Is there a fine line between naive encouragement and pessimistic, dour warnings of possible failure? (i.e. "Just do it! DIY!" vs. "Give up. It's impossible.")
Over twenty years ago I was making plans for my first true commercial recording space, what became Jackpot! Recording Studio. My friends ("The Barn," Tape Op #4) had previously met Dan Alexander, a noted studio owner, gear broker, and musician from the San Francisco Bay Area. He had worked out a trade with them, bartering some of his used recording equipment for their floor refinishing services. They recommended I call Dan and ask for advice about tape decks. Elliott Smith (also in Tape Op #4) and I had decided that a 2-inch, 16-track tape deck was on the Jackpot! wish list. So, I called Dan and the conversation went something like this:
LC: "Dan, Dave Costanza told me to call you. I'm looking for a 16-track tape deck. I'm trying to decide if an MCI JH-16 would be a good fit."
DA: "Why? What do you know about keeping one of those running? Do you have any experience with that sort of equipment?"
LC: "Not really. I've been running a Tascam 38 1/2-inch, 8-track for a few years."
DA: "Those are toy tape decks. An MCI requires a lot of maintenance. Do you know how to calibrate a professional tape deck?"