>In the days of vinyl one needed a manufacturing plant, in these days >of digital >CDs one needs only to rent a studio. I would see a resurgence of the >classical coming as the "majors" drop it and the musicians move to the >internet sales and the "desk top production".
This is indeed the new paradigm. I think concepts like Magnatune are the wave of the future. As CD sales drop, only the big sellers will be in the stable of the big labels. Someone told me that Vol. 6 of Barto's Weiss series was recorded in a living room. I don't know if that is true or not, but within the lute world, I imagine he is a big seller. With today's technology, the potential for quality recording can be had for only a few thousand dollars. I've had a home studio for 20 years and I am so glad to have gotten rid of all that big 'pro' gear. I've never been happier, technology-wise. Probably the most expensive link in the home/mobile recording chain is the mic/preamp. Of course, the acoustic environment is what you get in a proper studio, but for single instruments, lute, harp etc. you should be able to get a good sound almost anywhere, - if you know what you are doing. cheers, -- Ed Durbrow Saitama, Japan http://www9.plala.or.jp/edurbrow/
