Contract between recording studio and client

[moelar2]

I've been trying to look for sample contracts between a recording studio and the client, but i'm having a difficult time coming across them. All I find is the artist - record company type.

where would I be able to find these? Do you guys typically make your clients sign sometype of contract? I'm really interested in this, particularly because I'm a law student (finishing 1st year, so i'm still more confused than I am knowledgeable!)

Thanks!

[Blue Bear Sound]

Mine's HERE, if you want to have a look at it....

[moelar2]

I see you kinda have a satisfaction clause in there, although you don't expressly label it that:

"9 - Receipt of media from Blue Bear Sound to the Client is acknowledgement between both parties that the quality of all services rendered by the Studio is satisfactory to the Client and shall release Blue Bear Sound from any and all liability regarding said recording media and services rendered."

Other than that, how does your contract (or you) handle a situation where at the end of the project, the person is simply not satisfied with the recording. What if he starts saying, "well, you said it'd be fixed in the mix," or "well, you said that that guitar tone would sound fatter, but it doesn't." (Your first reply to my question might be, "well, i would never put myself in that position" - but assume you would). I'm trying to envision all the possible scenerios of what could happen and find a way to limit liability in the contract.

I imagine there's a fine line between hints and tips that you as an engineer give the band and actual production desicions. Many bands, especially young and inexperienced bands rely on the *expertise* of the person recording, and often ask for judgment calls that are more along the lines of "producing" than "engineering." I'm sure that it also depends on the complaint...if its an 8 measure lead riff in one of the songs, then its much easier to record than argue about it and risk having a unsatisfied customer spread the word...but if its the drum tracks that they decided wasn't their "style" - what now... Suppose they aren't even alleging that the sound is not good, but its not what they want... What then?

[ATM1984]

http://www.coraimamusic.com/contracts.shtml

Go to #89 down at the bottom

[Blue Bear Sound]

If I haven't been formally hired as the "Producer", and they consider themselves "self-produced" then responsibility for sonic decisions rests ENTIRELY with them, so they really can't come back at the engineer when the CD cover says "Produced by BAND XYZ".