How To Create The Ultimate Home Music Studio

Mike Cahill from Redfin invited us to contribute some insights to help navigate the process of building your own home music studio!

Colder weather is approaching, and the average American’s options for outdoor activities are beginning to dwindle. While winter recreation can be a blast, there’s truly no better time to hunker down and enjoy our favorite hobbies than from the comfort of your own home. What better way to do that than building your own at-home music studio? From equipment to acoustics, we’ve got you covered with tips on creating the ultimate home music studio from the experts who know best. Whether you’re in Roseville or Greensboro, read on to learn how you can create an authentic studio-like experience at home.

Create a space where you feel inspired to work

Know the kind of environment that makes you want to work, and set up your studio that way. If you like to focus with minimal distraction, your studio should have the functional sparseness of a meditation room. But you can spark creativity by filling the space with meaningful things to get your mojo working. – Nashville Guitar Guru

For both teaching music lessons and writing/producing music, the key to a successful home studio comes from an ability to focus. Things like; setting up your space in an isolated part of the house, strategically hanging sound absorption panels on the wall, bass traps in the corners, and making sure the doorway is fairly well-sealed help keep the studio quiet both inside and outside. Of course, studio monitors, an interface, a computer monitor that allows for easy workflow, and an ergonomic layout of instruments also help to keep things flowing smoothly – I use JBL 5 inch studio monitors with an Apollo Twin interface and speak/sing into a Rode NT1-A all day which helps to save my voice from fatigue. I play and teach piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, banjo, and clarinet regularly so it’s important that I can get to these instruments quickly and be heard from multiple areas in my room. – Collingswood Sound

Don’t underestimate the importance of proper sound treatments

My first recording studio was a spare closet where I attached blankets from Value Village to the walls.  When we moved to a smaller house in the city, we constructed a pop-up recording booth using only PVC pipes, moving blankets and zip ties, all from the hardware store (I have step-by-step instructions available here). Having a properly treated recording space is more important to your sound quality than having the most expensive microphone, and you can do it for not much money. My clients have always been happy with my sound. – Suzanne Amey, Genuine VO

Nine times out of ten the missing element in a home studio is acoustics.  Incredible instruments, microphones, and gear will only get you so far in a less than stellar sounding room.  It is so hard to trust what you hear, perform your best, and feel creative and inspired when working in a room that is a boomy echoey mess.  The key to creating the Ultimate Home Music studio is to focus on the sound and feel of your space so it is inviting and inspiring. – Music City Acoustics

Mic placement is key

One common mistake people make is mic placement. But that’s mostly down to pop culture. Too often we see presenters in movies and TV shows either an inch away (practically kissing the mic) or two feet away shouting. Both sound awful. Get the best sound using just your hand as a measurement. Stretching your pinky finger and thumb out, place them between your mic and mouth. That’s the perfect distance, so you won’t sound too quiet or too loud. – Radio.co

Incorporate soundproofing and acoustic treatments

While gear and software are incredibly important, the money you invest in your recording space will pay off far more. Study acoustics and buy an SPL meter. There are so many things you can do in post, but if your room isn’t up to par, you’ll spend way too much time trying to create the desired sound through effects and plugins as opposed to efficiently creating amazing mixes.- Audio Realms Studios

Having an isolated space and proper acoustic treatment in your home music studio is crucial for clean recordings and a pristine listening experience. Absorption panels, acoustic foam, bass traps, and strategically placed floor rugs will help combat sound reflections from hard, flat surfaces, and diminish the presence of flutter echoes. Unfortunately, professional soundproofing is no small investment; you’ll either need to remodel your room or invest in a sound isolation booth. However, you can still partially lower your noise levels by sealing off air leaks, reinforcing the door, and covering the windows with soundproof curtains or drapes. – Whisper Room

