Saturday, May 19, 2012

WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM


I like this image because my attention goes to the center first to see the action taking place.  But then quickly turns to the right to see another member of the team still and watchful.


There is a plan, choreography, and practice involved here, where each member does his best to get it done.
When this level of teamwork and trust is achieved, and the project is completed, the rewards are exhilarating.

Monday, May 14, 2012

THE STRADOLIN 40 DE LUXE

While on a family outing (The Giant Flea Market!), I wandered ahead and was taken by surprise at this unique item.  It had my attention because of the very old, kind of corny, but cool factor.


As I admired it, being an accordion player in my youth, the seller mentioned a price too good to be true.  I did say how much I admired it for pure novelty.


  After leaving with out buying it, catching up with my wife and kids, and telling them about it, the shock of shocks happened.  My wife insisted I go back and buy it...yes ma'am!

No regrets;  what a great sounding instrument.

The Stradolin 40 De Luxe

It has an electric motor running air through reeds.  Designed like an accordion the treble sound comes from the top right and the bass comes from the front left.  I can't wait to make a stereo recording.  There is a lever in the bass section that uncovers an opening allowing extra air to escape to lower the volume.  Underneath, are four feet that are threaded to attach legs which were not included.  It is made of wood and brass, has 40 bass and 34 treble keys.  The bass keys are set like an accordion with counter bass, bass, major, minor, and seventh cords.  When the lid closes, a little foot turns off the power switch on the far right.

At first listen, it sounds just like an accordion, but it doesn't take long to hear the affect of the fine wooden cabinet giving it a nice rich sound.  It is actually in perfect pitch too!

This will be a nice addition to my collection of studio novelties.

I'm told it's from the early sixties, and is Italian made.  This is all I know about it.

I would love to hear more about this wonderful, quirky instrument.

Monday, May 7, 2012

DON'T WAIT AROUND FOR EVERYONE ELSE STAND UP AND SING


The title says it all!  Sometimes getting up and going is the hardest thing to do.

I wanted to begin work on a project that would take a good while.  It wouldn't necessarily be grueling but would be on and off over several months.  No one was going to motivate me, it would be me only to get it going.  Even though there was plenty to keep me busy, if I didn't get up and go, the project would never begin.

So off I went, and the reward was exciting.  The material needed came together more quickly than predicted and with less effort.

With the hardest part behind me (starting it), the rest will be moving along much easier.

I can now look forward to the completion of a new work.

This is the principle I learned:  Don't wait around for everyone else stand up and sing.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Build A Bond With Your Crew



Having a good bond with your crew can be a valuable part of getting the project done well.  This doesn't require becoming best, friends but being an island lends nothing profitable.

While returning home from Niagara Falls with my audio partner,  we made a point of not just getting the task done, but enjoying the trip.

We kept the conversation light, took time to see the falls in the winter, and kept the business side to a minimum.  Over the years, I've seen the benefits of a good working relationship.  Having a basic understanding of "what makes each other tick" can have a profound impact on communication and feedback when it is showtime.

Suggestions, feedback, and directions have an easier flow back and forth.  When there is a mutual respect among the crew, the project not only runs smoothly, but it is amazing how people will jump in to help each other out.  Going the extra mile for each other takes a relationship of respect.  Have you seen crew members that always seem to be there when you need them?  Have you seen those who keep only to themselves? 

There is tremendous value in taking a little time to build a bond with your crew.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

More Refreshing Than Sleeping In


This image was taken at a time when I was extremely busy.  Business was booming and I rarely had the time to rest.  The last thing I wanted to do was get up at 5 o'clock on a cold damp morning and drive to an airport field.  But, it was because I was so busy that I needed to do this... it was about spending time with my wife and daughters. 

The annual balloon fest in the Adirondacks of upstate New York is always a must see event.  There's nothing like the ooh's, ah's and wow's of big hot air ballons getting fired up and floating away, especially when you are right up close to the action.  No money on the line, no client to please, just having a wonderful time with those that are close to me.  This is more refreshing then sleeping in till 10 o'clock anyday.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this site is to be a resource for all those who are involved in audio, video, lighting and other technical services in a production.Whether one is a professional, hobbiest, enthusiast or occasional helper, keeping the joy and simplicity in the task is what this site is all about.

Over time, it is expected that this site will contain a wealth of explanations, procedures, processes, how to's, nutshells etc., in simple, easy to grasp language.

The goal is to help the individual get better at what they do and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Feel free to request topics of interest.