Dale Harris

At The Post-building Stage

Since the studio live-room was finished, I recorded all of my third CD Reverie On A Hill there, plus some items for future classical guitar solo CD projects. I found that the live room was perhaps too lively for my solo guitar work. Thus, as you can see in the pictures, I installed a few moveable soundboards near the walls and placed a rug to cut down any unwanted reflections. Moreover, I always shield and consequently dampen off the radiator as I find it reflects the high end frequencies which upset the frequency balance of the microphones.

On the whole, considering this was my first attempt at building a studio, I can say that the results are extremely pleasing. That said, don't under-estimate the time spent in preparation: e.g., sourcing materials and tools, asking others for advice (expect a variety of opinions as well). It's also wirth talking to other studio owner-builders. The producer Pat Collier gave some invaluable hints regarding aspects of the building process in addition to sound-related matters.

Guitar prices start at around 40-50GBP for a classical, 60-100 for steel-string acoustic and electric instruments.
More advanced students should look at Epiphone or Dean guitars, and Fender Squire models such as Stratocasters, Telecasters. Gibson Les Paul copies have a good thick and sustaining sound although they tend to be heavy and perhaps less-versatile, forget guitars will silly shapes (e.g. 'flying v') as finding suitable cases that will fit is a headache and cumbersome.

End Results

On the whole, considering this was my first attempt at building a studio, I can say that the results are extremely pleasing. That said, don't under-estimate the time spent in preparation: e.g., sourcing materials and tools, asking others for advice (expect a variety of opinions as well). It's also wirth talking to other studio owner-builders. The producer Pat Collier gave some invaluable hints regarding aspects of the building process in addition to sound-related matters.

How (Not) To Injure Yourself?

Most of the chipboard wood was cut using a circular saw, a rather dangerous but neccesary tool. As long as you think about what you are about to do, and let the saw do the work (and don't ever force it) then I don't see why anyone cannot do this.The same can be said for drilling. I had one accident when drilling the holes into the concrete for the cable runs. I found that the drill can suddently grip the surface and the handle turns instead to the drill-bit. My hand was smashed into the ground, momentarily crushing my middle finger! Luckily it was only bruised but that action could have meant a broken finger or two so I would advise more caution when your fingers or hands are in the firing line.

Inviting Other Musicians: Problems

The depth of the chipboard was a crucial factor as the other rooms in the house all need to be met at the same height. It is best to avoid there being any steps to trip-up over for dreaded health and safety reasons. You don't want to invite Eric Clapton over for a jam only for him to trip-up on his way to the bathroom and break his neck now do you?!

Dale Harris, this article was written in January 2009