studio question for some of the veterans

[genericperson]

Hello,

I was hoping some of the guys like Lindall, Slipperman, etc. could chime in here (because they would have the right perspective).

Basically, I worked out my list of studio equipment that I want. I can't get it all at once. So my question is this:

I was thinking about just doing simple demo's/overdubs/beat-making for people until my studio is fully where I want it. Then I would raise rates and go after independent label artists with some sort of "budget".

The other idea is simply to wait until I have all the money saved up, and then have a "grand opening".

The "grand opening" idea makes a clear identity in the market place (this is the studio, this is the level it's at). But if I do some humble recordings while I go, it could help pay for the equipment and I can get practice. Also, maybe some of my intro clients might start to get picked up by a small label, and we could "grow up" together.

I think I remember people like Slipperman have "traded up" in gear over time. Just wondering if that is o.k. to do these days. I would actually be "adding" to the gear rather than trading up overall.

It's going to take me 22 months to accumulate the money to get all that I want. That seems like a long time to be on the sidelines. If I could pick up about $200 in work a week, that could shorten up the acquisition time, and keep me from getting restless.

It's for a hip-hop production studio, if that matters for anything.

Thanks for any insights. And if there is anyone besides Lindall or Slipperman that might have an insight on this, please chime in (I just know that those two people have worked their way into top-class studio owner-operator situations and are smart, considerate people). I'm sure there are many people here who could help steer me in the right direction.

I put this in the high-end area, because I personally like excellent quality gear, and I am aspiring to build my studio into something really good. Plus the people in high-end have often been at this a long time.

[Darius van H]

If you're good, word will get around, people will come to you, it's a virtuous circle......why wait 2 years to get it all at once?....get what you can afford, do the best you can and as your client base increases,so will your income- hence more gear.

A grand opening is all very well, but it doesn't beat happy customers + word of mouth - just my 2eurocents FWIW.

[AlexLakis]

I agree with Darius, as long as you can put out quality material in the meantime, why not do it? You'll be making money, and most importantly, you'll be making contacts and a good buzz will start to spread about your work...That way, when your studio finally has it's "grand opening," you can have lots of sessions all ready booked and waiting for it!

[gainreduction]

Start collecting the gear !

[blackbox]

i can't put my finger on it but you've got some weird misconceptions or perspective issues. grand opening? needing "practice"? doesn't sound like you should be investing lots of money into a business venture like this if you have zero experience. Sounds dangerous. I'd encourage you to stay cheap or buy stuff that historically retains its value.

[C.Lambrechts]

Darius nails it in his first sentence .... if you're good, word will get around and people will come.

I only want to add this :

'good' doesn't only mean 'good' in terms of engeneering skills. 'good' means 'good' in general .... as a person in general including business, communication and whatever other skills there are to make one a 'good' person.

It's definately a combination of those

[Darius van H]

That's true.......good sometimes means massaging someones ego, biting you're lip etc.....lot's of tricks of the trade which have nothing to do with sound!