AboutLarry A. Staffen Expertise I worked in Hollywood Ca. for 17 years as a recording engineer/musician. My forte is in
analog recording (such as tape editing, bias, record/repro alignment, multi-track, mixing,
so much more). As a musician, I also played guitar, keyboards, vocals, music arranging
and occasional trumpet. I was quite busy! But due to health problems... here I am! I can
respond in one to two days. Care to all, Larry
Experience See above
Organizations: member of ascap, 3-M school (M-79 reel to reel tape recorder), Chappell Music Hollywood Div. (recording engineer), American Songwriters Festival, (music listener/screener/judge.
Publications Cup-a-music, ascap for a Chubby Checker song, '82
Education/Credentials 2 years associates degree in music, 2 years engineering school Sherwood Oaks experiamental college.
Awards and Honors Credits: Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, James Ingram, Burt Bacharach, Delaney Bramlett, Marvin Hamlisch, Edwin Starr, Bill Conti, Franco Zeffirelli (film director)more.
Question QUESTION: my dad, who lives in the last century, just asked me for a tape recorder. he has one now that he plays one of those tapes on where there is music without the trumpet part. he plays the trumpet part of the song. he wants to record himself playing to the tape to hear what he sounds like.isn't there something i can buy him better than some ancient tape recorder to do this?? Birthday is June 25th- please hurry with answer if at all possible.
ANSWER: Hi Cheri - First of all what is the music tape format, whether it be cassette or reel-to-reel (music minus one for trumpet)? I'm trying to determine the format before trying to choose a deck.
BTW, I was a music major, minoring in trumpet. Look up the Arban book for trumpet for a birthday gift... something to think about. You can find it online for prices. Cheers,
Lar
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QUESTION: hi there! thanks for getting back so fast, and for the suggestion of the book! I found out since i asked, that it is actually a CD he has now, not a tape. He just wants to record himself playing.I still want to buy him something to do it with, but in the mean time, I am booking him a recording studio to make a CD!! Awesome 70th BDAY!!and yes it is music minus 1 for trumpet.
Answer Hi Cheri- Teac/Tascam makes a PortaStudio format which is a simple setup for your dad's use, incorporating the music minus one CD playback as you overdub the trumpet. A decent mic would be needed plus an external reverb would be nice. The PortaStudio uses a standard cassette which is still available. I recommend hi-bias. Talk it over with the studio guy in detail for further info. The info shouldn't be too involved... mic needed, reverb, cost etc. Let me know if you still have questions.
