By John Redmond
Contributing writer
With an increase in the population of foreign musicians in Korea, there has been a need to translate these talented songwriters' ideas and performances into something more tangible, such as a CD or a method to post them on their myspace page.
Korea has no shortage of reasonably priced high-tech recording studios with staff more than fluent in English. The drawback being where to find these places, as they are normally listed on Korean web sites, in Korean, and located miles from any form of public transport.
Long-time Korean resident Canadian national Lance Reegan Diehl, best known as guitarist/vocalist for rock band LRD, has channeled his energy and money into setting up Seoul's first foreign run music instrument service center and recording complex.
Lance, bass guitarist David Dauberman and Lance's Korean wife Megan Kim have been touring locally and Asia-wide under the banner LRD for a number of years and have built a strong reputation as being one of Korea's premier rock outfits. They have also released eight CDs.
Wanting to expand their musical interests, Lance, Megan and David opened a music shop, Deeleebob Music Shop, in Haebangchon, the neighborhood closest to Yongsan military base, with the idea being to provide a more localized service for foreign musicians living in and around Seoul.
Lance, being a seasoned musician, instrument repairman and sound engineer, has also included a rehearsal/recording studio space at basement level where both 220 and 110 volt power outlets are provided.
At first, there were a few teething problems with constant noise complaints from the neighbors. However, after speaking with the Yongsan authorities and giving them permission to monitor the outside ambient noise during a band session, they found that the studio was well within the legal limitations of acceptable decibel levels.
The rehearsal/recording studio now has some of the latest, high-tech, recording and monitoring devices on the market.
Boasting such big names in the industry such as Pro Tools, CuBase, Nuendo and Sonar, Deelbob Studio also provide audio recording in 24 bit standard with a full 32 track standard. Microphones include AKG, Senheiser and Shure.
As well as an in house drum kit, grand piano and PA system, Deelbob studio also offer video production facilities.
With a full range of music services upstairs, including instrument repairs and purchases Deelbob music is a welcome addition to the growing Korean music scene.
Aside from dealing in new and second-hand musical equipment, Deeleebop offers guitar repairs and set ups (fine tuning), choices of guitar strings-including their own brand and assorted accessories, including guitar pick ups, percussion instruments, effects units, amplifiers and computer recording software.
Having worked the music scene in Korea for some time, the staff is prepared to track down those rare items that foreign musicians request, often not readily available at regular stores.
Deelbob is situated on the main street of Haebanchon, just past Phillies Bar. For more information, contact www.deeleebob.com