Make sure to treat all parallel surfaces in your room (i.e. walls directly facing each other, or the floor and the ceiling) with acoustic panels. Place bass traps in your corners to avoid or pad 90 degree corners. Next, you can determine where you want to place acoustic panels to avoid early reflections using the ‘mirror trick’. Start by creating an ‘equilateral triangle’ between your two speakers and yourself, to make sure you’re in the acoustic ‘sweet spot’. That means you should have the same distance from you to each speaker, as well as between the two speakers. While you’re sitting in the ‘sweet spot’, have a friend move a mirror across the surface of the walls to your left and right (only the part of the wall between you and the speakers). At any spot you can see one or both of your speakers through the mirror, you’ll want to place acoustic panels to avoid early reflections. – StringKick    

Know how you’re going to power your equipment

When setting up a home studio, the most important thing is the power that is going to supply your equipment. When you have good clean power, your equipment will operate with optimal performance. Power that is dirty will cause additional noise or referencing problems that translate into your recordings. In the United States, your AC power should be 120v and getting a professional power conditioner is beneficial for protecting your valuable audio and computer equipment. – David Hughes, Shine On Studios   

Pay close attention to what your monitors are doing

Quite often we find our clients placing their monitors in completely the wrong position and they are always amazed at the world of difference the placement of the monitors can make, this is something you can do for free and without any professional help. Play a series of test tones at low frequencies and walk around the room to learn where your pressure differentials are. These should be +/- 3dBA max! These pressure differences highlight the location of low frequency high and low spots and will help you to pinpoint the exact locations within your room where low-frequency information is distorted. – Sound Zero

Consider implementing room-correction software

Implementing room-correction software is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your home studio setup. These types of tools use microphones to model your room’s frequency response and automatically adjust the output your speakers provide to compensate for these problem areas in your environment. Maybe your room makes bass frequencies too loud (a common issue), but proper room correction tools can fix these types of problems. By using a room correction tool you’ll end up with a flat, accurate sounding home studio environment, all the while spending a mere fraction of the money normally needed to create such an accurate sound. – eMastered

Invest in a quality chair

Chances are you’ll be doing a lot of sitting, so make sure your chair is giving you the ergonomic support you need. And even when you have a good quality chair, you still need to get up and take a break every so often. A few minutes of rest is very good for your body, eyes, and mind. – Liberty Park Music                                                                 

Keep your gear as accessible as possible

When setting up a home music studio, the biggest thing I’ve learned is to make instruments and gear have spots where they are both accessible and have a cool vibe for filming and writing. Having to take things out of cases, look for cables/pedals/gear, and then put everything back at the end of the day can take a lot of time away from creating music, so make a plan of where things can go and still look good before you create your space. My favorite things I’ve done for my music space include getting guitar hooks/standard from String Swing, looking for pieces that help hide cables, setting up a wall with good natural light for filming, and keeping my cases I don’t use often in a storage space. – Haley Powers Music

Select equipment based on the priority of its application

Unless you just won the lottery, making decisions on equipment selection for a home studio is one of the most challenging parts of the process. When I started my career in a small home studio, I took into consideration what type of sessions I would be doing most often and carefully selected the best options I could afford for that specific application. As my business grew, I began to add gear based on what would serve my projects in the most impactful way. For example, when choosing a DAW, ask yourself, which program is best suited for my workflow and the styles of music I will be working on? When choosing microphones and outboard gear; which pieces will provide versatility for the different applications they would be used for? As you begin to narrow these down, consider each piece of gear as a long term investment in the quality of your work. Remember that spending a little more now could earn you much more in the future if it will improve the quality of your work. – The Record Shop Nashville

A home studio should be a place for creation, where you feel comfortable spending time and letting ideas flow freely. Investing in high quality gear the first time is priority. Get yourself a good quality, reliable interface from the likes of PreSonus or Focusrite that won’t interrupt your sessions. Good quality cables from the likes of TourTech are reliable and won’t let you down and some acoustic treatment from Auralex is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best out of any room. Don’t let bad equipment stifle creativity. Invest in the best you can at the time and watch your ideas really come to life.- PMT House of Rock

