Photo by Frank Hamilton
Over the next few months, we're bringing you a special series of blog posts in partnership with PRS Guitars to give you essential tips from established musicians. In this installment, Jana Hunter, lead singer and primary songwriter of indie pop band Lower Dens, shares her top five essential pieces of studio gear.
I've been playing music my whole life but have gone slowly from classical musician to studio dweller. I split my time between the road and the studio nowadays, and spend an awful lot of time thinking about and using this gear. These are my current favorites.
1. Apollo Twin Audio Interface
Image courtesy of the author
Price: $699
This beautiful little device lets me record pristine audio without any hassle wherever I am. I really can't emphasize enough how invaluable that is. I haven't had the opportunity to use it in live applications, but I want to.
2. PRS S2 Singlecut Semi-Hollow Guitar
Image courtesy of the author
Price: $1,649
We started using several guitars from this series this year. Each of them play beautifully and tour very well, and each has a very distinct personality. Though I use the Mira live and love it, the Singlecut is my favorite to play and my favorite to record with.
3. Ball Effects Guitar Amp Head
Image courtesy of the author
Price: $600
Our friend, Tony Hall, has made many effects for us over the years, but I'm most grateful for this Traynor Mark III replica. I keep one in Europe for our tours there, and they're both syrupy and gruff. I like the clean look as well. This one fell out of a van and the case split open. Another engineer friend, Ian Ferguson (Aeidophone), put it back together better than new.
4. Cascade VIN-JET Long Ribbon Microphone
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Price: $249
We bought this while making demos for our last album. For the price, it has really an impeccable capture, is incredibly warm, and has proved to be very versatile. Versatility is imperative for me, especially in the home studio. This mic is also a real looker.
5. Moog MF Delay
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Price: $199
I have an absurb number of delay pedals in my chain, each providing a different function. I wasn't even shopping for one when a Chicago Music Exchange employee who knows me too well suggested I try this. I fell in love straightaway, and I now use this delay as a subtle slapback. It's so glorious that I almost never turn it off anymore. It's more articulate than you'd expect, and for the price, an outstanding true analog delay.
Of all these things, the PRS S2 guitars are the most versatile, reliable, and sexy pieces of both our studio and our touring package. Live, you'll see me playing the Mira, and our guitarist, Walker, playing the Vela and the Starla. Strange how crucial an instrument can become over such a short period of time. I look forward to playing these guitars for a long time to come.
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