Tim Calhoun on SoundBetter

I love working in various styles and I consider my expertise in soul, r&b, funk, rock and country. Jazz is also something I love to play and regularly do jazz gigs here in Nashville. Need slide guitar? I got that too!! Dobro? Yep!! Baritone guitar tracks?? Yep, no problem!!! Sitar guitar?? You bet!!

I've been a full time musician/guitarist my whole life. I've played and or recorded with many grammy winning/nominated such as Jon Secada (Grammy award best latin/pop album), Olivia Newton John (Pop icon and Academy Award winner), Kathy Troccoli (GMA dove award winner), Trisha Yearwood (3 time grammy award winner) and many more...

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Credits

10 Reviews

Endorse Tim Calhoun

by Frank Paul
Working with Tim was an Awesome experience! He is a Great guitar player, Engineer and Producer! I highly recommend Tim for your next project!
by Tim Horsley
Great is not a word I have ever thrown around lightly, but that is the word I use to describe Tim Calhoun. He is a guitar master of style and tone. He is a meticulous audio engineer and an open-minded producer with “big ears”. Truly Great.
by Mark C
I have known Tim for many years and his abilities on the guitar have always amazed me. If I would have to explain in just a few words Tim’s playing, everything fits. Regardless of the style or genre, regardless of all the things he could play, it just always fits. Never too much and never not enough. He has a great feel and ear for what the song requires. You can’t go wrong with Tim in your tracks!
by Stephen Taylor
I have worked with Tim for over 8 years now in a variety of musical situations. He always brings something unique to the table. His musicianship, tones, and attitude are always a pleasure to create with. Can't recommend him enough!
by Matthew C.
I have worked with a lot of really great guitar players but none better than Tim. He brings something credible and authentic to every genre he plays in. And, if it’s possible, Tim is actually a nicer guy than he is a great guitar player. I just need to give him five more stars for the review…
by Gregg Hodge
I work with Tim as much as possible and always look forward to an overwhelmingly satisfying experience. Whether it’s crushing a guitar track, engineering a vocal, producing a demo or entire album, setting up for a rehearsal or sound checking for a gig , here are four reasons you want Tim Calhoun: 1) He still loves it after all these years, and it comes through; 2) His character and work ethic are inspiring; 3) Tim is simply one of the best musicians you’ll ever meet. Period. 4) Finally, he’s just a great guy. There are so many pompous personalities in this business - Tim ain’t one of them.
by John DiModica
I have worked on a recording with Tim and several live performances. In every environment he has crushed it. I look forward to the next opportunity to collaborate with him.
by Jim Daneker
Tim is a top-notch pro and a great guy to work with. Excellent musicianship, tasteful playing and tone - the whole enchilada!
by David Wise
Tim is the Ultimate Pro!! Extremely versatile player and will always go above and beyond. Reads as well!! Always been thrilled with anything he has ever done for me and he can dial in your tone exactly the way you need it. USE HIM!! :)
by AJ Caldwell
Great guitar tracks!!! Gave me exactly what the songs wanted/needed. I could not be happier!!!!

Interview with Tim Calhoun

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One of my favorite projects was the first Kristin Dare record. Even now I listen to it and it still has legs. I've also wrote and produced a lot of stuff for TV that I'm proud of.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: In my studio I'm cutting guitar on a media project called classic tutor. I'm at two different studios next week and I'm not sure what they are other than one is a Netflix thing and the other is a new artist project my friend is producing.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I'm new to this, so I'm not but probably......
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I like both and use both. The consistency of digital is awesome and in the box has come a very long way. But analog has a lot of mojo.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I'm happy when you're happy. I guarantee my work.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: It's different every day.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Unfortunately it's about price usually. But I get it, we all have a budget to work within.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: They think music is not hard work....
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Well, that depends on what we're working on, but mostly questions that help me understand their vision of the project, and what the end result should be.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: To know what you want in a track is helpful. If you have recorded musical example that give a general direction is good too.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Guitar, interface, computer, Kemper and headphones.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I went to University of Miami and was a Jazz guitar major. Was in New York for years where I started doing lots of session for TV and media. Moved to Nashville where I continue to do the same for almost 20 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My niche here in Nashville - The guy you can call who can read music and can competently play most any genre.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I've worked with a lot, but mostly I love working with talented individuals who want to make the best music possible. I don't care how popular or successful they are. I could mention this artist or that one but as long as we're making art, I'm happy.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If everyone in the room don't love it. Try to think of something better!!!!
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop rock, country, jazz and r&b.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Guitar and coming up with interesting parts no matter the instrument.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Often a song will tell you what it wants and needs. So basically my function is to make the chorus pay off even by brining musical IDs that compliment and augment verses and choruses.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: It depends on the project. Mostly its about the artist or the client and what they want and or need. I'm here to serve the project and the client and to do what is best for both. That usually means good communication and a clear picture of their vision. Once that is established I'll start cutting tracks and after a few are cut I'll send an mp3 and make sure the client is completely happy. Basically that is continued until the completion of the project. It's often more like a partnership.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: It's a pro tools set up. I use UA interface and their plug-ins. I also use a lot of Slate digital stuff. I routinely track full rhythm sections here and get an incredible sound. As far as my guitar rig... Matchless HC-30, 68 Plexi, 57 tweed bassman, 60's deluxe reverb. I also use a Kemper a lot. 23 guitars of about every flavor.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I pretty much love most genres. But pop, funk and r&b is probably my favorite. I also play a lot of Jazz gigs here in Nashville. Which I also love!!!
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Guitar overdubs mainly and I also play in the pit for TPAC and Studio Tenn playing broadway shows. I do work with artist several times a year producing their music.