Re: Printing music parts and scores

[Kieren MacMillan]

Hi Jeremiah:

> What have you used to print your music for parts and scores?

Years ago, I purchased a laser printer which would handle full-bleed,  
11x17, heavy stock, 1200dpi printing. The only thing it didn't have  
that I want(ed) is a two-sided (duplexing) option -- it was too  
expensive at the time, so I settle(d) for manually flipping the page 
(s). Therefore, most of my printing -- e.g., for one-off performances  
-- I print myself.

Nowadays, you can get a fabulous 11x17(+), 1200(+)dpi, duplexing  
printer for less than $1000 -- I highly recommend this option, if  
you're doing any serious proofing or printing.

For bigger jobs, I simply package the PDF along with an instruction  
page, and email it to a "printer" (e.g., Kinko's). I've almost  
invariably been pleased with the results. For example, my last choral  
commission was from a choir in Greenville, North Carolina -- I simply  
emailed the file and instructions to the Kinko's (one block from the  
School of Music!), they made up 50 double-sided, centre-folded-and- 
stapled, octavo size (i.e., trimmed!) scores on heavy ivory (off- 
white) paper stock, and the commissioner simply went in and paid for  
the print run.

> I live in a remote rural community.
> I have searched the web for a music printer without success.

I'm sure your "local" (i.e., nearest) Kinko's or equivalent (Mr  
Speedy? PrintHouse? etc.) would be happy to courier the job to you  
(or whomever) upon completion.

> Has anyone ventured beyond 8.5x11 inches or A4?

Definitely!

> What have you done?

Everything from centre-fold-and-staple octavo size (choral) scores to  
leather-bound, signature-sewn, wide double-tabloid (i.e., 11hx17w per  
page, landscape) orchestral scores.

> Can you refer me to a printer?

Not really... I mean, other than saying "look in your Yellow Pages,  
or search on the web".  =)

"Fast-food" print shops (like Kinko's) will definitely be easier to  
find, quicker, and cheaper. But the output will never match a *real*  
(offset/litho) print run. If you're *serious* about the job, contact  
a *real* print house, get a plate made from the camera-ready PDF, and  
then have a large (e.g., 1000+ copies) run done -- it will be pricier  
(at least twice the Kinko's option), but will look *much* better.

Good luck!
Kieren.