Classicarcadegraphics.com or Mamemarquees.com for printer CPOs?

[sofakng]

I'm having custom artwork done for me and I will need to get it printed.  For what I've read on the forums, the best places seem to be classicarcadegraphics.com and mamemarquees.com.

Can anybody recommend one over the other?  How long does it take to get prints back?  Which has better price?

For my actual control panel I will be using 5/8" MDF, then the overlay, then 1/8" plexiglass or lexan in case that matters.

[mmmPeanutButter]

For my actual control panel I will be using 5/8" MDF, then the overlay, then 1/8" plexiglass or lexan in case that matters.

I know that classicarcadegraphics has two different cpo thicknesses.  I had to go with the thin one cause I needed to bend it.  If your artwork is going to be flat, then you should ge the thicker stuff.  The overlays are protected with a textured vinyl similar to the original.  You will not need lexan overtop and I would recommend not using it.

(There is a good post somewhere where Justin talks about getting his Centipede bezel done (not the project announcement post) and somebody posted pictures of a cpo) EDIT: Found it, it's in this link

I would tell you how mine is, but it got sent to my office in Buffalo and I'm picking it up  this weekend!

[mahuti]

From classicarcadegraphics, it takes a few weeks. The turn around time was about dead on with his estimate.... something like 10-14 days.

I think the price was around $35.

For pics of the final output, you can check out my Defender restoration pages.

[sofakng]

Hmmm... 10-14 days... thats not too long I guess.  Should I wait for that before I drill any holes or would it be safe to use my printer to print a black+white junk copy, and drill holes from that?

Probably safer to wait I would think?  Man this waiting is killing me!

As for the plexiglass/lexan -- is it really a bad idea to use it on top of an overlay?  I think the plexiglass/lexan gives the control panel a more authentic look and feel (which I personally prefer).

Should I forego the plexiglass/lexan completely if I buy an overlay?

[mahuti]

It's your cab. Do what you want.

I personally don't like the look of lexan/plexi, but a lot of people do.

If you are talking authenticity... a lot of original cabs didn't use plexi / lexan. Conversions did, though... so there were quite  a few cabs out there with plexi.

[sofakng]

Ok, what about the quality of mamemarquees.com versus classicarcadegraphics.com?

So far only mamemarquees has replied to my e-mail.  They said they would charge $34.99 + $5 shipping and it will only take 3 days to print and ship.  That's a lot faster than 10-14 days for classicarcadegrafix.com.

So that only leaves me wondering about the quality.  Of course I'd rather wait and have higher quality than order too quick and have junk

Any thoughts?

[sofakng]

Wow, I'm getting very quick responses from mamemarquees.com.  At least they seem to have great customer service.

Here is some additional information about their prints:

Quality:
"We print on very high quality vinyl laminated with a tough clear laminate."

Thickness:
"The vinyl is 3.5ml and the vinyl is 5ml, so roughly 9ml." (this is obviously a typo, but apparantely the total thickness is 9ml).

Using Plexiglass/Lexan:
"You can do either [plexiglass or no plexiglass], the laminate is very tough, but if you put plexiglas over it will obviously last longer."

I'm still waiting to hear back from classicarcadegrafix.

I'm also very interested on some opinions on both of these companies.  (eg. which is better and why)

Thanks again.

[Onji]

I got my marquee from mamemarquees.com, very good quality, fast response for any inquiry i had, i recommend them.

[sofakng]

Well, I got the reply back from Classic Arcade Grafix.  Both places have now replied to my e-mail during the same day.  Not bad!

So, Classic Arcade Grafix quoted me $45 for my 34x15" control panel.  Basic shipping is included.  They didn't say if that was for the thin or thick vinyl though.

They have also told me the turn around time is 3 - 5 days.  Not too bad.

It looks like Classic Arcade Grafix is only $5 more.  Would they be the better choice?

I still need to decide whether or not to use plexiglass / lexan...

[dmsuchy]

I used Mamemarquees.com and couldn't be happier with the service or the product. My CPO not only looks awesome but still looks brand new after beatin it for 2 months, do your self a huge favor and go with that service, plus the guys is great to work with!

