studio transition

[AAsa]

I'm considering opening up my studio to outside engineers.
Very scary for me, which is why I haven't done it yet.
I grew my studio from a 4-track in my bedroom to an HD rig in a commercial space.
All my guitars are there, all my personal music, financial stuff etc. Don't like the idea of having strangers using my gear.

So bottom line, I need to bill more hours and make more money. I figure getting new blood through the joint is one place to start.

Anybody made the transition from lone ranger with a studio to 'studio owner'?

Any thoughts pro or con would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
A

[drBill]

I would take your guitars, financial stuff, business computer, and anything you don't want snooped into or abused out of the studio - with a possible exception of providing a guitar or ??? upon request. I'd also personally install security cameras inside the facility. Good luck. thumbsupthumbsup It's a rough time.....

[shaneoconnor]

from the standpoint of a freelance engineer. i am VERY critical of the gear at a studio, its cleanliness, the availability of instruments (huge!).

like, if a room doesnt have high quality front end, a great mic selection, amazing amps, and at LEAST HD1, i expect to pay bargain prices..... as in under 300 for a lockout day.

i would say that opening up to freelance engineers will be a LOT of work, but if its the difference between closing your studio or keeping it open, go for it.

[drBill]

Originally Posted by shaneoconnor

from the standpoint of a freelance engineer. i am VERY critical of the gear at a studio, its cleanliness, the availability of instruments (huge!).

like, if a room doesnt have high quality front end, a great mic selection, amazing amps, and at LEAST HD1, i expect to pay bargain prices..... as in under 300 for a lockout day.

i would say that opening up to freelance engineers will be a LOT of work, but if its the difference between closing your studio or keeping it open, go for it.

Certainly the MAIN difference between having a place for yourself and opening up to outside engineers like Shane or ??? is that you will need to please THEM - not yourself. Just because you feel your studio is cool doesn't mean they will agree. (Been down that road myself.....) I'd plan on buying a substantial array of new gear as each engineer is going to request at least ONE piece of non-negotiable gear that they need. Without it, they won't bring in their clients.