Sam Kaufmann on SoundBetter

Maynard Ferguson, New Kids, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Loggins, Michael Jackson and more... (Tracks recorded in a Real Studio with Real Amps and Real mics on ProTools HD system.)

A heavy Rock/Pop/Jazz focus and a melodic approach that focuses on supporting the song is my core approach. Satisfaction is guaranteed with fast email response, quick turnarounds, and confirmation the client is happy with the parts, performance and sound.
A depth of credits begin at age 15 accompanying Maynard Ferguson on a show, later touring as lead guitarist for NKOB, Tonight Show appearance with Dwight Yoakam, and upon graduating Berklee College of Music, working with Michael Jackson to write music on the HIStory project.
Sam went on to compose music and play guitar on sessions for such iconic television shows such as Sightings, Modern Marvels and Biography as well as top level brand advertising for Nike, Lexus, ESPN and many others.
Testimonials lauding Sam’s talent include kind words from William Shattner, Ben Deily (Lemonheads), Disney execs, directors and producers from network shows on HBO, CBS, NBC and many more industry greats.

Contact me with the green button above and lets get to work.

(Tracks recorded in a Real Studio with Real Amps and Real mics on ProTools HD system.)

Soundcloud Playlist

https://on.soundcloud.com/9Ef6E

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

Michael Jackson

AllMusic verified credits for Sam Kaufmann

Sam Kaufmann
Sam Kaufmann
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Michael Joel

10 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Sam Kaufmann

by Madalena Graça
Verified (Client)
It was a pleasure working with Sam! He had a clear guideline about what he envisioned for the song and had everything already set and ready to go. Communication was on the spot. I definitely recommend working with him!
by Jane Young
Verified (Client)
Sam, thank you for this cool experience! To work with you was really interesting for me! I appreciate this possibility)
by Todd A.
Verified
Sam is creative, technically skilled, and always knows just what the song needs. A true professional who elevates any piece of music he touches!
by Todd A.
Verified
Sam is an amazing player and a total pleasure to work with. He's a true professional in every way. I look forward to working with him again.
by Eric
If you want a true professional experience, this is the player. This is what Malcolm Gladwell talks about…The consistent and repeated work and practice that makes one an expert!
by Bill Stewart
Super friendly, excellent guitarist. He always knows how to make the song better. His approach is to make EVERY track sound better - not just the guitar tracks!
by Lisa V
Sam worked fast and furiously to get me the track I needed for a last minute deadline. No one else I know could deliver a better track - let alone on such short notice!
by Roger J.
In the nearly 30 years I have known Sam, he has always been an innovative, well-rounded played
by Terrence Smalls
My first call for years - a true professional, talented and creative.
by Martin Rodriguez
Sam's playing is magical, he brings something special to each track.

Interview with Sam Kaufmann

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: You'll be glad you found me.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love hearing and being a part of creating new, exciting and different productions every day.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you do this (insert anything here). Answer - YES!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Cost and time
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What are you looking to achieve by adding bass or guitar parts? Do you feel there is something missing in the recording as it exists? Are there other instruments you are adding that have not been recorded yet?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Have a reference or general idea of what you want the finished product to sound like.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My Yamaha bass, Fender Tele, Deluxe Reverb, U87, something to record with/on (ProTools).
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Creating musical lines and parts that fit and enhance the music - not the other way around.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: 20 years of playing and expertise in what bass and guitar parts support the song. The song is king. I also have amassed a vast collection of amps, microphones and guitars to create whatever os required. I also have a Kemper for speed and repeatability.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Listen through tracks, make sure everything lines up. If there is a vocal - a scratch is a must. Read and listen to producer comments and samples. Re-search samples if necessary, play through a few times for feel and form - then record - which also includes the process of getting the right sound for the tracks. Then send out the tracks for approval/comments.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: ProTools HD, Iso Booth, Control Room with 7.1 monitoring. Neumann, AKG, Sennheiser, Shure, Electro-Voice, Gefell microphones. Millennia & Avalon Pre-Amps. ANY guitar/bass, ANY amp
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Bass and Guitar Session Performance, Guitar Arrangements and Scoring
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock/Pop/Jazz
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Ampire open credits. It was a blast and it came out sounding wonderful. Very creative and fun!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Cheap Trick sound alikes
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Whatever works best for the song.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Graduated Berklee College of Music, came to LA and got a gig with Michael Jackson in 3 days. I've been lucky enough to be busy ever since!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Melodic
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I have had the opportunity to work with many talented musicians, however Dave Weckl would be a dream session/jam.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Always have a reference track.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Eric Johnson, Pete Thorn, Pat Metheny