[sofakng]

Well, so far both have been replying to my e-mails very quickly, but it seems like Scott from mamemarquees is really going out of his way when answering my questions...

It looks like I'll end up going with them unless somebody else says classic arcade grafix is better.

[mmmPeanutButter]

I know this doesn't necessarily apply to you, but for anybody who may be curious...

when I was looking into getting my cpo printed, I contacted mamemarquees and classicarcadegrafix.  They both had the textured vinyl that I was looking for, but mamemarquees only had the thick stuff.  CAG, had both thick and thin.

My decision was made for me because I needed to bend my cpo which couldn't be done with the thick stuff.

[sofakng]

I'm assuming that thin would also work better under plexiglass?  The thick vinyl might through off the height of my control panel and then my t-molding might not fit right.

It looks like I'll be going with Classic Arcade Grafix now (only because of the fact they have the thin material).  It's a bit of a shame too, Scott from MameMarquees seems like a super nice guy and is incredibly helpful.

[mmmPeanutButter]

I'm assuming that thin would also work better under plexiglass?  The thick vinyl might through off the height of my control panel and then my t-molding might not fit right.

It looks like I'll be going with Classic Arcade Grafix now (only because of the fact they have the thin material).  It's a bit of a shame too, Scott from MameMarquees seems like a super nice guy and is incredibly helpful.

You're still holding onto the plxi, huh?  Ditch the plexi.  Stick with the textured vinyl only.  My $0.02

[sofakng]

Well, I thought of another issue--  (which should have been obvious to me in the first place)

I actually specially ordered 5/8" MDF so that I could use my 3/4" T-Molding.  (5/8" MDF + 1/8" Plexiglass)

So, if I only use the 5/8" MDF I would need to order even more T-Molding.  Also the $25 I spent on the 5/8" MDF board would be completely wasted.  (it's bad enough I had to buy an entire sheet just for the control panel anyways)

[mmmPeanutButter]

I'm drunk... but if you really wanted to ditch the plexy without buying new t-molding, you could always just add wood to the underside of the cpo top.

Does that make any sense?  Worst post ever?

[sofakng]

I get what you're saying Peanut.  While I still plan on using plexiglass, I am going to order prints and then see how it looks without any plexiglass on top of my control panel.  If I prefer that look, I'll end up just two pieces of wood without any plexiglass.  I also plan to go to an arcade today or tomorrow and really take a good look to see which I prefer.

Also, I have changed my mind again -- for a 3rd time -- regarding who I'm going to pay for prints.

I'm going with MameMarquees.com.  That's final

Scott (from mamemarquees) is EXTREMELY helpful and has really gone of his way to help me like I've never seen before.

While I can't attest for the print quality (yet), according to others it is superb, and Scott is VERY friendly and helpful.

I would highly recommend!

[mmmPeanutButter]

I'm going with MameMarquees.com.  That's final

Good idea to wait til you get it to make up your mind about the plexi.  

I've got a good idea for you...  you should but TWO cpo's!!  one from mamemarquees and one from classicarcadegrafix and we can finally answer the question "which is better?"

ps.  I got my cpo today from classicarcadegrafix.  I'm really happy with it.  It has a small damaged section on it (from shipping), so I'll be sending them an e-mail.  There's a satisfaction guarantee, so I'll see what they say.

[GGKoul]

Hey

Not sure if its too late.  But I used www.mamemarquees.com as well.  Scott is Great!!

I got my control panel printed on a coated Vinyl sheet that Scot has.  So the control panel is very durable and doesnt need to be covered by plexi.  

I've had it for a few months now and the control panel artwork still looks great!

-GGKoul

[GGKoul]

Here's a post showing all the artwork I got printed from MameMarquees.
(2 Control Panels, 4 side arts)

http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=17735;start=msg141233#msg141233

-GGKoul

[mmmPeanutButter]

Here is a pic of the cpo I just got from CAG.  I'm really happy with it (although it did get slightly damaged during shipping (I'll be e-mailing them tomorrow)).