I have been endorsing the Zoom G9.2tt modeling tube preamp for about a year now, and it has become a really important tool for me… sounds great, easy to use, reliable.
Now, Zoom has provided me with an HD16 hard disc recorder, which I am endorsing as well. Its a 16 track recorder with effects, drum computer (you can load your own samples into it), bass sequencer, CD-CDR-drive, and a lot of awesome options, such as the option to hook up the unit to your PC (via USB), and use it in combination with any recording software (like Cubase), and actually CONTROL that software with the HD16 (the faders of it). Very very comfortable.
I am still in the process of learning how to use it, getting used to the controls and features, but I can already tell that its gonna be a wonderful tool, not onyl for demos and recording song-ideas, but also for teaching, audio-files for articles, and even some guitar recordings for albums.
I remember my first experiments with recording, way back when with tape recorders and stuff (late 80s, early 90s), and its amazing how much things have progressed, and what kind of quality you can get with gear like this at home.
Also, I remember getting my first sequencer (I still use a Yamaha QY300 live and for demos), and at first I really had no clue what a wonderful tool it is. Then I realized how much it helped me to progress in my writing and stuff, because I could program drums, bass, keys etc, so I could really work out song ideas and try out a lot of new things.
And a lot of people tend to forget about tools like that, or stuff like a hard disc recorder… yes, its important to have a good guitar, a decent amp and effects, but a recording unit like that, a sequencer etc. can be just as important as your instrument itself, because they can help you to make your song ideas become reality.
As I said, years ago I really didnt care, but the first sequencer and the first home-studio really helped me a lot to progress and work on my songwriting and arranging, and the HD16 is gonna be a WONDERFUL tool for demos, song-ideas, recording stuff for an upcoming album and so much more.
So maybe, instead of getting yet another guitar or effect pedal, you might wanna thinkabout investing in some recording stuff… DAW software, a decent soundcard, a sequencer, some mics, a preamp, or something like the HD16… think about what those things can enable you to do, and how much that can be a learning experience!
