Does anyone have a way of dealing with downloaded sheets that means they're in some sort of format whereby you can actually turn pages, and they don't fly off all over the place? Is there some sort of binder that I don't know about that's available from somewhere to enable printed sheets to be turned into a useable booklet?

I use folders from Asda at 37p a time with clear plastic sheets inside. The pages turn very easily but they can sag a little.

Thanks! I'll give Asda a go!

You might find plastic wallets make it difficult to annotate the scores, though they have the advantage of being able to hold sheets back-to-back if your printer doesn't do double-sided printing (and you can't be bothered to print alternate pages and then turn them over).

I use a comb-binder (and print on both sides of the paper). Comb-binding has the advantage of always laying flat. In fact I have copied scores and comb-bound them where the originals refused to behave. Other advantages are; no sag as the pages are bound along their entire length; each score can be separate from the rest and only as big as it is (with ring binders you either have an inch thick file for a four page score, or you keep lots of four page scores together in a ring binder which might be problematic if you file your scores by composer).

The machines are relatively expensive but I got mine for £50 in an office supplies sale. The combs are cheaper than plastic wallets.

Best wishes

barry

Will the local printer/copier shop know what I'm talking about if I say I want something 'comb-bound'? I'm not sure that I want to spend £50 on a machine, as I don't do this all that often.

I do this too, for the same reasons (but I use a cheapo comb binding machine - £10 from Stationery Box!). It seems to work pretty well, though doesn't punch many sheets at a time so some patience is required! I imagine that for high-volume printing and binding, one of the more heavy-duty machines would be more suitable though.

Backing them with card works sometimes, provided you don't have *too* many sheets.



The only time I tried plastic wallets it didn't really work because the light happened to shine right on them so I couldn't see anything and ended up ducking to the side just to read the music. Mayeb we just have weird lights ...

This is what i do. It doesn't really help with the turning pages thing, but at least the pages don't flop off half way through playing something.

You could print them out in A3 as a "booklet". Then you can staple the middle using a larger staple.
Get a laser printer if you are doing this often. It's worth the cost, considering if you just want to try out a piece.

My lights must be weird too! The plastic's fine during the day, but it cracks me up in artificial lights.
I am talking about things with lots of sheets, by the way!