Scanning LP Covers

[mudbone]

Now that I'm back in business with a new TT I want to take some of my lps and make cd-rs.

Here's my question:

I want the cd-r copies to look as nice as possible but I'm not sure how to scan an entire LP cover to create artwork for the jewel cases.

My scanner bed is not large enough to get a scan of the complete lp front and back and I don't have access to a professional scanner with a large bed.

Anyone done this and have a few tips?

mud-

[SVL]

You may want to take a look here. (http://www.cdcovers.cc/covers.php)

If you are using ad blocking software, like I do, you will need to turn it off before loading that page - those guys are clever and want to make sure you will see the ads.

They maintain a huge searchable cover archive with reasonably HQ scans. I cannot really remember how it works - I think it is free, but they may want you to visit some webpages, or maybe register before loading the actual covers.

damn, just found out their CD cover section is down for the moment - may be back up within a week.

[mudbone]

Sergei, thanks. I'll give it a try.

(here come the sex page pop-ups!!!:D )

I'd still prefer to do this myself but am unsure of how to "merge" two scans (say the left and right side of a cover) together.

mud-

[SVL]

Originally posted by mudbone
I'd still prefer to do this myself but am unsure of how to "merge" two scans (say the left and right side of a cover) together.

mud-

That could be done with Photoshop, but it is really quite a bit of work - could be an hour for each scan if you want a really seamless transition. I don't think there is a way to make Photoshop do it in batches, or even do an automatic routine for each cover. Maybe somebody will prove me wrong.

[stereoptic]

I have found that many of the scans on the cd-covers page are scans of CDs, not LPs.

[SVL]

That is correct. They do have some LP covers though.

[Mike V]

I know there are oversized pro scanners out there (17 x 14, I think??), mostly for graphic design use. What do these sell for?? I can't seem to find any info on them.

[Grant]

If I can't use my scanner to do a decent job of it, I go down to Mailboxes Ect... and use their professional copier. I may do some today, as I have a lot of burned CD-Rs that need to be finished, and a lot of difficult covers.

When I do use my scanner, I just use Neato Mediaface II to paste the two halves together. I think i'll try to do it in Photoshop soon.

[SVL]

Umax and Epson have 11x17 models; i haven't seen any that could do 14x17.

[Mike V]

I used to work for a printing company, and most of the scanners there (AGFA?? Maybe UMAX? I can't recall) were oversized. I'd love to get one surplus or used.

[mudbone]

Grant, I've had those office places turn down copying certain material. Some are more strict than others on copyrighted material.

I have Neato MediaFace and may give that a try.

All, the larger scanners when I last checked cost in the thousands.

YIKES!!!!:sigh:

mud-

[Grant]

Originally posted by mudbone
Grant, I've had those office places turn down copying certain material. Some are more strict than others on copyrighted material.

I have Neato MediaFace and may give that a try.
mud-

This place I go to will let you use the scanner only if you do it yourself. This way, the employees aren't tied down to copyright law because they have nothing to do with it.:)

[mudbone]

Grant, perhaps you could send me a PM of the name of this place. Maybe they're all the same and have a franchise in my area?

mud-:D

[metalbob]

I have tested my Nikon 775 digital camera out with LP covers and it works very well. I turned up the settings to the highest possible level so it was very clear. Then, I shrunk it down and cropped and it was good to go. If you don't own a digital camera, maybe you could borrow one. No sense in buying one just to take a couple photos....

I would recommend that if you are going to do this, do it on a sunny day outside in the shade. The flash will reflect in the gloss on the cover otherwise. I have not tried this myself, but when I need to do a bunch of them, that is what I am going to do.

[mudbone]

Bob, excellent idea. My buddy has a digital cam and I think I'll give it a try.

mud-

[Dan C]

Originally posted by metalbob
I have tested my Nikon 775 digital camera out with LP covers and it works very well. I turned up the settings to the highest possible level so it was very clear. Then, I shrunk it down and cropped and it was good to go. If you don't own a digital camera, maybe you could borrow one. No sense in buying one just to take a couple photos....

I would recommend that if you are going to do this, do it on a sunny day outside in the shade. The flash will reflect in the gloss on the cover otherwise. I have not tried this myself, but when I need to do a bunch of them, that is what I am going to do.

This will work very well as long as you do NOT use the built in flash on the dit-cam. You'll get the very ugly spot light glare if you do.

I haven't looked myself, but I imagine that good quality copy stands are readily available on the cheap. Check your local camera store or eBay for used models. A copy stand has built in lights on the side and a camera mount which holds the camera straight above the art (basically an enlarger but with a camera mount instead of the enlarger head). They're simple and very effective.

Just a thought,
Dan C