“How long does it actually take to make a vinyl record?”
It’s one of the most common questions we get at Memphis Record Pressing—and for good reason. In today’s world of instant digital streaming, the tangible process of producing a vinyl record can seem mysterious, even daunting. But that’s also what makes it so special.
Vinyl is an art form. It’s physical, it’s collectible, and it’s deeply personal. At MRP, we walk our clients—from DIY indie artists to the biggest names in the industry—through every step of the vinyl pressing and packaging process. Below, we’ve outlined our typical production timeline to help demystify what goes into pressing a record that looks, sounds, and feels unforgettable.
The Vinyl Production & Packaging Timeline: Step-by-Step
1. Lacquer Cutting (Weeks 1-2)
It all starts with the music. Once your audio is finalized, it needs to be specially mastered for vinyl—a different process than digital mastering. This “mastered for vinyl” version of the audio is then ‘cut’ into a lacquer disc on a machine referred to as a “cutting lathe”. This disc is the physical master—the foundation of your vinyl record.
Pro Tip: Always choose a mastering engineer with experience in preparing audio specifically for vinyl. It makes a world of difference in how your final record sounds.
2. Electroplating & Stamper Creation (Weeks 1-2)
Once the lacquer cutting process is complete, the master lacquer is passed along to the electroplating team for creation of the metal masters. This ‘plating’ process leads to the eventual creation of negative metal plates, which are then used as the the ‘molds’ for pressing the grooves into the record.
This step is technical, delicate, and absolutely crucial to preserving the integrity of your sound.
3. Test Pressing (Weeks 2-3)
Prior to moving into final production, we produce a ‘first article’ that is most commonly referred to as a ‘test pressing‘. This is an important step in the overall process, as it is the primary method used for evaluating the quality of the preceding steps of cutting and electroplating.
After a full review by our top-notch team of Quality Engineers, the test pressing is then shipped to you for final approval. This is your moment to check everything: sound quality, track spacing, sequencing, and fidelity.
Important: Delays in approving your test pressing will delay your final timeline—so review it carefully and respond promptly!
4. Art Setup, Proofing, & Print Production (Concurrent, Weeks 1-6)
While we’re hard at work on steps 1-3 to prepare your music for production, we’ll also be simultaneously reviewing your art files, sending you proofs for approval, and moving the printed components into production. This process includes includes:
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Art file review
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Digital (PDF) proofing
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Print production (center labels, jackets, inner sleeves, inserts, posters, etc.)
Once your art files have been inspected, proofed, and approved, we send those files to our experienced team of professional printers, and get to work printing all of the packaging materials for your order. The timeline for this process can vary based upon the details for your order, so delivering art files and approvals as early as possible in the order process will benefit the overall timeline.
5. Vinyl Pressing (Weeks 7-10)
Once the packaging materials are printed and test pressings are approved, we move your order into vinyl production. PVC vinyl pellets are heated and formed into a small ‘puck’, which is then pressed between two stampers (A&B) to form each disc. After pressing, each record is cooled, trimmed, and inspected for quality.
You can choose from classic black vinyl or customize your record with color variants, marbled effects, splatter patterns, and more—this is where your vinyl can truly stand out.
6. Assembly & Packaging (Weeks 8-10)
This is where the final package comes to life! Each record is visually inspected one last time and then placed into an inner sleeve. From there, the record is inserted into an outer jacket (along with any other printed components), shrink-wrapped, and boxed. Each and every step of the process is inspected for quality, to ensure the highest standards for the finished package.
7. Shipping & Fulfillment
Finally, your records are carefully packed and shipped—whether to your door, your distributor, a fulfillment partner, your fans, or a retail store. We ensure every shipment is protected and labeled properly for safe delivery.
How Long Does It All Take?
On average, the full vinyl production and packaging process takes 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the complexity of your order, material choices, and how quickly you approve your art files and test pressing.
It may take longer than hitting the “upload” button for delivering your music to the cloud, but remember: vinyl isn’t just a product—it’s a craft. And great craftsmanship takes time.
Why Vinyl from Memphis Record Pressing?
Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, MRP is proud to carry on the city’s rich musical legacy while setting new standards in modern vinyl manufacturing. We blend precision engineering with soulful artistry, giving every record that signature Memphis magic.
From your first master to the moment your fans slide the record onto their turntable, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to Press Play on Your Vinyl Project?
Whether it’s your debut EP, a reissue of a cult classic, or a record-breaking release—we’re here to help bring your music to life on vinyl.
Contact Memphis Record Pressing today to get started.
Let’s make something timeless.
