Questions relating to custom string recording sessions
Q) How much do the custom string arrangements and recordings cost?
A) WAY more reasonable than you might imagine. Contact us to find out. Feel free to ask a general pricing question, have a chat or send us a track for an exact quote. We don’t put prices on website because it’s a case by case thing.
Q) How does it typically work
A) Typically, we do the string arrangement and track the actual strings. Usually people send us their track along with some direction of what they are after. They can share a protools session or send us an mp3. Sometimes they have some rough midi strings on the track as a guide for the type of vibe they want. Other times, they wait to see what we come up with. We then do an arrangement in Sibelius and send a mocked up audio version for approval. Sometimes there are some changes based on feedback from everyone. Once we are all happy with the arrangement, we track the real strings here in our Australian studio and dropbox them back to you. Other times, people give us a full or partial arrangement to work with. We’re flexible. Sometimes people simply want us to replace midi tracks with real ones. (if so read on)
Q) How do you record the strings?
A)It all depends on the part itself and the wishes of the client. Sometimes we track altogether as a section, other times individually. Both approaches sound equally great. Either method we use, the parts are usually doubled/tripled with different microphones, seating positions and instruments to build up a larger section when needed. Sometimes the nature of the part itself requires that the whole quartet is tracked all together. This is essential for example for classical or some film work or the times with no click or in a very sparse arrangement. Other times, for more pop projects, we track instruments separately in respective seating positions which is hugely flexible for clients. We send them cello, violin and viola stems to mix as they see fit. We can easily accomodate both ways of working. It all depends on the project.
Q) Who writes the string arrangement?
A)David and Jane Stanley the brother/sister team at Stanley Strings write all arrangements. Alternatively you can send us an arrangement yourself, midi files or sheet music and we’ll replace them with real strings. Either way, we to and fro until everyone is happy. If doing your own arrangement, please keep reading….
Q) If I’m sending midi files as a guide for examples, how should I prepare them?
A)Ideally seperate them into violin 1, violin 2, Viola, Cello etc. Also please quantise them if u can as it makes things easier.
Q) I’ve done the arrangement myself, should I just send the actual sheet music?
A) Sure as long as you are v experienced writing for strings!!! If not, we usually make do better with well prepared midi tracks. Irrespective, it’s also great to have the midi files and/or audio files in case there is any issue with understanding the intention. Simply converting midi tracks to music through an automatic process in protools is a disaster and never readable by string players. You have to have good knowledge of notation. We can easily help you there though.
Q) How long does it take?
A)We will work to your time constraints as best we can.
Questions relating to regular production sessions (not strings)
Do you produce all styles of music?
YES! We are up for anything so long as you are not making skin head music or an ISIS soundtrack.
Can I just book online
No, please contact us first. We will quickly get back to you to discuss.
What is the minimum booking time?
There is no minimum booking time and our hourly rate is v good.
Can I use your drum kit, guitars, amps etc?
Yes of course and they are included in the rate.
Will you be annoyed if I email you ask a bunch of questions and then don’t book?
Of course not. Feel free to ask as much as you like and in the future if you choose to record here, that’s cool.
Can you mix the record we make?
YES