Replacement CD jewel cases

I know this topic doesn't really have much to do with Top 40 music, per se, but I'd really like to get some feedback from other CD collectors on the forum... Does anyone know where to buy high quality, sturdy, standard replacement CD jewel cases these days, like the ones that used to typically package a retail CD purchase? I'm finding that not only do few brick-and-morter retail stores any longer stock the standard single jewel cases (most only carry the thin slimline variety), but the ones I've been purchasing online recently are becoming increasingly cheap and flimsy in quality. These cheapies are so lightweight that the plastic parts and trays actually bend and twist easily and feel like they can break with little effort.

The only halfway decent ones I'm able to find lately are the Memorex 10-pack standard clear cases sold at Office Max and Target (though I did get a bad batch of them on clearance from the latter outlet recently). I find these Memorex cases acceptable as far as the thickness of the plastic parts. However, I've only seen this brand made available with the clear plastic trays (the part that secures the disc in place inside the jewel case) and not with black trays. Office Max at one time had their own quality brand of standard CD cases with black trays, but these appear to have been discontinued as I haven't seen any in stock for over a year. Meanwhile, I should also note that I prefer trays that have the official "Compact Disc Digital Audio" logo engraved in the upper right and lower left hand corners. (Unfortunately, the clear trays in the Memorex brand don't have them.) Even these seem to be getting harder to find.

This is all a bit disconcerting as I have numerous CD cases in my music library I'd to replace and hate to think no one may any longer be making quality accessories. Does anyone have any recommendations they can pass along??

Edited by Todd Ireland

Check www.uline.com They carry all varieties of cases.

JMD1961 wrote: I've had the same problem. I have been able to find a 12 pack from Maxell at my local K-Mart. They have the clear plastic trays, however. And instead of "Compact Disc Digital Audio", the corner feature the "guy in the chair" Maxell emblem. Also (not sure if this is a Maxell or K- Mart issue) they will occasionally have a cracked cover in the bunch.

I've tried this brand as well, JMD1961, and found these cases simply didn't measure up either... Lightweight and flimsy, and didn't care at all for the "guy in the chair" logo on the trays (I also seem to recall the plastic casing containing sharp edges along the right side, some scratches/imperfections, and the trays having an overall slightly different design?). I wound up discarding the entire batch.

I appreciate the suggestion though.

Edited by Todd Ireland

I share your pain. Same experience with the cheap cases and the hit-or-miss batches from Target.

In addition to standard jewel cases, I've been trying to find a good source for those slim-line import CD single cases for years. They seem impossible to get, yet every week singles are still issued abroad in them and surely people who've collected singles in this style of casing for the past 30 years have access to replacements.

jimct wrote: Todd, to place a CD's paper inserts inside of the replacement jewel case, we consumers must obviously remove the black tray, place the insert in, and then snap it back in. However, the last 100 times I've done this, a part of the black tray has broken away, all 100 times. Very aggravating. The plastic materials have gotten substantially thinner, no doubt to cut costs, in recent years. Consumer tendencies away from "hard copies" surely don't help folks like us. Also, for me on average, new 10-packs average around 3 that are cracked upon receipt, due to damage during shipping. I totally understand your frustrations, Todd. I share them. But I don't know of any company that makes jewel cases in 2014 that meets our preferred quality standards. How can we buy what isn't made? If you, however, see a possible new business opportunity here, I'll be a customer! :)

I hear ya, Jim. For the time being, it looks like our best option is the Memorex brand jewel cases from Office Max. Not only is the plastic material on these a little thicker and slightly more rigid than the cheap junk out there, but they're also nicely transparent in cosmetic appearance and rarely have any scratches or blemishes on them. Furthermore, I usually don't find any cracked cases when I purchase the 10-packs directly at the store (though I have encountered a couple of batches that had apparently been dropped and nearly all of the cases were damaged... I simply returned them to the store for an exchange).

I'd still love to know though where I can find some quality black trays. (Or *any* trays, clear or black, with the official "Compact Disc Digital Audio" logo on them).

Underground Dub wrote: I share your pain. Same experience with the cheap cases and the hit-or-miss batches from Target. In addition to standard jewel cases, I've been trying to find a good source for those slim-line import CD single cases for years. They seem impossible to get, yet every week singles are still issued abroad in them and surely people who've collected singles in this style of casing for the past 30 years have access to replacements.

Actually, Underground Dub, I have some good news for ya! There are replacement slimline import CD single jewel cases with the hub mounted to the rear tray, often referred to as "J-Cases", available for sale on the Sleeve City website at www.sleevecityusa.com. Specifically, you can find what you're looking for by clicking this link:

Maxislim J-Case for Singles (10 Pack)

Now, the bad news though is the website is currently showing the 10-packs of these J-cases on backorder (yet it also states "OUT OF STOCK UNTIL MARCH"... hmmm, now that it's late April, you might inquire and see when they're expecting to get more in stock). However, it does appear you can still order individual "sample" J-card cases by clicking here:

Maxislim J-Case for Singles SAMPLE

Interestingly, it also looks like you can order a specific quantity so if you were to order 10 individual cases, it would come out to the same price as ordering a 10-pack. I'd say it's worth a shot to see how many you can purchase piecemeal!

Incidentally, I ordered some of these J-cases last September and they appear to be replicas of the ones that package most import CD singles. I've been able to replace some of the really scratched up J-cases in my collection with these new ones and they look great!

Fetta wrote: Have you tried bagsunlimited.com yet?

No, I haven't but I'm aware of the site. Have you purchased any replacement jewel cases and trays from them? If so, what's your impression of the quality?

Edited by Todd Ireland