"One day, Bob and I decided to fix up the studio. I thought, wow, we're crazy or something spending all this money on music. What happens if I slice off one of my fingers with the skill saw?" Joe Dye, of Ampersand

Ampersand Studios, founded in 1993, is a recording and production facility specializing in acoustic music. In 2001, the studio was re designed for two reasons:

1. To create the 'total creative atmosphere' for musicians

2. To film recording sessions for airings on Nationwide television

The Music End
Featuring custom tube mic pre's and microphones designed by Pendulum Audio, Ampersand Studio's offers the 'Big Sound' that is prevalent in today's very best recordings. 

Besides 'high definition' recording, world class production is achieved by record producer and studio owner Bob Harris, who is mostly known for his award winning acoustic guitar playing. In 1992, Bob won first place in Guitar Player International's- "Ultimate Guitar Competition," for a rendition of "Cajun Stomp" on his "Relentless" CD. Bob is also long time guitarist for fiddle legend Vassar Clements.

"I've worked on the musician's side of the glass for many years, so it was easy to know as producer how to get the best out of the musicians," said Harris. "Most of the time it's just a matter of getting everyone comfortable ... and to have a good time. That's my job, and that's when all the great music comes out."

Quotes about the studio

"Best sound I have ever heard on my fiddle" - fiddle legend Vassar Clements

"Great production" - King of the Texas swing fiddle, Johnny Gimble

"My banjo sounds as big as a house" - Steve Lutke

"This place gets a great acoustic sound" - John Carlini, guitar virtuoso formerly with the Grisman Quintet

"My dobro really sounds great," - Mike Auldridge, founding member of Washington DC's legendary bluegrass band, "The Seldom Scene."

First place Independent Music Award/Best Production for the song "Viola" by the group "Girlyman."

Lets' film and record at the same time
The enormous cost of television filming, editing and purchasing of air time proved to be extremely difficult to maneuver around (not to mention the cost of building a filming studio). Recording basically went on hold for a few years until Bob and staff figured out how to make it all work. "The key was to be able to repeat the process again and again, without having to mortgage the house for every project" said Harris. "It helped to have our own staff and filming studio. And since airtime for a whole show was just slightly more than a 90 second spot, we decided on 30 minute style programming to publicize and sell our CD's Nationwide. Basically, call it an infomercial because we are selling something directly to the viewers. But I think in a few years this style of advertising is going to be common for record labels and studios."

Today, Ampersand Studios films about half of the Artists that record a CD and also produces projects for both Major and Independent record labels. If you would like more information about Ampersand Studios or Ampersand Records, please call 1(800) 378-9313.

Studio Rates:
recording: $85 per hour
$500 (8 hour block rate)

Pro Tools/ Digital Performer editing: $75 per hour
Mixing: $140 per hour
Mastering: $150 per hour

Session musicians:
$80 per hour (in most instances)

Filming:
2 camera shoot (similar to television show) $250 per hour
$1750 (8 hour block rate)
Film editing: $100 per hour

Air Time: please call