Need gift help for home studio

[tiggr_too]

My boyfriend has a home studio where he creates/mixes his own music. He plays the guitar and sings. He hasn't been much into it lately and I want to either upgrade what he has or get him something in addition that will encourage him to get back into it. I am completely clueless on equipment but here is a list of what he already has, I hope it's enough info:

SW called Cakewalk
Roland sounds module plugged into a Yamaha synthesizer
Yamaha acoustic guitar, Fender strat, 3 pedals for effects, mic
Tascam 4 channel portastudio that records onto tape cassette

Since I know nothing about this kind of thing, I don't know if there's anything missing that could be really useful for him. I have seen that there are digital portastudios, but don't know if that's the way to go, and if it is, which is a good one. I also know nothing about Cakewalk so don't know if there's something better out there along those lines. If anyone has any ideas on something stellar that might spark his fire for this again it would be greatly appreciated. It's something he really loves.

[SillyBee]

How about, ummmm, asking him so that he doesn't have to act like he likes it.

That way he gets what he wants and if you want to also surprise him put on some white stockings and garter belt with a big red ribbon accross your chest.

Merry Christmass

[tiggr_too]

tried that...got told not to spend the money. I guess I should also say that I'm willing to spend up to around $500 to upgrade/add to his studio.


(you forgot the high heels)

[BrentDomann]

I would really try to put more pressure on him to give you an idea. There are so many options for upgrading a set-up, and even in each category (like microphones) there are a million possibilities. More importantly, certain items are very personal. A good vocal mic would need to be heard in the store before buying to see if it fits his voice; and I guarantee that with items like guitars, certain ones in the store would have more "mojo" for your man--enough he would gravitate to those naturally in a way that you or I would not.

You might try to make a more specific offer. Like, "Honey, I know you love to sing and play, but you have been using that same mic for so long. Would you like a new vocal condensor mic?" or "I've heard that they make digital portastudios now. Would you like to take a gander at them next time we are out?"

This, even if it doesn't get him to reply with a specific idea, might move you in a general area (like, he might be more apt to look at mics than portastudios, so you would look into getting him a mic).

I hope that helps. If it's any consolation, I don't usually let my girlfriend buy anything musical of great expense (like a guitar, mixer, mic, etc.) for me, either. I suppose it's because most of this stuff is feeding a hobby that acts like a "continually possible career", and I feel that the expense is largely in vain because I am more of a hobby player than a career musician.

[DavidK]

Find out what Cakewalk he has i.e. Sonar 1. You can upgrade it to Sonar 5.

Lessons would be cool.

Books on recording.

I wouldnt blow a LOT of money and something that he wont need. A gift certificate might be cool, I would LOVE one. If he doesnt like it, send it to me, posthaste.

[notbradsohner]

get a musicansfriend.com or sweetwater.com catalog, and leave it laying around. See if anything catches his eye.

[giraffe]

what's his main instrument?
if you want him to play music more you need to get him something that helps him create music. not something that records it.
a new pre/mic is neat......... but will not do much to help him overcome a dry spell.


how about a new acoustic/eletcric/bass git?
any new instrument usually goes a good bit twards getting the creative juices flowing.
(it's like being with a new girl )