Mick, I would say "thanks" for the advice - it was obviously sincerely written as a useful guide from the heart, by someone who has been in the business a long time, and I recognise that.

I would only add, from my own perspective of someone who's been in several recording studios over the past 45 years, and also done my own serious home recording for around 12 years, that the experience has been very mixed (no pun intended!). I've had some lousy experiences with the finished product in some professional and quite expensive studios - and, unfortunately, I was 'just' one of the musicians in the band so didn't have much say in the process other than playing when told to. Other experiences were better.

All recording I do now I have complete control over - for better or for worse - and, yes, I do test the work in progress on other musicians for their opinions. Some of the things I've recorded I look back on and think, "Mmm... could've done better there... and there." Others I'm proud of and think the sound is just what I wanted.

I think there's a difference in attitude these days, one where manufactured 'product', with all the production values and processes you talk about is perhaps not now what some musicians want. They might prefer directness, simplicity, their own expression and, of course, cheapness! Given the comparatively low sale numbers that even the most respectable folk performers can achieve these days, the outlay for professional production can mean that the outlay is not recovered. Given that environment, you can't blame people on a limited budget doing their own thing.

Anyway, I'll put my money where my mouth is and ask you to listen to the double-tracked guitar duet (tenor and 6-string) on my website's front page. I don't think it's too bad (and the CD has sold quite well), but you'll obviously bring a different ear to it!

The New Century Hornpipe