Let your studio grow with you

The setup I use works equally well in a single-family house as it would in a condo, which is where I started; at that time, I was doing everything through headphones so I wouldn’t disturb my neighbors.  By using an adjustable wood shelf (originally marketed as a TV stand) I’ve been able to get all my gear into a small space and still have easy access to all controls.  As I moved into larger houses, I was able to adapt to the new environment with more equipment. – Beginner Guitar Lessons

Educate on the science of sound and electronic devices

Know and educate on the basics of the science of sound and electronic devices. In order to build student confidence and minimize anxiety, it is necessary to educate students on the basic science of sound and electronic devices used in lessons or practice. Remind students that what they hear from an electronic device is not how they sound in real life since these built-in or external microphones from our phones, computers, recording devices, etc. only capture certain wavelengths in a given sound. – Martucci Music

Like Rome, your studio won’t be built in a day 

Start where you are. Don’t wait until you feel like it’s the “right time” to get started on creating your studio. We put things together piecemeal over the course of several years, buying a few things here and there, and eventually built up to what we have now. And we’re still adding, building, and changing. – Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs

Originally published on Redfin
November 19, 2020

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Exceptional Apps for Musicians, Singers and Artists

Exceptional Apps for Musicians, Singers and Artists – Last week’s blog post, I talked about social media formats that can aid you in boosting and advertising yourself as a musician. Today, I want to talk about some unique applications for your musical needs.

 

Sing! Karaoke by Smule: The app is aimed towards those who enjoy singing. The app provides you with lyrics and karaoke to various popular songs for you to sing, and record yourself. You can even sing with other people around the globe.

CoachGuitar – Guitar Lessons for Beginners: In school, did you consider yourself a “visual learner”? This app is for visual guitar lessons. This can be super helpful if you are confused or new to music theory and chords.

 

Chordbank – How to Play Guitar Cords: This app also teaches you to play guitar if you are also a new-be, but with cords and scales. It’s a less visual and pictorial app. Although, it takes you more into truly understanding the cords and scales.

 

Guitar Tuna – The Ultimate Free Tuner: This is the best stringed-instrument tuner I could find in the app store. It works with electric and acoustic string instruments. recording studio nashvilleThis app is so convenient because you don’t need any cables, just your digital device’s microphone! It will help you teach your musical ear.

 

Songsterr Tabs & Chords: Songsterr has thousands of chords and tabs for guitar, drum and bass. If you just love to play music but from time to time wonder to yourself “what should I play?” download this application to instantly gain access to countless chords and tabs.

 

Rhymers Block: This app is primarily used for making raps or poetry. When you start to write, you’ll get suggestions as what to write next. I personally think can also help you out with song writing too.

 

There are numerous music applications. I can only tell you about a few in so many words. Go into the App Store for yourself, and look up the few applications I listed and see if any grab your attention. You can even browse through similar music apps for yourself, because I promise you’ll find a lot of fantastic ones!

 

 

 

 

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Elements of Songwriting

Inspiration for writing a song can happen anywhere, at any time. You could be walking through the park or driving down the highway when an idea pops in your head. Whether it be a melody or a catchy lyric, you’ve created a snippet of a potentially rockin’ song. The problem is, most of the time these ideas never get put on paper. If you’re becoming more serious about your songwriting you have to understand that sometimes it’s a process.

 

The Melody

Although a catchy line came to mind in the car, a catchy melody is just as important. Even if you aren’t familiar with the melodic side of writing yet, you can get an idea of how you want the melody to go by humming or trying out vocal runs. It’s also a good idea to listen to music you’re inspired by to get an idea of what kind of sound you want your song to have. The melody might change during the duration of the writing process-but that’s okay! Your song is developing into its best form.

 

The Story

It may seem like a simple concept, but establishing the storyline of your song is such an important element. Make sure that once you know what you want your song to be about, you stick with it. Keep it on the same track so your song doesn’t become messy and seem unorganized. Is your song going to be narrative? Will it paint a picture? Do you want it to be a fun party song or an emotional ballad? These are a few decisions that need to be made early on. Be picky about you’re the vocabulary you’re using for your song.

