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Instruments

Dave Smith, the godfather of MIDI

Dave Smith: The Godfather of MIDI

June 17, 2022June 17, 2022 Michael Gallant

Music technologist, inventor, and synthesizer creator Dave Smith died on May 31, 2022. His innovations will continue to shape music for years to come. Read the post.

music instrument

How to choose the right music instrument for you

December 30, 2021December 30, 2021 Michael Gallant

In a music instrument marketplace flooded with high-quality options, determine your needs, do your research, and trust your gut. Read the post

record music

Record — and protect your files — on the road

September 23, 2021September 24, 2021 Michael Gallant

With the right technology, strategies, and planning, indie artists can record and produce amazing music anywhere. Read the post

recording acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar: Experiment with mic placement

September 7, 2021September 8, 2021 Keith Hatschek

The mics you use on any instrument in your home studio recording are a major variable in how your recording will sound, but mic placement is a big part of capturing the best tone for your recording. Read the post

Flying V

The Flying V: The history of an iconic guitar

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021 Andre Calilhanna

Since the first production electric guitar rolled out of its plant in 1936, Gibson has crafted some of the industry’s most iconic guitars — from the Les Paul and SG to the Memphis blues classic. But the lore and design of the Flying V and its modernistic siblings hold a special place in the Gibson catalog. Read the post.

live strings

Adding live strings to your recording

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020 Michael Gallant

When you’re ready to add violin, cello, or other orchestral strings to your recordings, these tips will get you off the ground and help you communicate and harness the creativity of your collaborators. Read the post.

laptops at music gigs

Using a laptop onstage (without crashing your performance)

July 18, 2019July 18, 2019 Michael Gallant

Considering using a laptop onstage to enhance your sound or visuals at gigs? These basic tips can help you minimize problems and keep your shows on track. Read the post.

Nord electric keyboard

Finding the right digital piano

June 25, 2019June 26, 2019 Michael Gallant

Need the feel and sound of a great acoustic piano for your live shows? Here are some digital pianos that might fit the bill Read the post.

acoustic piano

Acoustic piano on stage and in the studio

May 16, 2019May 16, 2019 Michael Gallant

While an acoustic piano may be the preference for a studio or live gig, it’s not always the most practical choice. Here are tuning tips and suggestions for alternatives when it comes to providing piano for your next gig. Read the post.

remote musical collaboration

Are you ready for a remote musical collaboration?

October 9, 2018October 9, 2018 Michael Gallant

If you need to collaborate with others to make your project come alive, when do you look locally and when do you search beyond? Here are some guidelines to help you decide when remote musical collaboration is right for your project. Read the post.

A cellist recording for remote music collaboration.

Remote music collaboration: How I got a live cello on my recording

October 2, 2018October 12, 2018 Michael Gallant

When I realized my latest recording project needed live strings to add the energy and timbre the song needed, I ended up collaborating with a cellist from Toronto, with stellar results. Read the post.

plug-ins

Working with plug-ins: A beginner’s guide

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018 Michael Gallant

If you’re new to home recording, or looking to expand your repertoire, using plug-ins might feel intimidating and complicated. It’s really not that hard to start using plug-ins and expand your sonic palette. Read the post.

A DAW interface illustrating the use of various audio plug-ins.

Meet the Audio plug-in: Your start-up kit

September 7, 2018September 25, 2018 Michael Gallant

An audio plug-in is specialized software for better music-making with your DAW, and plug-ins serve a variety of purposes to flavor, enhance, and add to the breadth of your home studio recordings. Read the post.

fret buzz

Seven causes — and remedies — of guitar fret buzz

August 16, 2018April 20, 2021 Gavin Whitner

There are several reasons why you might experience fret buzz on your electric or acoustic guitar. Some are easy to identify and fix. Others might require an expert hand. Read the post.

analog synthesizers

Analog synthesizers expand your musical horizons

February 7, 2018April 30, 2019 Michael Gallant

From mood-setting ambient tones to raucous synth-pop, analog synthesizers have made a mark on music in various genres – and they’re not just for keyboards! Read More.

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