Turn a song into a gift someone can actually hold.
A playlist link gets scrolled past. A record sits on a shelf. A one-off lathe cut turns a specific song, mix or recording into a physical object made for one person and one occasion — here's how it works.
What makes a record different from a playlist.
Most gifted music today is a link. It's convenient, but it isn't really a gift in the traditional sense — there's nothing to unwrap, keep, or put on a shelf. A record is. It's a single, physical, permanent object made specifically for the person receiving it, and because it's a lathe cut rather than a pressed record, there's no minimum order. One copy, cut once, exactly for them.
That's the same process behind every dubplate and short-run release we cut — it just happens to work particularly well as a gift, because the entire appeal of a one-off cut is that it exists as exactly one copy.
What people cut records for.
Weddings
A first dance song, a couple's favourite track, or a cut of the wedding speeches — a physical keepsake from the day itself.
Anniversaries
"Our song," a mix from the year you met, or a message recorded specifically for the occasion.
Birthdays
A meaningful track, a mix of favourites, or a message from friends and family cut to a record they'll actually keep.
Keepsakes & tributes
A recording of a loved one's voice, a favourite piece of music, or a moment worth holding onto in a physical, lasting form.
What you can actually put on a record.
Most personalised orders are one of three things: a single song, a short mix or medley of a few tracks, or a spoken recording — a speech, a message, or audio from a specific event. Whatever the source, send it as an audio file with your order and it'll be assessed before anything is cut. If you're not sure whether something will fit or translate well to vinyl, ask — it's easier to check beforehand than to find out after.
Track length and format affect what's realistic: a 7" single-sided cut fits a few minutes comfortably, which suits a single song or a short spoken piece well. See our guide on groove pitch and playing time if you're planning something longer.
A note on rights: most personalised gift orders are a commercially released song — a first dance track, a favourite album cut — rather than something you wrote or recorded yourself. Cutting someone else's copyrighted recording requires that you have the right to use it. By placing an order, you're confirming you own, control, or have permission to use the audio you submit, and that responsibility sits with you regardless of how the record will be used. If you're unsure, get in touch before ordering rather than after.
The details that make it feel finished.
Colour — a coloured blank rather than standard black adds a personal touch for very little extra cost. See what's currently available in our custom vinyl colours guide.
Label and artwork — a printed centre label or artwork insert turns a plain record into something that looks intentionally made as a gift rather than just cut. Covered in our custom packaging guide.
Timing — turnaround is typically 7–14 days from receiving the audio file and payment. If you're working to a wedding or birthday date, order with that lead time in mind and mention the date so it can be planned for.