Instrument Maintenance isn't the sexiest topic. But, you know when you will go into a recording session. The planning is usually in advance. Instrument maintenance should be just as essential as the song you are recording. It is a time killer in the studio. The list can include, but not be limited to, guitar strings, bass strings, jacks on the guitars, instrument cables, drum hardware, drum nuts & bolts, drum heads, tuning, and more. Let's look at them one at a time because it is that important.

Instrument maintenance on guitars. You must have the intonation on your guitar or bass evaluated. Or do it yourself if you have the know-how. The main tuning may be correct, but other guitar or bass neck places may not be in tune. Instrument tuning is critical for a recording. Strings are another vital part of the sound of your instrument. Change them. Not at the studio, but days before going to the studio. Give them and your guitar a chance to settle in.

Instrument Maintenance - What is Next?

The subsequent adjustment should be tightening the input jacks. Nothing kills a take more than your instrument dropping out when you move. Also, check your cables. The improper signal can degrade your sound. Instrument maintenance can save your recording.

Instrument maintenance on drums. You don't notice little rattles until placing thirteen microphones on a drum kit. Then, go over every nut and bolt to ensure there are no rattles. That is an extreme time killer in the studio, and tracking it down is problematic because it is not always apparent which drum is causing the issue.

Just like guitar strings, change your drum heads. If you tend to play in a particular key, tune your kick, snare, and toms to notes within that key. That will help bring an extra dimension to the sound of the band. We all think to tune guitar but rarely think of the tone of drums. Just taking that spare time to tune, plus lube all the nuts and bolts, will help.

Instrument maintenance is instrumental in your success in the recording studio. I couldn't resist!