Some pieces need no voice, just your instrument. I record piano, strings, guitar, accordion, flute, trumpet, saxophone and more, calmly and cleanly. Drums are not part of the offer here.
A phone video shows that you play, but rarely how your instrument really sounds. That is fine for a sketch. A calm studio recording with good microphone placement does more.
At Tonstudio Leipzig your instrument stands at the centre as the soloist. Usually I work with 2 microphones: one close for direct sound, one for the natural room. That gives maximum control later in the mix. If you have no piano at home, or it is not ready to record, the studio piano is available, tuned and maintained regularly. For your own piano, there is a separate tuning service at your home.
At the desk sits a passionate pianist and audio engineer who plays regularly himself and listens musically to dynamics, timing and colour.
Instrumental recordings suit every instrument except drums. Here are a few typical examples, though your instrument may well be something quite different.
You play piano and want to capture your piece properly, classical, modern or your own composition. For an application, a release or simply as a memory. If you have no suitable piano, you use the studio piano.
String instruments need calm and a clean balance between direct sound and room. I record your instrument so the bow, the dynamics and the musical line feel natural.
With acoustic guitar it comes down to attack, body and room. I work with a realistic microphone setup, so your playing is captured clearly, warmly and naturally.
Many more instruments are possible: accordion, flute, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, mandolin, ukulele and more. What matters is only that the instrument can sensibly be recorded in the studio. Drums are not part of the offer here.
You need an instrumental version of a song, for someone to sing over later. That works well for your own songs, performances or a later vocal recording. With well known songs, check the publishing rights first.
You write instrumental pieces of your own and want to capture them. I record your material so you can pass it on, release it or produce it further later. With several pieces, a first consultation is worthwhile.
Depending on your goal you can book directly in the shop, ask about a recording with mix and mastering, or settle a larger project in a first consultation.
The direct route for clear single recordings. You book an appointment in the studio shop and come to the studio with your instrument. I record it, you get the files for further work.
If you want a finished recording at the end: I record your instrument, mix the tracks and master the result. It suits streaming, your own website, an application or a CD production.
With several pieces or a larger artistic goal, I recommend a paid first consultation in the studio. You get to know the room, I listen to your idea, and out of that comes a realistic schedule.
If your piece needs several instruments, I record them one after another: first the foundation, then further voices on top. That suits piano with cello, guitar with violin or other small line ups without drums.
Without a piano at home, or one ready to record, you simply play the studio instrument instead.
If you have never been in a studio, I take you calmly through the appointment, without building pressure. The aim is a concentrated recording where you can really settle into your instrument.
A good instrumental recording is not about using as many microphones as possible, it is about the right placement, musical listening and a calm atmosphere.
For many instruments a good stereo setup with two microphones works better than a large number of tracks. Depending on the instrument, one room microphone is added. That produces a clear, natural sound.
I listen not only technically but musically. As a pianist, I pay attention to dynamics, timing and phrasing. That helps especially with solo instruments, where small decisions can change a lot.
An instrumental recording needs concentration. I plan the appointment so you really get into your piece, rather than just playing something quickly. Several takes are normal.
These three points make the recording reliable: the right microphone placement, musical listening and calm personal guidance.
A good instrumental recording is more than a file. It can be a release, an application, a memory, a demo or the basis for further productions.
After the recording you hear your instrument from a new perspective. Detail, dynamics and expression often feel clearer than while playing.
If you combine recording with mix and mastering, I shape the recorded tracks into a coherent whole: closeness, space, warmth and clarity, matched to your piece.
A finished instrumental recording can be released, sent, shown on your website, used for applications or used as accompaniment for later vocal recordings.
Your recording can become the basis for further creative work: singers sing over it, other musicians arrange further, or it serves as a clear reference.
A good recording shows what you can do musically. It helps with applications, inquiries, performances, teaching, competitions and with your own artistic development.
Every recording documents one step in your musical development. Over the years that becomes a personal archive of real recordings.
Good preparation makes the difference between a hectic first session and a relaxed recording. These are the points to settle beforehand.
Studio time is not the place to learn a piece. Your material should sit musically beforehand. The more securely you play, the more we can concentrate on sound and expression.
For piano recordings we settle in advance whether you use the studio piano or have your own tuned beforehand.
Bring your instrument in good condition. On guitar and string instruments, change the strings and play them in beforehand. On wind instruments everything should work cleanly. For unusual instruments, write to me in advance about anything I should watch for.
For a simple recording you book directly in the shop. For a finished production with mix and mastering, write to me with a short description. For larger projects the first consultation is the best way in.
If you have phone recordings, rehearsal room captures, scores or sketches, send them in advance. That lets me prepare better.
An application, competition, streaming, keepsake, live backing or demo? The purpose affects how carefully it is recorded and mixed. The clearer your goal, the better I can advise you.
Four steps from the first inquiry to the finished recording, so that you know exactly what to expect.
You choose between a simple recording session, a recording with mix and mastering, or a larger project with a first consultation. If you are unsure, write briefly, I recommend the route that fits.
