Something is off about our timeline, or maybe GZ gave Pirates Press loss-leader prices on the package deals to build share in the US market. Or maybe to not make much off the record pressings but to make their profit on the printing since there are fewer environmental regulations and lower printing costs in the Czech Republic. As a rough estimate, between 2003-2010, anywhere from 35-75% of the records from US labels that I wanted were pressed at GZ. I know of at least two well-established US labels claiming they could order from GZ (shipped) for the same or lesser than going to local plants (pick up with no shipping), and because GZ offered unbeatable prices on splatter and colored vinyl, GZ was a no-brainer. The prices were so competitive that they couldn't deny using them, and for labels and bands less seasoned, Pirates Press was even more desirable because of the one-stop shopping, package deals with budget pricing, and PP agents doing all the work for them. In this same period, GZ seemed to streamline their process with DMM mastering as default, which I believe is also automated. The vinyl quality dropped a bit. They whittled away at their system to increase production and cut costs. Possibly two different pricing structures for differing markets; one having more competition than the other.
A few years ago, when petroleum prices shot upwards, and when shipping subsequently was affected, GZ cut-throat pricing was adjusted. In those same cases as before, GZ wasn't nearly as competitive or as viable an option for US labels. US labels that had been working with Pirates Press were again more tempted to bring that manufacturing back to Rainbow, Archer, and any of the other common USA plants. The deal was no longer at GZ.
One of the better consequences (IMO) of the skyrocketing worldwide shipping costs is that fewer labels outside of Europe are tempted by GZ. And to be clear, it isn't a nation thing. It's a quality issue for me. I don't want anyone confusing me with one of the folk who are anti-Europe and pro-USA. That has zero to do with it. USA plants are chock full of their own clusterfucking.
My point is that they were very successful with gaining foothold in the USA market for various reasons, and it wasn't until maybe 2-3 years ago that GZ pricing stopped being so appetizing here. They apparently couldn't maintain that pricing, but I've heard (because I ask) little indication that the quality has gone up.
I've been led to believe the grooves are different because they don't adhere to RIAA EQing standards, so they can cut the groove differently, mostly cutting a more shallow/thinner groove (which is also why they can cram 25-30 minutes on a side of an LP, whereas USA plants would prefer staying around the 20 mark). This obviously also affects dynamics and where DMM compression-like symptoms come into play. Some of the most beautifully pressed records I've ever seen have come from GZ (1990s product), so I don't have much of an issue with the look and feel of the records, but I can also understand someone feeling they look and feel cheap. The recent ones do look and feel cheaper than they once did. They use a strange, harder vinyl. Maybe lesser rubber content? I've always wanted to bend one in half and compare how flexible they are compared to other vinyl. More plastic-like for sure.
I forgot to ask. Are Europeans familiar with the name Pirates Press and their role as GZ middleman between the pressing plant and the US market? I think a lot of it grew out of the language barrier situation, and without Pirates Press, the average US customer was intimidated and turned off by using GZ.
