Anyone out there still running an old analog 8-track recorder? I'm curious to know. It seems everybody and their dog has a ProTools setup these days, and analog is the new digital again.

Well, I still have a Teac 2340 4-track that I bought in 1975, but two channels don't work and I don't have the money to fix it. It was a great machine that sold for around $600. It uses 1/4" tape on 7" reels -- the Teac 3340 held 10" reels but cost a bit more. I still have tapes done on that machine that, luckily, I mixed down to stereo and put on cassette. A friend did many, many demos on it that still sound good, although -- like you said -- he now has a studio with ProTools. Done correctly, tape sounds great. But the mixing and editing process with digital equipment is so much easier. I'm not a fan of auto tuning and being able to drag misplaced beats into sync electronically, though. But I like the ability to copy pieces of a song and drag them around without using a razor blade and splicing tape.

We still run a Studer A827 at the studio (24). Many clients in Nashville still love recording to tape (those with the budget of course). At home I run a 003 and mix in the box. I used to have a non-working 8-channel Tascam but lent it to a buddy to fix and never saw it again.

I think a lot of people my age, 22, and even older have never used tape or experienced the difference - therefore they only use digital. Unfortunately for them, there isn't a single studio on Music Row that will hire someone that doesn't know tape...it is still very alive in Nashville.

I have a Teac 2340 4-track deck with two non-working channels. I have live recordings done on that machine in '70s that sound great even today. Until recently I had never recorded anything digitally. I think it's agood thing to have knopwledge of "ancient" recording technology. Have you seen "Chaos and Creation at Abbey Road?" It's a McCartney broadcast that he did live with a studio audience. At the close of the show, he tracked something live, playing all the parts -- to show the audience how it's done. Pretty interesting.

Very cool! I'll have to check that out...do you have a digital rig at home, Laklander? It is difficult for me to stay up on all the new gear coming out and I live and work in the busiest music city there is - how do you stay up to date and working in a city that doesn't have much music (I'm from Pittsburgh originally).

Alex -- I just have Mixcraft 4 on my PC. Nothing serious -- I'm not an engineer. The digital recording I did recently was with a church band and a singer/songwriter. It was all onto a Mac using Cubase and I had nothing to do with the mix -- just plugged & played. How long have you been in Nashville? Do you know Buddy Hall? He's a singer/guitarist/writer/producer from Pittsburgh who works in Nashville now and then. he's been working with Brynn Marie. He has a ProTools studio in his house in Dormont. Another former Pittsburgher in Nashville is guitarist Vaughn Lofstead -- he has a private studio. Bassist Larry Paxton is kinda a Pittsburgher -- actually from Youngstown.

Internet keeps me up to date pretty much, at least on equipment. I've always been more interested in equipment than most people I know. Always wanted the newest & best stuff. I worked in music stores for about 12 years on and off and I'm good friends with Don Hollowood at Hollowood Music in McKees Rocks.

Laklander - I've been in Nashville for 4 years now and absolutely love it! I do know Buddy Hall...would you happen to know The Clarks? They are a Pittsburgh band and do a lot of work in Nashville too - used to play guitar at church growing up with Rob James. How about the Graniti Brothers - toured with Led Zepplin for a long time, drummer now lives in Beaver County - painted my old house! Lots of music still in Pittsburgh I see...good to hear!

Ever heard of Brighton Music Shop? I used to do lessons out there throughout highschool. Very cool to hear from someone back home - it's been I while since I've been back.

I took trombone lesson at the original Brighton Music Center in New Brighton. Bought a rolled & pleated Kustom bass amp there and Standel as well. Grew up in New Brighton, actually. I do know all the Granatis, and Rob James name just came up tonight after a TV gig, believe it or not. Is he Kaleb Jones' dad -- Kaleb's in The Loriens and I think they are based in Nashville. I know of the Clarks, but don't know them personally. Like their band, though.

Buddy & I go back 30+ years. He was my best man, in fact. we played in several bands together, the last one way back in '83. I Love his songs -- he's writing mostly country now, but his rock tunes are really good. And he's a heck of a guitarist. Next time you see him, tell him you "know" me. Small world indeed.

Incredible! I grew up right across to river in Beaver...went to Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe every Saturday morning (and some days when we'd skip school). Not sure about Rob's son. That is incredible about you and Buddy - I'll have to check out some of his newer stuff!

Yah! Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe. The original one in NB used to have only four stools and one booth. Now they have three stores, at least. Only dog that comes close to them IMHO is Sonic, but Brighton's fries are better. Now you've made me want to drive to one.

Buddy has been writing for at least 30 years. We recorded several of his rock tunes in the early '80s but ran out of money. His newer stuff is just as good. Most of the demos are played by him alone unless he has to get a fiddle player or a steel player. His drums are all sampled. Even his rough mix demos sound great. What's your last name? I'll mention it to Bud. Mine's Molter. Just tell him you know "Shaky Dave" and watch his face.

Brighton's will always be the best dogs! Maybe I'll make the nine hour drive back and grab a few!

I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, I don't know Buddy personally - I have just heard of him before and know of him as a session player in Nashville. I friend of mine, Juanita - who works at Sound Emporium Studios - had mentioned his name to me as being a session player on a recent album. Are we talking about the same man? He's probably around 60 and is a great electric player - does some session work around town?

Anyways, If I ever run in to him I'll be sure to ask about "Shaky Dave".