Preparation is the key to a successful recording. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best final product and save alot of frustration for everyone. 1) PRACTICE! - Practice like crazy. The theory is, the more mistakes you make at rehearsal, the less you make when you're in the studio, where it's costing you money. 2) Prepare - Make sure your instruments sound good. With guitars, take them to a guitar tech to have their action and intonation setup correctly - I cannot stress enough how important that is. With drums, tune them to sound they way you like them. You don't necessarily need to buy new skins, but if they're dented or sound dead, then they probably need a replacement. If your guitar strings are old, replace them too. But remember, with guitar strings, they need to be "played-in" for several days, otherwise they need to be re-tuned often.
	3) Listen - If you're not happy with the sound of your guitar amp, bass amp, snare drum, etc, you need to beg, borrow or hire some gear that you do like. 4) Choose wisely - While we're on that point, choose gear that sounds good with your style of music. There's no point in getting a Twin Rectifier if you're playing jazz.
	5) Be organised - Show up on time, with all of the gear you need - I know this sounds obvious, but I've seen so much time wasted by bands who arrive late or forget to pack all their leads, power supplies, spare strings, spare sticks, etc. (Bassists: If you have both 4x12" & 1x15" cabs, you can leave the 1x15" at home.)
	6) Be supportive - Be supportive of each other, especially if someone's having a hard time with something. The last thing you want while you're trying to play your best is someone breathing down your neck. Besides, the added stress of "you're taking too long" only makes people more nervous and less competant.
	7) Good timing is essential - It's unwise to book a gig for the night before recording. Similarly, "PRE-recording celebrations" (involving too much alcohol) are also not advisable. Save it up for a bigger party when you finish the CD. :) 8) Relax! - You're in good hands. If you make a mistake on stage, that's it, it's done and you can't fix it.  In the studio it's no problem.
	Remember that when you're in the studio, you can always do another take. No sweat.
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