Jewel Cases...are they generic/can they be replaced 'genuinely'?

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 1:51pm

So I bought a bunch of cast recordings at B&N and to my dismay most of the Jewel Cases have been damaged.

Is there anything 'special' about the cases (e.g. the Sony Masterwork Sondheim cases such as WHISTLE) or can you buy identical ones elsewhere?

I mean I don't want the cast recordings to not appear 'genuine', if that makes sense.

(And I'm being very serious in case this is a very obvious question)

Thanks!

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 1:56pm

Take them back.

But yes, you can buy any number of different types of CD cases from websites. Do a Google search.

[Trainwreck]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 2:14pm

There are rarely jewel cases that are unique. They are typically one of a number of generic versions. There are exceptions to this, but most commonly you will find that a CD is in a "generic" jewel case.

I have a couple of cast recordings that came in cardboard that are printed for that specific show, but that's neither here nor there, as they wouldn't break, and aren't a "jewel case". Any of the cast recordings I have or have seen in jewel cases have been in generic ones.

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 2:24pm

Thanks. Sorry I should have clarified* they broke in transit. (In my luggage - I probably shouldn't have had plastic touching plastic).

Updated On: 4/19/10 at 02:24 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 2:41pm

The ones I find that are hard to replace are the double CD cases. I have destroyed a few during a few of my infamous CD stomping parties. (Don't ask!)

Posted: 4/19/10 at 2:58pm

In the olden days we had places called "Record Stores" where you could buy replacement jewel cases in all styles and even colors! I used to tie an onion to my belt and ride my mule over to the record store all the time!

[Baylink]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:07pm

No, there's generally nothing special about jewel cases... which is why no one in their right mind ever has anyone autograph them -- you pull out the libretto for that.

I will note that they come in 3 or 4 levels of quality; if you're going to replace them, spend the money.

I *think* sleevetown.com has the boxes; they certainly have every other damn thing...

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:12pm

I'm more curious as to whom you think is going to try and delegitimize your cast recordings because you replaced the jewel cases?

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:19pm

Joe...Ahh, the good old days!

We still an independant store here that sells the cases. They even sell the color ones.

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:21pm

"I'm more curious as to whom you think is going to try and delegitimize your cast recordings because you replaced the jewel cases?'

I don't know really...I was just making sure.

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:45pm

Just make sure you get good quality cases- I replaced my Follies in Concert cast CD jewel box after I broke it taking it to a friend's Barbara Cook party and it never sounded the same- it sort of had a tinny quality like the CD was playing in a large, empty room. I finally just bought a new one. It sounded fine after that. I always wondered if it was because I'd bought a crummy double CD case at a bargain store.

[binau]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:46pm

...

[twinbelters]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 5:02pm

I always thought it was interesting-ish that Ryko's disc cases have a blue tint to them. Otherwise, cases are nothing special. Sometimes a replacement cover won't fit with a tray, however. There are subtle difference between some single cd cases I have noticed and the components are not always compatible with each other.

Posted: 4/19/10 at 5:11pm

Ryko started as an "Audiophile" label- they tinted their cases so that they would stand out in a record store display or in your CD rack.

[twinbelters]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 5:15pm

It worked. I can spot "Sugar" and "Promises, Promises" a mile away.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 9:19pm

qolbinau, double cd cases, for example, Phantom and Les Miz, are the hardest to replace. They usually open up with each cd and you cannot replace the inner sleeves. Double cds that come in one jewel case are also hard to replace, due to the double cd holder. The easiest is the regular single cd case. Stay away from the colored cases, if it is what the others are talking about, they are usually thinner and not deep enough, and will not hold your inner sleeve, as well as the cd. If you have a dollar store in your community, go there. They do sell the generic cd cases but they are junk. Most dollar stores sell brand new cds. Some titles are actually pretty good. Examine the case for cracks, splits and promo holes. Find the case that best matches yours. Most cast cds now have the clear plastic cd holder instead of the dark black cd holder. Switch them out..its very easy. Then you will have a brand new looking cd ...again. I have years of anal rentintive practice at this.