 

“Good songwriting I think knows what it’s audience is, and knows how to speak to that audience.” Said Nashville songwriter J. Morris

 

Keep in mind who you’re talking to. This is where vocabulary plays a huge role. Although narrative structure and vocabulary seem simple, they are critical elements when it comes to great songwriting. Be sure to know your audience and what they’re looking for.

 

Co-Writing

When it comes to a co-writing session be sure that you don’t show up with a blank page. It can be anything from an initial melodic idea to a song title, but there needs to be some sort of direction you’re bringing to the table. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with the person you’re writing with. Some of the best songs come from genuine moments and feelings. Too many times writer’s produce songs simply because they think it will sell. Whatever genre or audience your selling to, being genuine in your writing is what is going to have your audience relate.   

 

 

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Starting At Home: Tips on Recording

It can get a little pricey going from studio to studio to record when you’re starting out. If you’re a beginner in the music business and looking to record outside a professional studio, it might be smart to invest in some home recording equipment. Home recording is a great way to get some of your music started and a great way to become your own producer. If you’re not sure how to get started recording your awesome music at home, here are a couple tips to help you out!

 

 

What You’ll Need

First things first, you’re going to need to purchase some recording equipment in order to get started. Although some of the equipment may seem pricey, home recording software is essential in order to record and mix your own tracks. There are several different types, even Apple’s Garage Band will do. Other software includes Pro Tools, Reaper, Studio One and Cakewalk SONAR. Feel free to do some research on which recording software will work best for what you’re wanting to do.

 

Although it’s possible to record through the speakers of your computer, it’s not ideal. Purchasing a microphone will give your home recording’s better quality overall. Along with your mic, be sure to grab a mic cable too! Headphones and studio monitors are equally important to get the good quality you’re looking for.

 

The Room

Make sure to set up your new studio equipment in a room with good acoustics. The dynamic of the room you’re in will affect the sound of anything you’re recording. Try to refrain from recording in a room full of clutter or large furniture-this also has the potential to affect the acoustics. Be sure to keep your new home studio organized and neat! This will be beneficial once you start tracking and mixing. Labels will be your best friend!

 

It may be intimidating to get started, but it’s worth the investment. Creating a studio in your home is a great way to get started and increase your skills. It’s convenient and available during any of your inspirational moments and can even gain revenue if you decide to let others record there. Be sure to keep in mind that you can still head to an outsourced studio for any of your larger projects!

 

For more detailed information on recording from home, check out our friends at rivingtonmusic.com. They have a rockin’ blog with a helpful and free e-book available on how to start recording at home from one of their latest posts!  

 

 

 

 

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Inside Moving to Nashville for Music

Moving to Nashville to pursue your music on a professional level can be scary. There’s a lot of talented artists on a similar pursuit and it’s easy to become disheartened. Being famous in a small town is cake, but what about when you get to the major leagues? Investing your time in pursuing music in Nashville can be tricky. Here are some things to know before moving to the city that can help the new transition.

 

Community

From the outside looking in, Nashville seems like the Los Angeles of the south. It can be intimidating knowing that other musicians have come to Music City to make their dreams come true, just like you have. Despite common belief, Nashville has a small town feeling with great community support. There are plenty of people willing to lend a helping hand and connect you with people who can assist in your music endeavors. There are also a ton of different venues throughout the city that you can meet with in order to begin playing shows and getting your name and music out there.

 

East Nashville

East Nashville is a great place to get started. This part of town also has strong community and awesome venues. With a little determination, you’ll be able to meet other artists and start getting involved in writer’s rounds. Connecting with other musicians can open the door for co-writing opportunities and might even lead to an awesome hit. It’s important to be patient in this process, however. Keep in mind there are a lot of talented musicians who’ve lived in Nashville for longer and have a similar goal.

