Technical aspects aside, what has building your studio taught you?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bill Furnett
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Bill Furnett

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I have done various types of remodeling and have built small insignificant things in the past, but as I slowly make progress on my space (also small and insignificant) , I can’t help feeling there is something very unique about constructing a home studio environment.

I’m certain that when you put your heart into something out of pure craft there is an opportunity to come away with more than just a space to record in.

Personally, I’m finding the long detailed journey (For the most part) a relaxing one every bit as enjoyable as recording itself and as an example of what I have learned (The hard way) : If there’s no deadline, then maybe slow the F down a bit man!

I wish that wisdom had been imparted upon me earlier as now I sit here with things on hold waiting for my hand to heal after busting it up trying to get just that little bit more done. In the end, not taking my time has shown me that rushing can be a sure fire way to make things take longer and even add to the cost.

I know some of you have built very large elaborate spaces while others have perhaps built smaller ones numerous times over the years, so for those like myself venturing into a 1st time build what wisdom can you pass along?

(Come on Ghost, this is your big chance to advise against eating the yellow snow. Again, wisdom that I wish had been imparted upon me earlier!)

-Billy-
 
never to say "soundproof" in the studfio building forum.It is like saying "rap mic" in the mic forum.

Daav
 
I admire people that can adopt a relaxed attitude because building my home studio was mostly just tons of stress for me. My deadline was self imposed because having my gear sit unused was pure torture.

I am happy with the results. It is very functional and I can crank a Marshall stack while the rest of the family sleeps. That's priceless.

Friends and neighbors marvel at the fabric wrapped OC703 acoustic treatments, which they all interpret as 'soundproofing'. No one seems to care when I mention the double studded walls and multiple layers of 5/8" drywall.

My only wisdom is that if you get any help from contractors, stick to your guns regarding the soundproofing construction tips you've learned. Or perhaps if you're doing it yourself you'll be tempted to take shortcuts.
 
I know this tip applies more to gear than construction but I learned this anyway. If you are even a little serious about recording, do it right the first time. Don't skimp on gear or building supplies. It may cost more to do it right but at least you save time and money by not going back and doing it again.
If there is something you really need don't buy cheap, save a little longer.
 
Yea i am finally starting too slow down my building process rushign is bad. My favorite thing about my studio so far is that it is a nice place to relax in and say "this is all mine." If it is in your home, it also makes for a great listenign area. I'd say being in a studio is the closest thing to heaven. Studios feel detached from reality. Unless you are spending 100$ an hour in a commercial studio :P.
 
Beyond the basic construction.... take problems one at a time. Like all of us you will discover "things" which are not perfect. If you have a good solid room to start with most problems are a lot easier to cure, a bass trap in the corner or a baffel between the drums and an amp are far more effective in a good room. Good lighting and plenty of outlets will make life a lot easier. Whether your studio is just "your space" or you plan to go pro, make it a place where you and anyone you invite can relax and be comfortable in.
Whenever you come out, have a big smile on your face, it keeps everyone wondering what you've been up to in there.
 
Shout It Out said:
Yea i am finally starting too slow down my building process rushign is bad. My favorite thing about my studio so far is that it is a nice place to relax in and say "this is all mine." If it is in your home, it also makes for a great listenign area. I'd say being in a studio is the closest thing to heaven. Studios feel detached from reality. Unless you are spending 100$ an hour in a commercial studio :P.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, I know this is lame, but I own a lot of tube equiptment, and sometimes, I'll just turn some tube stuff (my '59 Philco power amp w/ electrostatic speakers) on and listen to a tape, yup, a cassette tape off my Teac A-650. That is heaven.
 
Rule #1 - Set a date when you would LIKE to be finished.

Rule # 2 - Realize that you will never really finish it. :) :) :)

DD
 
DigitalDon said:
Rule #1 - Set a date when you would LIKE to be finished.

Rule # 2 - Realize that you will never really finish it. :) :) :)

DD
Click to expand...

Rule # 2 is so true. :)
 
patience mostly. tough lesson that.

the date thing as well... I projected 4 months (for entire basement rehab),
going into the 10th month, probably wrap up in 2 more.

concrete is very labor intensive.

don't wear birkenstocks when doing construction.

air nailer saves a lot of time..... sometimes.

gfci outlets can go bad, substitute them out if you suspect they are flaky
and you will save some time.

measure three or four times, then cut.

C.
 
The living room makes a much less-than-ideal woodshop.

Router shavings fly everywhere possible in any given room.

Steady work greatly enhances the ability to aquire more cool goodies.

There's no such thing as too much rack space available!!!

Pimpin ain't easy!!! :D

Bigger IS better. ;)
 
A few things I learned;

Screws hold better than nails

Soundproof is a nice word

Turn off power BEFORE wiring anything

Bigger hammers are not always the answer

Hot on the left, cold on the right, drummers in the middle

Fresh air is a nesessity

It always costs more than you expected (usualy takes longer too)

You always need "One more thing"

It's hard to insure it for what it's really worth

"Good enough" is never good enough

Studios are like an addiction, once you start, its hard to stop
 
ALWAYS costs more than you plan/ Always has set backs timewise with product availability and peoples time.

Clean often, dont keep a mess piled up. All you need is garbage mixed up in all your caulk and such!
 
c7sus said:
The living room makes a much less-than-ideal woodshop.
Click to expand...

If you're not married, it's not unreasonable :D Before my wife and I bought this house (and while we were dating) I'd often build engines in the living room, over a tarp :D

Anyway, things I've learned...

When your cousin indicates he is a "master woodworker", don't believe him.

When your cousin's wife offers to clean/remove debris while you and said cousin are cutting wood short and drilling holes in incorrect spots, don't let her. At least not until you pick up all your tools, electrical fittings, and so on.

Never allow a cat into your work area. They will do a body roll in the sawdust/sheetrock dust on the floor, then rub it off on your wife's best dress.

Shop around for materials. Lowes and Home Depot are convienent, yes, however many times you'll find a reasonably local lumber yard that offers the same quality materials for less, or, better quality materials for the same price as a home center.

Never give your wife a completion date. From that date forward, every day, your wife will ask you if you're done yet. Pad the date by a year (or two).

NEVER use materials purchased for your studio to be used on any other project. The flooring I was putting down (beech) was very nice, and my wife wanted me to put some of it down in another room we were simultaniously remodeling. I did so, no problem. Go back to the home center, my particular flooring was discontinued, and it took me 3 months to find enough of it to finish the studio.

That's about six out of 200 things I've learned. I can post more as they come to me.
 
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