Why Short Order Strings?
How does it work?
How much does it cost?
How do I make a payment?
How do I receive the final string tracks?
Can I use my own arrangement?
I already have an arrangement, does that reduce the price?
I'm concerned about uploading my song.
Do I have to pay royalties?
Where are you located? Do you perform live?

Why Short Order Strings?
Short Order strings saves you from the hassle of outsourcing an arranger to write the parts, booking expensive studio time, dealing with a copyist, finding musicians to play, and still having to hire an engineer to record them.
With Short Order Strings you simply send us your song and we return to you fully produced string tracks, without you having to do anything or go anywhere. Each song includes a free consultation as well as the reassurance that you don't have to pay for anything until you're satisfied with the direction your song is taking.

How does it work?
First you need to fill out an order form, where you tell us about your song, and send us an mp3.

Once you've submitted your song you'll be contacted at a time that is convenient for you to discuss any concepts or ideas you may have for the direction to take with your song.
A short time later you'll receive an mp3 demo with a MIDI-mockup of the arrangement to give you a sense of what the finished product will sound like.
Once you've approved the arrangement you will be sent a payment request via paypal, where you can use whatever payment method is convenient for you.
Upon receipt of payment we record and produce the strings and deliver the final tracks to you.

How much does it cost?
The cost per song* up to 3 minutes depends on the type of string section you are interested in using.
Our current rates are:
Violin/Viola/Cello Solo - $105
String Quartet - $315
String Orchestra (quartet with multi-track overdubs) - $415

Interested in having strings on your entire album? Contact us to discuss a discounted rate!

* Rates for Film/TV scores, Library Tracks, and Classical Pieces are negotiated on a track by track basis. Please contact us for more information.

How do I make a payment?
After your approve the arrangement we will send you a paypal invoice. If you would like to make a payment but have not receieved an invoice, you can send it via paypal to payments@shortorderstrings.com.

How do I receive the final string tracks?
The final delivery is a stereo track with a string submix which can be easily added to your song's mix. If you'd like the individual sections as separate tracks we can give that to you as well.
The final track is typically delivered via an ftp link as a 24bit 44.1kHz wav file. If you need a different specification just ask.

Can I use my own arrangement?
Arrangement written by you or someone else are subject to approval before they are accepted. Arrangements must be checked for factors like complexity, readability and proper orchestration and are approved on a per track basis.

I already have an arrangement written, does that reduce the price?
The cost is not different if you already have an arrangement written due to the extra time that can be needed to acquire the parts and sort out any questions the players may have.

I'm concerned about uploading my song.
Short Order Strings respects the privacy of the artists we work with. Your song will never be used for any reason nor in any context outside of the services offered on this site.

Do I have to pay royalties?
Short Order Strings works on a work-for-hire basis, which means that you retain all rights to the arrangement and final tracks of your strings. No future royalties or payments are expected.

Where are you located? Do you perform live?
Short Order Strings is based out of Los Angeles, CA with access to string players from across the globe. We record at 12 Story Studios. At this time we are primarily an on-line only service, however if you are interested in a live performance in Los Angeles, New York or Boston you can contact us with details about your request.