 

Humble & Kind

Because of the amount of talented people pursuing music in Nashville, it is important to stay humble throughout your journey. “Making it” will take a lot of hard work, but will be incredibly worth it if you do. Don’t be too good for sacrifice in order to make your dream reality. Be kind to everyone you meet, because you never know where the connection will take you. Continue to be yourself, because staying genuine is what will stand out.

 

Don’t be afraid of the transition to Nashville. Although it can be challenging to get your career where you want it, the possibilities are also endless. Do your research, be patient and don’t get too hurt when things don’t work out the way you expected. Music City is an incredible place to enhance your career, if you’re courageous and dedicated and you’ll be just fine. Be sure to reach out to us at The Record Shop for any recording services or social media strategies you may need to get the ball rolling. We’re here to help!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why Artists Should Move To Nashville Now

NashvilleOver the last few years, Nashville’s music scene has elevated itself into international recognition due to the density of both the music business and the creative guitar-pickers, ballad belters, and session gods whose music graces the ears of locals and visitor alike.  The Nashville Skyline is alive with the sound of music!  Everywhere you go you are bound to hear music radiating from the local bars or some beautiful soul busking on the street corner.  Music is love.  Music is life.  We’d go so far as to argue that there is no other city in the world that is more involved, entranced, and obsessed with music than Nashville.  So as a budding artist who bravely wants to venture into the world of the music industry, here are 6 reasons why Nashville is the right place for you to be!

 

1) The Industry Lives Here

Nashville has been immersed in the Music Biz since the turn of the 20th century.  Since then, the Nashville Sound, and the massive amount of hard work put in by this town’s locals, has lifted Nashville’s rank to that of NYC or LA.  In recent years, Nashville has even surpassed the coastal giants in regards to industry involvement.  According to the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s analysis, found HERE, the Music Industry contributes $5.5 billion to the local economy and is responsible for around 56,000 jobs.  Everything an artist could need is here, and anyone an artist may need to help build their career is easily found here.  What are you looking for?  A Manager?  A Booking Agent?  A studio to record at?  A Publisher? An Entertainment Lawyer?  A PRO to join?  A quick Google search will provide you with lists of professionals who want to help make your career take off.  Nashville also has a very large film and photography scene for when you or your band are ready to shoot some music videos or get some photos from your next show.

2) It’s Called Music City for A Reason

Come down for a visit, and you will immediately be greeted with audible bliss emanating from someone with an instrument and a dream.  On any given day, at any given time, one can hear and see live music.  Step onto the fabled Broadway Strip where every bar and honky-tonk you pass has sweet music pouring out of it like electric sugar!  Continue your search for live music, and you will come across Nashville’s many music venues too.  Spring Water, Mercy Lounge, Station Inn, The Cannery Ballroom, Exit/In, Marathon Music Works, The Belcourt Theater, 3rd and Lindsley, The Basement, and 12th & Porter are just a few of the great venues in Nashville to check out great touring acts and local bands.  Then you have the Legendary Ryman Auditorium, TPAC, and Bridgestone Arena housing big name Jack White Nashvilleacts.  Are you a singer/songwriter or solo act?  Then you’re in luck, because Nashville also has many open mic’s and writer’s nights all over town; Bluebird Cafe should be first on your list! 

Once you spend a few hours you will also come to learn that everyone you meet in Nashville plays an instrument!  In his AMEX Unstaged concert footage, Nashville immigrant turned music-ambassador Jack White talks about finding musicians to record and tour with during his Blunderbus-era debut.  “The thing about Nashville is that everybody’s from all over the place.  I mean, you’ve got people who are like playing hillbilly, Appalachian music since they were little kids.  I’m from Detroit, so this is very different for me, having access to that many musicians around, you know?”

