want to build new studio to record yamaha C7

markt · Post by **markt** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 4:03 am

I'm looking to build a small studio 20x22 (?) in Tennessee. No real close neighbors, closest 200ft.
My budget is aprox. $20,000.
Looking for some guidance.
Thanks,
mark

knightfly · Post by **knightfly** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:30 pm

Mark, welcome; let me just say that, while I appreciate your attempt at NOT overwhelming us with information, you've gone too much the OTHER way

Things like whether you intend to do this yourself or hire it done, what tools you have available, your level of carpentry skills, any friends with same, etc - for a more complete list of things that will help us help you, check the very top thread in this forum and answer as many of the bold points as you know.

Things like, does your nearest neighbor like to target practice with his high-powered rifle when you want to be recording, are there loud blue-jays on your property, are you under a fly-way for 747's, tractors, trains, etc...

The more you can tell us about every facet of your environment and goals, the better... Steve

markt · Post by **markt** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 1:03 pm

Stave,
Thanks for getting back.
The exterior structure will be built by a contractor and the interior as well if I can afford it.
I have above average carpentry skills and a fair amout of power tools (chop saw,table saw, compressor and nail gun ect.) but I am not a master.
I do have blue jays and a few airplanes and speed boats as well, we are near a lake(200yds).
As far as my neighbors, I'd like to keep as much sound from them as possible.
I found a simple design off google:
[http://recordinginstitute.com/R2KREQ/cottage.htm]
After seeing some pic's on this site it seems quitye simple, wich is okay with me as long as I get the end result. A desent studio space to record my 7'4" grand.
What do think?
I working with a desinger for the structure and he thinks cinder block will be cheaper than wood, due to Katrina and "the war".

thanks,
mark

knightfly · Post by **knightfly** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:17 pm

Starting from scratch, there are even MORE reasons to use block; if you were to use 8x8x16 hollow block walls, fill all cavities (that aren't already filled with grout) with dry sand, then put a 2x4 frame inside that with two layers of 5/8 gypsum wallboard on one side of the frame, leaving 8" between the block and the gypsum, insulate, match that inner and outer as close as possible with your roof/ceiling, do a double door sound lock, and I don't think you could PLAY your piano loud enough for anyone to hear ANY note you play from outside. (Approx, 50 dB TL @ 50 hZ, and STC 90 means that low notes would need to be about 105 dB before they'd be audible outside, and the rest of the spectrum would be the same)

The roof/ceiling and ventilation, etc, would be the hardest to get up to that level of isolation.

IF you DO go with block outer, you may want to consider Dry stack, Bonded block construction; it's stronger, easier to build, quieter, and doesn't need much of a mason to do.

http://www.quikrete.com/diy/QUIKWALLSur ... ement.html

http://www.masoncontractors.org/newsand ... 002801.php

http://www.thenaturalhome.com/drystackblock.htm

By starting from scratch, you can also make your space as tall as needed for good acoustics AND enough room for a separate, inner ceiling frame so your ceiling can keep up with your walls... Steve

UnNaimed · Post by **UnNaimed** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:52 pm

hi, i just wanna say i see you are in Tennessee. I don't know if you ever had the chance or not but The Tracking Room in Nashville has an amazing sounding room with a C7. maybe this can give you some ideas.
here's a link
http://www.emeraldentertainment.com/stu ... iano.shtml

~chris

markt · Post by **markt** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:44 am

Steve,
Thanks for the info.
Here's the layout I was looking at using.
This article also talked about "Golden Section Acoustics".

The ratio is approximately 1 (high) by 1.6 (deep) by 2.6 (wide). When a room conforms to these dimensions, they say it will evenly reflect all frequencies so that any area sounds substantially the same.

The front door has to moved to the side where the original garage door is so I can get the piano in.

Thanks again for your help.
Mark

knightfly · Post by **knightfly** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:51 pm

Mark, from the look of your drawing you need to do a search on the term, triple leaf wall, or just triple; as shown, your plan will cost you more and do less than you want for isolation... Steve