I know one thing I definitely struggled with when I was starting out was...how to pick the right equipment? What is my sound? What gear will make me sound professional?
This list is 20+ years in the making, but hopefully it helps you guys. It's mostly all about what feels right to you in the end.
MY INSTRUMENTS
Gibson Les Paul Standard - My main gigging guitar, there is no substitute for quality. I emptied my life savings to get this at the time, but no buyer’s remorse here. Very bluesy sound and sustain for days. My Les Paul had me at hello. It completes me.
Fender Telecaster Semi-Hollow Body - Clean, smooth tone. I used this for my song “Ocean”, and I think that sums up the way it sounds to me as well. The sound washes over you through that hollow body giving extra depth.
PRS Custom 24 with Tremolo Bar - Very pricey guitar, and way more than an amature would need, but again, there is no substitute for quality. Very crisp, jazzy sound, and the 24 frets come in handy for very high solo parts. Tasty!
Ibanez S720 - One of my very first real guitars, and it’s moderately priced. I was very into Hard Rock/Metal when I got this so it definitely has that kind of sound. You can’t go wrong with an Ibanez or a Schecter.
Ibenez Acoustic Electric - Great Acoustic 6 string option for beginner/intermediate players. Keep in mind electric guitars are much easier and less painful to play when first starting out.
Takamine 3/4 Travel Size Guitar For Young Players
Yamaha CP33 Stage Piano - I love this keyboard! Many players will tell you there is no substitute for a real piano, and they’re 100% right. But this keyboard has weighted keys so it plays and feels just like the real deal, and lots of options for recording which is why I love it.
MY EQUIPMENT
IMAC-3.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
Klipsch The Three-II Shelf Stereo
Pro-Ject Juke Box E Turntable
Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Over-Ear Headphone - Deep Red
Orange PPC212-OB 120-watt 2x12" Open-back Cabinet
Shure SM58 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone-Industry standard
M-Audio Sputnik Multi Pattern Large Diaphram Microphone
Ableton Live 10 DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) - I have used ProTools and Cakewalk as well, and I found both very awesome and robust but they have a very steep learning curve, especially for a layperson which is what I was at the time. Ableton is also the easiest recording DAW I have used, and I’ve been very impressed with the quality I’ve been able to create. You still need to know what you’re doing, but I find the controls more intuitive.
MY EFFECTS PEDALS/CONTROL SWITCHES
Ibanez WP7 Weeping Demon Wah
Dunlop DC-Brick Multi-Power Supply
I hope this saves you some time, and gives you some insight into how much goes into finding just the right sound.
I am always staying up to date on the latest gear, and I will continue to post here.
Best,
Nick Aldieri