 

3) There is Creative Inspiration Everywhere

MLK Nashville QuoteNashville is the new Grenwich Village; a true bohemian hotspot oozing with creativity, vibrant colors, and a style all its own.  Each street you walk down has retro coffee shops, vintage clothing outlets, houses that have been turned into independent businesses (shout out to the Pfunkey Griddle!), and each one has endless racks for hipsters to lock their fixed-gear bikes too.  Good vibes are always being spread from the beautiful people of Nashville.  Spending time roaming Music City and interacting with it’s inhabitants is bound to get your creative juices flowing.  More of a night person?  Perfect, because Nashville’s night life is completely our of this world bonkers!  From the great bars on Broadway and Division Street (there are so many more too), to karaoke, dance clubs, dinner theater, and more, Nashville has it all.  Follow this link HERE to the Nashville Scene’s website where you can get a better idea at all the great places and events Music City has to offer.

 

4) Nashville is Much Friendlier & Affordable

When people think about breaking into the Music Industry, their first thought is to move to the NYC or LA.  We say NO!  Move to Nashville instead where Southern hospitality is alive and kicking.  Many professionals have moved here to get away from the blunt, fast-paced world of the coasts.  In the South, people are genuinely interested in you.  It is very common for meetings to start off with 15-20 minutes of getting to know each other, asking how your mother is doing, before getting down to business.  There is a low tolerance for rudeness round’ these parts, and having polite manners will gain you more brownie points than having a good song.  Speaking of manners, ladies, when dealing with Southerners do not be offended if they refer to you as “Ma’am.”  They ARE NOT referring to your age whatsoever!  In Nashville, like the rest of the South, calling people “sir” and “ma’am” is one of the first social cues that children are taught.  It becomes instinct.  

Rogers NashvilleNashville is also much more affordable to live in than NYC or LA ever will be.  While moving into the heart of the city is still pricey, it is still very doable with new apartment complexes and developments being built everyday.  Many of these new developments have even been tailor made specifically for career artists.  However, if big city life isn’t for you there are many fantastic neighborhoods only a stones throw away from Music City.  Franklin, Hermitage, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village, Belmont, and Vanderbilt are just a few great areas to go house hunting in!  Follow this link HERE for a Nashville living/housing guide.

 

5) Education

I believe in nashvilleAccording to the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s analysis from earlier, Nashville is slighted to become world’s “premier music education center”.  Besides having Belmont University and MTSU, two of the best four-year institutions for Audio Production, Music Performance, and Music Business education nearby, Nashville also has created many educational programs.  One of the largest is “Music Makes Us“.  Mayor Karl Dean, the Nashville Public School system, and many industry professionals joined together to provide high quality musical education to children K-12 by incorporating traditional musical schooling while also tackling newer genres, styles, and technologies.  Other fantastic education programs can be found at SAE, The Recording Connection, and BlackBird Academy!  It is also very pertinent to mention that the studios, publishers, labels, etc all have internship opportunities! 

“I don’t see us as being a farm team for the music industry,” he said. Instead, Dean said, the effort is a recognition that music “enriches a person’s life, makes them a well-rounded person and helps them academically.” –Mayor Karl Dean

 

6) The Record Shop is here!

We know how excited you are about starting your career in the music industry, and we want to help!!  The Record Shop Nashville’s mission is to provide the best quality product and service for our clients whether they are looking to record a simple demo, an LP, EP, or voice overs.  If you want something visual (that’s not to abysmal) , we also provide high quality video and photography.  Pack your bags, call the movers, and head down south to Nashville where good music, people and food are abundant.  

 

 

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Thanks for spending some time inside The Record Shop’s Nashville Recording Studio!  Be sure to follow and chat with us on Twitter @therecordshop for daily updates from Giovanni & The Henchmen.

