This is the first GearBOX article appearing in the GW Review. This column covers different pieces of gear available, ranging from instruments, sound reinforcement equipment, recording equipment and a vast array of different toys that you may want to add to your gearbox.

Our first topic is recording gear. Many different levels of musicians are interested in getting their music into an audio format for reasons such as; improving their song writing skills, demoing new material, and recording independent releases. There are many types of gear available to accomplish these tasks. This, and future GearBOX articles, will help you make the right decisions for your needs.

The main points you should consider when purchasing gear are:

1. What is the intent of the recording?
2. Do you have time to learn the gear properly, using it to its maximum capacity, in order to get the best possible results?
3. Do you have the $$$Budget$$$?

Once you've figured this out, it's time to go shopping--not quite yet.

A lot of gear junkies are impulse buyers. You should always start by window-shopping or checking out manufactures' websites. There's an astronomical amount of information out there to make your choices easier. Make sure you research the product you want to purchase. It makes your decision easier and there's less chance that you'll be disappointed after you get it home. If you don't do your homework, you might find that your new piece doesn't measure up to the standards you had set.

If, by chance, you end up with a piece of gear that doesn't suit your needs, do not hesitate to take it back. Most retailers are fairly understanding in these situations. A lot of newcomers just stick gear "under the bed," hoping they'll be able to use it someday-whenever that is. Suddenly the piece that cost you $1,500.00 three months ago is now only worth $1000.00--and that's just how technology depreciates due to constant product advancements. It's a lot harder to sell used gear, regardless of the condition, when most people are looking for the latest gear. Sometimes it's a good idea to rent the item before you dive into your pocket to buy it.

We'll be looking at home project studios over the next few issues, so I've provided you with some links to manufactures that are putting out hard disc multi-trackers. These units are a popular format for home recording enthusiasts right now. In future issues we'll go in a different direction, discussing recording directly into your computer (PC and MAC). Don't worry; we'll get to it.

Check out some of the links: www.tascam.com, www.fostex.com, www.yamaha.ca, www.roland.ca, www.korg.com, www.akaipro.com, www.zoom.co.jp