My dad has embedded a very simple concept in my mind from an early age... If you want to accrue wealth, don't spend more than you make. That's it. Somehow, gear companies have figured out how to speak to musicians' insecurities and feed them the lie that they are incapable of making good music without their products. Let's talk about it! Keep in mind that everything I write about in this post is completely subjective. What I include is solely my perspective and not necessarily "the right" way.
1. If I get a better guitar and amp, I'll sound better.
This is debatable... but I'm going to put this video here... Chances are, you might just need to keep practicing. Book a few gigs and start saving up! It's cool to have music as a hobby, but if you intend on "leveling up" your gear at any time -it shouldn't be considered an "investment" unless you are actively making money and saving up for the next "level". If you're in a place where you just want a better guitar and a better amp and it's all for fun -by all means: GO FOR IT -but don't expect to magically obtain skills just by purchasing a new instrument! If you're buying logic is "When I get _____, then I'll be a better guitar player", put your wallet away and keep practicing... It's a trap!!!
2. I NEED PEDALS!!!
It all depends... I've equipped myself with enough pedals for me to have what I consider a "responsible" setup, however, I didn't acquire these pedals until I was actively recording and playing live frequently. Also, I do not use every pedal I own -or even leave them on my board. I pick and choose which pedals will be necessary for which occasions.
Here are what I consider "responsible" pedals to have access to:
1. Compressor
2. Overdrive
3. Delay
That's it. If I had to recommend 3 "responsible" pedals, those are the ones. Two larger pedals that are nice to have, fun, but not crucial, are a Volume pedal and a Wah pedal. I usually only use my Volume pedal to eliminate any unwanted electrical noise (if I'm using an amp mod). Aside from that, I do most of my volume swells with the volume knob on the guitar.
-again, if you're buying logic when scouring the inter webs for guitar pedals is "When I get _____, then I'll be a better guitar player", put your wallet away and keep practicing... It's a trap!!! Pedals are meant to enhance your sound -not BE your sound.
What a bout a tuner? It's important to have access to a tuner! My experience with pedal tuners is awful, though. I've blown up three of them. It's not because I powered them wrong or was irresponsible with them... Somehow, I ended up with three lemon tuners. They worked once and never again. The pedal tuners I received were all gifts -so I didn't put pro-coverage on them (if you shop at Guitar Center, Pro-Coverage is a GREAT addition to your purchase). Consequently, I ended up without a tuner. I've recently picked up a TCHelicon PolyTune that clips to the headstock of my guitar -and it is the finest tuner I've ever used! Scratch that, second finest, I grew up using a big box strobe tuner -and those things are AMAZING ... I digress, I'd prefer to not have the tuner hanging off of my guitar, but it's hidden from audience site, and the LED text are large enough and bright enough for me to make adjustments. I'll take it!
3. I'm Ready to Record Some Music!
So, you're ready to start recording some demos? This is one of my favorite things to talk about! I LOVE THE RECORDING / MUSIC PRODUCTION PROCESS!!! I don't usually like naming particular brands/models, but I'm going to name a few here because there are so many to be distracted by.
Here's my cost-effective recommendations to record your demos!
Things you'll need:
1. A Computer - (nothing fancy -if you already have a computer, use that!)
Estimated cost: FREE*!!!
*If you already have one. If you buy one, just make sure the specs will accommodate a USB 3 port (that's where the interface plugs in).
2. A Digital Audio Workstation or DAW [aka: your software] - (Audacity, PreSonus Reaper, & Ardour are a few free options)
Estimated cost: FREE!!!
3. An Interface - Your interface will allow you to record your guitar and then record your vocal. For a little extra, you can even record using midi. I recommend either the Focusrite Scarlett series, or PreSonus AudioBox if you are wanting to record into a tablet. Both of these interfaces are available for less than $100 each (the models under $100 do NOT include midi). The preamps are solid and they include a small plugin suite for your DAW (reverb, delay, compression). ProTip: Stay away from M-Audio!
Estimated cost: $100
4. A Microphone - You can never go wrong with an SM57. One of those costs about $100, but if you take care of it, it'll take care of you for life!
Estimated cost: $100
5. Cables - Let's keep it simple for now: 1 guitar cable (15') and 1 XLR cable (15') -we're making demos not masterpieces here, so it's okay to go for the $10 cables.
Estimated cost: $20
6. Mic Stand - A mic with a boom stand:
Estimated cost: $30
7. Pop Filter - Make sure your pop filter is made of metal. Mesh pop filters don't work very well.
Estimated cost: $35
8. Headphones - You get what you pay for, but for the sake of keeping it budget-friendly, a set of $20 cans from Wal-Mart will be just fine for this project.
Estimated cost: $20
Estimated total for starting to record on your own: $305
---> All of this equipment will last several years if you take care of it. The first piece of equipment that you'll need to replace (or upgrade) will be the computer. If you were hoping to shell out a couple thousand to get started in recording, I recommend starting here and putting the rest towards saving up to a more powerful audio-making-computer (assuming you enjoy the recording process)!
When it comes to recording, it will take time to learn your software and equipment. Don't be discouraged if you're not a master right away -nobody is! Consider your recording rig an instrument in and of itself -it's self-explanatory on how to get started, but it takes years of practice to become a true music production master! That being said, if you take the time to learn how to record your own music -and take the time to really learn how to do it- you can save yourself thousands of dollars in the future.
I can't reiterate that it will take a significant amount of time (years) to learn the recording and production process. If you decide you don't like the recording process and you've followed my advice, you've only lost just over $300 -but if you decide you love the process and are diligent about it, the sky is the limit (starting at just over $300).
I'm curious to hear about your recording experiences! I'd also love to hear your demos! Feel free to leave links in the comments section!
Until next time,
-T.