Jazz Session Tips.

  1. The Song (things to consider)
  2. Vocals
  3. Equipment
  • Drums and Percussion
    • New heads? If there is any physical damage or dents then it's probably a good idea.
    • Check the condition of the snares on your snare drum. Replace if strands are missing.
    • Check your cymbals for cracks. Cracked cymbals might be a problem. Have replacements.
    • Tune the drums and play them a bit to break in the heads. Retuning at the studio will be necessary.
    • Oil your kick pedal and high hat stand to prevent squeeking
    • Also check out "Drum Tuning."
    • Print this Checklist so you don't forget anything
  • Bass and Bass Amps
    • New or somewhat used strings. Old strings will not sound as nice nor will they stay in tune.
    • Make sure you have short instrument cables. No longer than 15ft. They just sound better.
    • Have your intonation and action set by someone who knows how to do it.
    • Listen for loose screws or parts on the amp and tighten them up.
    • Listen to the speaker cabinet for undesirable sounds(not your playing) and fix if necessary.
    • Remove all gear from your signal path that is not in use.
    • Have your tubes biased.
    • Print this Checklist so you don't forget anything
  • Guitar and Guitar Amps
    • New or slightly used strings. Old strings will not sound as nice nor will they stay in tune.
    • Make sure you have short instrument cables. No longer than 15ft. They just sound better.
    • Have your intonation and action set by someone who knows how to do it.
    • Listen for loose screws or parts on the amp and tighten them up.
    • Listen to the speaker cabinet for undesirable sounds(not your playing) and fix if necessary.
    • Remove all gear from your signal path that is not in use.
    • Have your tubes biased
    • Print this Checklist so you don't forget anything
  • Acoustic Guitars
    • New or slightly used strings. Old strings will not sound as nice nor will they stay in tune.
    • Make sure you have short instrument cables if you are considering going direct. No longer than 15ft. They just sound better.
    • Have your intonation and action set by someone who knows how to do it.
    • Listen for loose parts on the guitar and tighten them up.
    • Print this Checklist so you don't forget anything
  • Keyboards
    • Have the manual for the keyboard with you.
    • Know how to sync to MIDI Clock
    • Know if you are using mono or stereo sounds.
    • Have good cabling.