Just an update--I hadn't checked this thread since my last post.

We do have a small home recording setup, but it makes things really difficult for Reynaud to engineer AND play. It's really useful for getting down original material, but for this project I think we need someone else to run the equipment so we can focus on the music.

We spent three hours--including load in and load out, set-up, and a quick mix down. We got good basic tracks for three instrumentals that both Reynaud and our friend agree are good for dubbing in the additional instruments where appropriate. We got one of our originals down on a track that isn't production quality, but it's good enough to rehearse with, so that next time we'll get it right.

The process was intense, but both Reynaud and our friend are very easy people, so I didn't get all frozen up. It's a real challenge of concentration to play something all the way through with no egregious flubs--I learned I can actually do that. And do it again. And again. And again!

About my not liking the sound of my recorded voice--because we've done a little bit of recording at home, I already knew that. My recorded singing voice sounds very shrill and weak to me, though it sounds full and rich in my head. This time, however, Reynaud had rearranged one of our originals so I sing it in my lower register, which we haven't recorded before. To me, as I'm singing, my lower register sounds very rough and unpleasant. On tape, it sounds warm and strong. I can't believe it's me. Now I know why Reynaud wants me to sing there!

I only violated one suggestion--I had a cup of tea...but it didn't seem to affect my guitar playing. We also didn't use a click track--the guys didn't mention it, and I didn't ask. Maybe next time.

All in all, a fun, educational, and very useful experience!

Again, thank you all for the support and advice!

V