Resources

SOUND RECORDING

Creative Control Recording Studio

www.creativecontrolstudio.com/

Creative Control was set up by engineer, producer and guitarist Al Heslop in 2008. Ten years' experience of recording many different styles and genres means that Al is adept at working with musicians to ensure that the studio experience is both fun and productive. Having played guitar from a young age, been in several bands and played on many studio sessions, Al has a solid understanding of music theory, song writing and arranging, which means he's able to assist with production as and when required.

The studio location offers a number of benefits:

• Easy to get to, the studio is based at South Hill Park Arts Centre, which is well signposted from M4 and M3.
• Easy load in and free parking.
• Café and fully licensed bar within the Arts Centre (on site).
• Sainsbury’s supermarket within walking distance.
• Stunning grounds and Arts Centre to explore in between takes.

GUITAR AND AMP REPAIRS

Reading Guitar Repairs: Guitar Repairs, Set-ups, Refrets, Custom Builds

www.readingguitarrepairs.com

Reading Guitar Repairs is a full-service guitar workshop, run by expert luthier Richard Pilkington. Originally schooled by master luthier, Dave King, Richard takes on virtually every aspect of guitar services from basic guitar setups, to re-frets, neck resets and full refurbishments. The workshop also contains a professional spray booth for guitar refinishing and touch-ups. Richard builds some exceptional custom acoustic and electric guitars and runs courses in acoustic guitar building. If you’re interested in any aspect of guitar building, set-up or repair, a visit to Richard’s workshop is recommended. Nick has known Richard for over twenty years and can vouch for his friendly manner, expertise and professionalism.

Stuart Smith Guitar Amplifier Repairs - Caversham, Reading

http://www.fixguitaramps.co.uk

With over 40 years of experience in electronic design and development, Stuart runs a friendly, local service from his amplifier repair workshop in Caversham, Reading. He aims to provide a fast and efficient service at a reasonable cost. I have used him myself and can attest to his expertise and prompt, friendly service. Highly recommended!

GENERAL INTEREST

Transcribe - Guitar Transcription Software

www.seventhstring.com

Transcribe is a software application for people who want to work out a piece of music from a recording, in order to write it out, or play it themselves, or both. It doesn't do the transcribing for you, but it allows you to slow down or speed up the recording, change the pitch, adjust the equalization and a whole host of other brilliant features. It is ideal for working out those ‘all too fast’ guitar solos or difficult rhythmic passages. Nick Hollings is a regular user of Transcribe, and he highly recommends it.

British Association for Performing Arts Medicine

www.bapam.org.uk

BAPAM is a unique charity delivering specialist health support to performing artists.

They run free, confidential health assessment clinics for professional, semi pro and student performing artists. Clinics are provided by leading specialists in Performing Arts Medicine who volunteer their time. Patients can be referred from their clinics to the best medical, surgical and therapeutic help available.

They hold an online Directory of medical doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners including counsellors, who have special expertise in treating performing artists.

They have a library of health information resources for performers. Through their health-promotion work, they help artists and those who train them to understand what it means to be a healthy performer.

Click here to read more about Nick...