With a shop booking you choose an appointment directly. For larger projects we settle instrument, pieces, goal, scope and preparation beforehand. You can send demos or scores in advance.
You come to Tonstudio Leipzig with your instrument. I set up the microphones to suit it. Usually I work with two microphones, and where it helps with one room microphone as well. What matters is a coherent sound, not the highest possible number of microphones.
With a simple recording session you get the recorded files. With the complete package I mix and master the recording afterwards. For larger projects we agree handovers and next steps individually.
Six things worth knowing about the address, appointments and getting here for your recording.
The studio is at Bernhard-Göring-Straße 17, 04107 Leipzig, in the middle of Zentrum-Süd. Parking in the courtyard is possible and the entrance is on the ground floor. You can also reach the studio easily by tram or city train.
Recordings are possible on weekdays and at weekends, depending on availability. For longer sessions please allow some buffer, so that the recording does not happen under time pressure.
For piano recordings the studio piano is available. You come to the studio, play here and do not have to transport an instrument. If your own piano needs tuning, you can ask about that separately.
For cello, violin, guitar, accordion, flute, trumpet, saxophone and other instruments you bring your own. Make sure it is well maintained and ready to play. For unusual accessories, ask briefly in advance.
The studio is easy to reach from Connewitz, Südvorstadt, Schleußig, Plagwitz, Markkleeberg, Halle and the wider Leipzig region. If you travel further, it can make sense to record several pieces in one appointment.
With several pieces, unusual instruments or a larger release, a paid first consultation is worthwhile. You get to know the studio, I understand your goal better, and the recording itself can be prepared more calmly.
The answers that matter most before you get in touch. For short questions you can reach me by email or WhatsApp. For larger projects there is the paid first consultation in the studio shop.
instrumental recordings means recording instruments alone, without singing.
Music recordings means a whole music project, including voice.
For solo piano, a cello composition, fingerstyle guitar or an instrumental version of a song: instrumental recordings.
For songs with voice: Music recordings.
If you are unsure, simply write to me briefly.
Every acoustic and semi-acoustic instrument apart from drums.
Piano: your own or the studio instrument, classical or your own compositions.
Strings: cello, violin, viola, double bass.
Guitar: fingerstyle or classical.
Other instruments: accordion, flute, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, mandolin, banjo, ukulele and more.
Several instruments are possible through multitrack recording.
Yes, there is a piano available in the studio, tuned and maintained regularly.
That is especially valuable when the piano you have at home is not ready to record, for example out of tune or mechanically weak.
Instrumental recordings always take place in the studio, not at home. For your own piano, you can book a tuning appointment at your home beforehand.
Typical uses:
1. Piano for a release or as a keepsake.
2. Strings classical or contemporary.
3. Acoustic guitar with fingerstyle.
4. A karaoke version of your own songs, for your own voice later.
5. An instrumental backing for singers to use.
6. Compositions of your own work without lyrics.
Usually 2 microphones, depending on the instrument and the sound you want: one for the direct sound, one for the room.
What matters is not the number, but the right placement.
Three routes:
1. A recording session in the shop: the recording, with the tracks to take home for your own mixing.
2. The complete package, recording plus mix and mastering: ready to release, from one place.
3. A larger project: an EP or a composer's body of work, with a first consultation.
If you are unsure, ask briefly on WhatsApp.
No, drum recordings are not part of the offer, which is a deliberate specialisation. Drums need rooms built for drums and eight to twelve microphones at once.
The focus here is on piano, strings, guitar, wind instruments and other instruments without drums. For drums there are studios that specialise in it in Leipzig; for mixed projects, I record the other instruments here.
The instrumental recording of a song without singing, to be sung over later, live or in the studio.
Typical uses:
• Your own songs as backing for live shows
• Well known cover songs as accompaniment for singing yourself
• Gifts for other singers, a favourite song recorded properly as a backing track
Real studio quality instead of interchangeable karaoke files from the internet.
A single solo piece: one to four hours, depending on preparation and ambition.
Several pieces: individually, by scope.
Several instruments one after another: individually, by the number of tracks.
A larger project: ideally with a first consultation.
A composer's collection: after an individual assessment.
The most important preparation: that your piece really sits securely.
Rehearsed parts, clear phrasing, decided tempos.
The instrument: bring it maintained and ready to play.
Guitar and strings: change the strings in good time and play them in.
Other instruments: write briefly beforehand if anything needs attention.
Demos and scores are welcome in advance.
This page is written for private clients, hobby musicians and indie artists.
For commercial productions, agencies, film productions or music publishers, there is the business site with project agreements, invoicing and clear contract terms.
For simple recording sessions: directly in the studio shop.
For Complete packages with mix and mastering: by email with a description of the project.
For larger projects (a composer's body of work, a solo album): book a first consultation in the shop.
For short questions: a WhatsApp message or a short email.
Phone works too.
For simple recording sessions, book directly in the studio shop. For recordings with mix and mastering, write to me with a short description: the instrument, the number of pieces, the result you want. For larger projects, the paid first consultation is worthwhile. Short questions are welcome on WhatsApp or by email.