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Rhodes Mark II

Hey y’all!  Welcome back the The Record Shop Nashville Recording Studio for another installment of BEHIND THE GEAR, one of the most splendiforous, titillating gear blogs on this rock we call Earth!  Well…we love it anyways.  Today we want to share some information about one of the most prolific pianos in music history.  The one…the only…Fender Rhodes Mark II electric piano!  The Fender Rhodes has been a coveted piano since it’s creation in 1960, when its inventor Harold Rhodes teamed up with Leo Fender to begin mass producing these fine instruments.  From Ray Manzarek to Herbie Hancock to “The Ruler of the Rhodes” Billy Preston, pianists alike have been performing live and recording the songs of their generations with these pianos.  So come on in, and lets talk about the Fender Rhodes!

harold rhodesHarold Rhodes: Inventor & Humanitarian

Before we dive into the instrument itself, we at The Record Shop want to shed a light on Harold Rhodes.  A Los Angeles native, Rhodes began teaching piano when he was 19, where he developed what is now called the “Rhodes Method” of teaching.  Harold aimed to combine classical piano’s reliance on written sheet music with jazz improvisation.  During WWII Rhodes, now one of the top piano instructors in the U.S., joined the Army Air Corps where he continued to teach piano to his fellow soldiers.  Harold was soon asked by the Air General Surgeon to create a music-therapy program for injured GIs.  Rhodes then built several “lap-top” pianos, along with kits that soldiers could build themselves. These portable, 29-key pianos were made from used aluminum from B-17 airplanes and functioned almost like a xylophone.  “Make and Play”, as the program was named, became the the most successful music-related program ever implemented by the United States government!  After he returned from War, Rhodes continued teaching and developing pianos with his new venture Rhodes Piano Corporation.  Then as history goes, Leo Fender bought RPC in 1959 and mass production began. 

 

Rhodes Mark II

The Rhodes Stage Piano

Harold stayed with the Rhodes company after the 1965, CBS acquisition of Fender and developed the first Fender Rhodes piano.  These 73-keyed pianos were made up of two parts – the actual piano and a built-in power amplifier and speaker.  5 years later the 73-note Stage Piano was released!  The Stage Piano was marketed for its light-weight portability, detachable legs, sustain pedal, and single output jack.  From 1970 – 1981, Rhodes put out The Mark I Stage Piano, which was modified several times over the 1970s, and the Mark II Stage Piano.  Of the Mark Series (I-VII), the Mark I and II seem to be the most sought after by pianists.  There other pianos in the series seem to be used more for specific sounds and tastes, but they are mostly purchased as collectors items.  The Mark II is essentially a Mark I stage piano after all the design changes made during the 1970s.  It has the same black suitacse look, removable music rack, flat hard cover, volume-control & tone-control (bass boost) knobs, tuning fork principle sound generation, sustain pedal, and adjustable legs. 

fender rhodes mark IIThere really isn’t much we can say to describe the Mark II’s tone in words.  Follow this link HERE for a video demonstration by Neville Styke’s YouTube channel where he showcases the full audio spectrum of the Mark II.  In closing, the Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano has a completely unique tone that can add so much richness to your track and arrangement that is simply unparalleled.  Harold Rhodes gave the world an amazing gift by creating these instruments, and he will forever go down in history for his revolutionary designs for pianos and sound creation.  So, the next time you find yourself in Nashville give us here at The Record Shop a call and tickle the keys of our Mark II. 

 

 

 

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Thank you for joining The Record Shop Nashville for another Behind The Gear.  We hope we’ve been informative.  Click HERE for a complete list of our Nashville Recording Studio’s gear.  And HEY!!! Follow and chat with Gio & the crew on Twitter @therecordshop!  See y’all next time!

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What the Record Shop Nashville Offers to Aspiring Artists

Are you looking to become a successful recording artist? In order to do that, you’ll need to begin recording music. When selecting a studio, a number of factors will help define your options. For instance, your budget will determine which studios you can afford and your location will help you locate studios that are reasonably close by. Anyone who lives near Nashville, Tennessee should strongly consider doing business with The Record Shop Nashville. This studio offers a full service, hands on experience and will work diligently to ensure they meet your standards. At the end of the day, you’ll go home with a high quality album recorded in good old Nashville, Tennessee.

