Already beginning to get some good advice. From the simplicity of “Do it!” to the suggestion of adding pictures and a few recommendations from the boys in the band for recording software/interfaces:
1) SONAR X3 Producer (with the caveat “…it is expensive”)
2) ProSonus Studio One. (Rumour, without Graham Parker, has it that “If you buy an interface for about $150, you get the software free.”)
Plan to mic my legendary Standell amp. Procured by my father from a co-worker for $75 (a better offer was made to the seller, but dad poured out a sob story about how the guy had promised it to me) and once partially backed over with me at the wheel of my 1st car – a 1976 Pontiac Ventura.
The decision to mic comes solely from my one extracurricular recording affair (I swear, it meant nothing). I met a few times with a good group of guys that, at that time, were Stamina led by talented guitarist Ron Russikoff (who I was put in touch with by my friend, and Get-Up fan club president, Ian Skuse). I went into the recording studio (I have no idea which one it was) and made it through one track – not sure if it ever saw the light of day. Anyway, the Standell was in a separate room with a microphone.
I also tickled some “ivories” (here at home) to get the creative juices flowing (a Carolina Pale Ale was enjoyed as well). Full disclosure: I don’t technically play keyboard. No piano lessons, just self-taught (with a little tutoring from David Husted a long time ago).
I am a bassist with enough 6-string experience to write songs and hopefully support my tracks.
-Bejzak B. Nimble
If you are using one or only a few microphones, most knowledgeable folks would point to the Shure SM57. It captures vocals well, can be used on an amp or guitar, is nearly indestructible and can be yours usually for about $100.
I have one microphone. It is a Shure – I’m not entirely sure of the model #, but did a little research before purchasing. Different strokes for different folks Mr. Weatherman. Thanks.
Ed,
I believe as you begin to meander into “recording” land and ,assuming you will acquire audio interface and recording s/w, you will come to depend upon the keyboard you referenced in your 2nd blog more and more (hopefully it is midi capable). I say this because someday you will tap into the power of instrument plugins (VSTs). They opened up a whole new world for me and, perhaps, will for you too. Until then, use what you got and learn as you go. That’s all I’ve been doing.
Dave
It is midi capable. I fear that instrument plugins could be very dangerous for someone who loves production as much as I do, but will definitely keep it in mind. Did you make full demos of your tracks before working on the “final” recordings?
I would strongly recommend the full demo route.it allows you to stoke the creative process while not being overly concerned about perfection.as you know and Dave can no doubt attest,final recordings are painstaking,brutally detailed,and ridiculously time consuming.with a demo,you at least have a concrete idea to work from and to be able to convey to other people.
That’s what I was thinking. I don’t think I have the discipline that might be required otherwise.
The song “build” process for every song was unique. Typically, I start with a rough idea ….a melody that won’t leave me or a rhythm that won’t die….and I get a very rough version of this recorded on a track. I then add tracks around this, eventually, even replacing the original idea track. My tracks are often a combination of both audio and midi tracks. The benefit of midi tracks is that you can change instruments and/or instrument voices without having to “necessarily” re-record. After all tracks are recorded I do my final song “heavy mixing” for overall volume/balance/effect at the end. If you like production, be patient, its surely coming. You can’t do this stuff alne in my opinion without at some point becoming progicient at production. ……DH out.
I’ll have to see how things go. I tend to want keep things as “organic” as possible, but it might depend on the song. Thanks for your insights.
one more idea.if you have an iPad,download GarageBand.while it is not incredibly sophisticated,it gives you almost unlimited tracks,has a built-in microphone for acoustic guitar and vocal,as well as some sequencing options for built-in keyboard guitar and bass.
No iPad. I’ll check if there’s something similar out there.