ARE PRESSED?

We are happy to ship you records anywhere in the world – give us an address and we will do the rest. If you are local, feel free to come and visit the plant and pick up your records any time during our opening hours.

WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS AND METHODS?

We require 50% deposit upon placing an order with us. The invoice for this will be sent directly to your email after the order has been reviewed and confirmed.
The remaining 50% will need to be paid when your records a pressed, packaged and ready to be shipped. Again, the invoice for this will be sent directly to your email.
We take a variety of payment methods - direct bank transfer, credit/debit card (through an online payment portal) and PayPal or even cash.


Read more about our payment terms on our Terms and Conditions page.

DO YOU OFFER IN-HOUSE AUDIO MASTERING FOR VINYL?

Although we do not offer in-house audio mastering, we do work closely with highly skilled audio engineers who would be happy to master your tracks specifically for vinyl.

Please get in touch with us for recommendations near you.
Just as a reminder, all audio provided to us must be mastered specifically for vinyl.

DO YOU OFFER IN-HOUSE GRAPHIC DESIGNERS?

We do have a collection of trusted and very talented graphic designers who would be stoked to work with you to create album artwork for your next release. Get in touch for more details.

WHAT ARE YOUR REFUND/REPLACEMENT POLICIES?

Although we incorporate strict quality control throughout the record making process to ensure high-quality products, mistakes can be made in any manufacturing industry.
We want you to have the best sounding record possible. If you feel we have not meet your requirements, please let us know within 14 working days so we can take another look at the problems and find a suitable solution.
Please read our Terms and Conditions page for more detail.

WHAT ARE YOUR CANCELLATION POLICIES?

Any cancellations made pre-pressing will be entitled to a full refund minus the cost of any ordered stock (i.e. printed jackets, labels).
No cancellations will be accepted post-pressing (or during pressing).
Please read our Terms and Conditions page for more detail.

DO YOU ACCEPT ALREADY CUT LACQUER AS AN AUDIO SOURCE?

Our services include lacquer cutting and plating (stamper manufacturing) which is done in the UK. Although we can accept stampers that have been prepared by you (and fit our machine moulds), we cannot accept lacquers directly as these will need to be sent to the UK for plating –– lacquers are known to have a short shelf life fidelity-wise so will be jeopardised the longer we leave them to be plated (i.e. shipping time). Also, the physical travel could compromise the lacquer as well.

Instead we use a lacquer cutter in the UK who also does plating close by so no fidelity or quality is lost.

WHAT IS YOUR MINIMUM RUN SIZE?

Due to the relatively high set-up costs for any job, our minimum run size is 150 records.