 The Record Shop in Nashville understands the importance of letting the artist create a unique album. With their high tech tools, such as Pro Tools HDX, you’ll be able to achieve the exact sound that you’re looking for. If you’re more interested in a classic recording experience, you can use their classic analog gear. Regardless of your desires, The Record Shop is willing and capable of satisfying your every wish. Over the years, the studio has been used by a number of highly successful recording artists including Tim McGraw, Mark McGrath, John Legend, Brett Michaels, Big & Rich and even Lil Jon.

 Want to keep up with the latest news from The Record Shop? That can be done very easily by visiting the studio’s website. On their website, you’ll find a variety of helpful information including services offered, a list of former clients and a unique blog. The blog is extremely helpful and details the studio’s every day ongoings. Through their blog, you’ll be able to find out exactly when they receive a new piece of equipment and who happens to walk through their doors. If you’re in Nashville and want to record an album, don’t hesitate to visit the Record Shop in Nashville.

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The Record Shop in Nashville – A Recording Studio that Offers Value

Have you been blessed with the wonderful talent of singing or playing a musical instrument? Would you like to see how far you can reach into stardom? Well, if you answered “yes” to these questions, and reside in or around the Nashville, Tennessee area. You definitely want to check out more of this great website. This wonderful record shop in Nashville is located in the heart of country music’s legendary area, Tennessee. Nashville Recording Studio’s owners and employees have experience in dealing with new and up incoming, artist like yourself. They can give you the best advice on how to get your voice out there for all the world to hear.

When visiting the equipment pages of our website, you will be shocked how up to date our equipment is. There you will find that they use the best software and equipment in the business. They will record your voice by using Pro Tools HDX, Logic Studio, and Apogee Big Ben Master Clock equipment. You will surely be amazed at the quality of the recordings. You will be jumping up and down with joy, because you know that you have the greatest potential to become famous. You will not believe that is your voice you are listening to.

 The Nashville Recording Studio also offers a large array of microphones that you can choose from to use during your recording. You can choose from the long list of popular microphones including; Neumann M149, 47 Capsule, or Shure SM 7B, this is only to name a few. If you are not familiar with this tremendous equipment, the employees will sit right down and explain each one to you, until you choose the perfect one that will suit your needs. No one can ask for anything better than that when working at a recording studio.  

If you live in or around the Nashville vicinity, be sure to make a stop in the very popular recording studio, Nashville Recording Studio.

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Product review: Gibson Les Paul ’58 Reissue

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Gibson Les Paul ’58 Reissue, Gibson has created the most accurate vintage Les Paul reproduction yet. This guitar has an updated antique finish, the same classic hardware design as the original, a new truss rod as well as trapezoid fretboard inlays in a classic style. When you own this guitar you will feel like you own a piece of rock music history.

 

The Main Features

The mahogany neck of this guitar has that early 1950’s profile that is so recognizable for Les Paul guitars and gives this reissue the feeling of coming straight out of 1958. The updated vintage appointments on the guitar make it look more like the original. The sound is very reminiscent of the orginal since the CustomBucker pickups give that same vintage tone.

 

Updated Vintage Appointments

The new appointments adds to this Gibson Les Paul ’58 reissue give it more authenticity and vintage sound. Hide glue is used to attach the neck, which will make the sound better than if synthetic glue was used.

 

CustomBucker Pickups

It is not only the aesthetic features that were taken into account in the design of this guitar. The electronics were also fine tuned. The internal signal path of this guitar is meant to give an exact 1958 Les Paul tone. The guitar features CTS potentiometers and bumble bee capacitors which help give it that exact sound you are looking for. As for the humbuckers, the CustomerBucker used for this ’58 reissue is the most historically accurate copy created to date of the original humbuckers used.

 

Early 1950’s Mahogany Neck

The iconic mahogany neck you have come to recognize in 1950’s Les Paul guitars is certainly a key feature for this guitar. It has the original wide neck used before 1959. The wide neck lets you really lean into the guitar when playing and get the best tone by digging in. The  Les Paul Plaintop ’58 Reissue is the best of the best when it comes to historically accurate recreations of classic Les Paul guitars. 

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