Most takes your client(s) have ever taken?

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by sunburst79

Les Paul used to say that if you couldn't do it it ten takes it was time to move to something else and come back to it another time. I've always felt it was good advice.

Sounds like a wise statement

[BobbyDazzler]

Originally Posted by Terry Wetzel

Hey guys. Pardon my inexperienced opinion here. I only record myself but vocally I'm hard to please. If I were in a working studio environment and being paid for my time, I would consider that the artists opinion of his vocals is what matters here. Yes, I'm sure that some of you have had to sit through hours of eardrum agony while a vocalist that clearly should have chose another line of work insisted on getting that perfect take. Elvis Presley went 27 takes on Hound Dog at a major RCA studio and I'm sure that if he still wasn't satisfied, no one would have protested had he insisted on more!

You have to "read" the performer too. I've worked with some people who would just go drastically down hill after the 3rd take, and going any further just destroys their confidence.

[sunburst79]

Originally Posted by BobbyDazzler

You have to "read" the performer too. I've worked with some people who would just go drastically down hill after the 3rd take, and going any further just destroys their confidence.

This is a good point to make.

Also their voice getting tired. I think everyone's seen someone struggle, Take a break and come back and nail the part.

[zedhed]

I've always wanted to put a special lock on the studio door where the 'performer' has to sing a simple melody over 3 octaves into the lock before it'll open.

There's nothing worse than having to sit through hours of takes listening to someone who thinks they can sing....when after take 230 they finally realize that that in fact they can't. I remember a particular session where this happened and in the end another band member jumped up and took over the singing role. Needless to say they sacked their 'singer'.

If I'm dealing with a professional, then I'll do as many takes as is necessary for them (or the producer) to be happy.

[Mitchbis]

Originally Posted by zedhed

I've always wanted to put a special lock on the studio door where the 'performer' has to sing a simple melody over 3 octaves into the lock before it'll open.

Now would that be to get in the booth or to get out of it?

[zedhed]

Preferrably to get in, but it could work both ways

[Terry Wetzel]

Hey zedhead. Now days how does one tell a pro from a beginner? To me they all sound like beginners! At least the ones I hear on the radio while relentlessly changing stations in hopes of hearing someone out there who can still sing! Realize here that I grew up in what I refer to as the golden age of music. Listening to singers like Roy Orbison makes an indelible impression on the listeners ability to recognize pretenders! It made no difference as to what kind of music you liked. Frank Sinatra to little Richard! All the new crop are just pretenders to my ear! Just my opinion!

[Shan]

Originally Posted by ianbee

What is the most takes your client(s) or yourself have ever taken for recording one vocal part? It could be a verse, a bridge, a chorus, a part of a chorus etc. I've been with people who I've had to record over 100 takes of one chorus part over the span of 3 days. We'd do it for hours and hours everyday and it never truly got "right" in their eyes, we just ended up settling for one of the ones we previously recorded. So what about you guys?

Who is the producer, you or the client? If it's you, then you make the calls, decisions and guidance. If the client is the producer, then be the engineer. Is the client/producer going through all the completed takes and choosing the best takes as you comp the vocal? Are you charging per hour?

Shane

[Cloud_9]

Originally Posted by Shan

Who is the producer, you or the client? If it's you, then you make the calls, decisions and guidance. If the client is the producer, then be the engineer. Is the client/producer going through all the completed takes and choosing the best takes as you comp the vocal? Are you charging per hour?

Shane

Exactly.