Let’s call this particular article “The Search For Good Sounds And The Holy Grail – Or Whichever Happens To Come First”. Recording studios can pull off some pretty good tricks to make things sound better, especially with computer programs like Pro Tools or Sonar, but don’t expect miracles every time you go in there. What’s the old saying? “If you don’t bring it with you, you won’t find it here!”. A common request from customers is, “Can you make me sound like George Strait?” or “My guitar doesn’t have a very good tone and I just started playing, but can you make it sound like Jimi Hendrix?”. Maybe those exact scenarios didn’t actually occur, but you get the idea. The truth is, you sound like you sound. Your band sounds like it sounds. I will say this though, there are some fantastic new features that can give your guitar or bass or keyboard and even your drums some powerful new tones. We can even tune your voice to put you in key. The problem is, if too much doctoring is done, it starts to show up as a somewhat unflattering sound. Also, the more the studio has to manipulate your tuning, your timing, your tones, or whatever it takes to improve your sound, the more you will pay. It takes time to do all of that.
When it comes to instruments in the studio, one of my favorite stories is about a bass guitar that was used on a Rolling Stones recording. The Stones at one point did not have a regular bass player, so they used three different bass players on a new album they were recording. The catch was that all three players used the very same bass guitar. Could it be that the bass in question was just really too cool looking? Not likely. Or maybe they couldn’t afford more than that one bass? Yea, right! My guess is that it sounded good. Simple as that. I had a bass guitar pass through my studio several years ago that was unequaled in tone, and playability, and I truly tried to talk the owner out of it. He wouldn’t go for it. Months later I saw this bass player again and offered to buy that bass at a substantial profit to him. What did he say? “Oh, I sold that to somebody in Toledo, Ohio!!”. It was long gone. The point is, a good sounding instrument simply “sounds good”. That translates nicely in the studio.
If you’re headed to the studio and can’t afford a Taylor, a Martin, a really good Fender, a Gibson, or a comparable instrument, at least put on new strings, make sure there aren’t any wiring problems, and have the instrument intonated. Also, make sure your cables are in good shape and have fresh batteries on hand. If you are a drummer, invest in new heads and get the squeaks and rattles taken care of before you get to the studio. If you are a vocalist, you’re on your own! Just kidding! We have a few tricks up our sleeves for your voice, too. All of this can help your sound. Sound advice?
Johnny Divine
