• The Complete Guide to Stringing a Guitar: Gauge, Intonation, Height, and Care



    A new year is the perfect time to refresh your sound, and nothing changes your guitar’s feel and tone more directly than new strings. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris & Jody kick off the year with a deep dive into the world of guitar strings and recording—from gauges to tone to string care, and everything in between.

    They start with the basics: how string gauge impacts playability and sound. Heavier gauges may give you a beefier tone and tighter intonation, but they demand more from your fingers. Lighter gauges make bends easier but can sacrifice stability. Which is right for you? Chris & Jody break it down, not only for live playing but also for how it translates into recorded tracks.

    Next, they explore string types—nickel, steel, coated varieties—and how subtle material differences can change your tone and feel. They discuss how string height, intonation, and setup all interact, and why neglecting these elements can derail an otherwise great session. Along the way, you’ll get practical recording setup tips, plus reminders about hidden features in studio gear that can help bring out the best in your guitar sound.

    And it’s not just about performance—care matters too. They share tips on basic string maintenance, cleaning routines, and when it’s time to ditch that dead-sounding set. All of it is delivered with their signature mix of expertise, humor, and yes, some nonsense.

    As always, the episode wraps with Friday Finds, highlighting tools, resources, or freebies that can improve your workflow and creative spark.

    If you’ve ever wondered how much your choice of strings really matters—or you’re just ready to start the year with better tone and playability—this episode will set you on the right path. Whether you’re jamming at home with home studio gear or dialing in pro tones in a commercial setup, this conversation gives you the knowledge and confidence to choose wisely.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • Tuesday Tip: Using Multi-FX on Guitar Parts


    Guitar players are often quite conservative when it comes to guitar tone. In this video, Chris shows how using ‘non guitar’ effects can transform a simple part into something more interesting. In this example, Step FX, included in Logic Pro X.

  • How To Use Distortion Right – Multiple Quick Tips



    Who says distortion is just for metalheads? Chris & Jody are here to prove that everything sounds better when you add a little dirt. In this episode, they show you how to sprinkle distortion like hot sauce—on guitars (obviously), bass (oh yeah), vocals (why not?), and even drums (yes, really). Along the way, they’ll dish out practical home studio gear advice, clever tricks, and plenty of nonsense—because what’s distortion without a little chaos? Of course, their Friday Finds return to give you new toys to play with after you’re done frying your mix. This isn’t just distortion 101—it’s distortion with attitude.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

  • MainStage 101: How To Get Started With The Best Live Audio Software On The Market!



    MainStage: not just another Apple logo slapped on software. Chris & Jody get their hands dirty with this live-performance beast, spilling the beans on why it’s the unsung hero of both touring rigs and bedroom setups. They cover what it’s best at, which instruments will thank you, and how to avoid a crash mid-solo (because yes, that’s a thing). You’ll also find out how MainStage sneaks its way into studio workflows like a ninja of hidden features in studio gear. Plus, our hosts throw in their signature Friday Finds—because you deserve a treat after geeking out over plugins and performance tricks. Buckle up: this isn’t your average sales pitch, it’s Chris & Jody telling you why MainStage might just be your new favorite sidekick.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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