Today we’d like to introduce you to Misael Munoz.
Hi Misael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I had always wanted to do music. Whether it be composition or just playing guitar. I just knew that music was for me. However, I had gotten really good with my hands and knowledge of the automotive, watercraft and powersports area. However, this was not satisfactory after many years. Although I had lost the spark for music for a while I ended up getting interested again by the means of Audio Engineering and in 2019, I enrolled at F.I.R.S.T. Institute to formally pursue Recording Arts and Show Production.
Granted I had delved into the world of recording and crafting heavy tones(primarily metal) a few years prior, I still felt I needed to learn more and push myself into the Audio Engineering realm. What I found while I was enrolled was a massive disconnect between the Guitar Tech and the Audio Engineer. While there were guitars and basses to record, I was not too happy with the quality of sound that I was hearing. The Guitar Tech could make sure that the instrument was in working order but there was never a guarantee that it sounded good recorded. On the other hand, the Audio Engineers could hear a problem but did not know the functions of a guitar or bass and would limp around the issue because they could not solve the issue at the source. The lack of cross-training was translating into bad recordings and an abundance of time sitting, editing at a desk.
With my background of mechanics, I was confident that whatever needed to be altered or modified on the instruments to sound good on a recording would be an easy bridge for me to gap since I had already spent many years modifying my personal instruments as well as my friends(and soon my teachers). While finding traction in the DAW, with recording techniques, preamps and microphones was a challenge at first, I have been able to ensure that any and all of the recordings I have been a part of have been no less than stellar.
I started my business Calibrated LLC a month before the Pandemic started. It has been tough but I have been growing despite the hard times we have been facing. Today, I am truly about the sound of Orlando and making sure that we have the best sounding musicians. PERIOD.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not. Not even close. This has been the hardest thing I have done. It’s mostly the fear that gets you. I feel many do not talk about the paralyzing feeling when you think of possibly failing. I had never tried to start a business. Never have I tried to challenge myself this hard and put my skills out and front. And never have I challenged the current way and process when it comes to Guitar Tech’s and Audio Engineers. I have gotten heat already from competitors(even made fun of on social media) and discouraged from Facebook discussion groups.
I have explained in detailed to many potential customers about my process and a few turned me down due to the fact that my approach is new(to them) and not what they are used to.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Calibrated By Misael LLC?
My business focuses on the sound of your instrument at the source and I will stress this at the source. Primarily I work with Guitars and Basses. What I am most known for is my instrument setups and building custom string gauge sets from scratch based of four things: preferred feel of the instrument when playing(included tension), tuning, scale length, and other mechanical limits of the instrument. From there, I build a custom string gauge set (using Kalium Strings) for the customer and do a setup according to customer request and the strings picked out for the instrument. There are many other services I provide but this by far seems to be the biggest trouble point for many.
No other business comes close to me in this regard. I would equate it to a franchise clothes store selling you a suit versus having a professional Tailor build you a suit from the ground up around you. No. Contest.
What I would like people to know is that I have gone out of my way for the past two (almost three) years knowing what you need to sound the best every time. Whether it be live, in the studio or in your bedtime room. Your sound is my sound. Your tone is my tone.
Other services I provide is custom electronic wiring in instruments, hardware swaps, pickup swaps, speakers swaps in cabs, sit in guitar tech for Recording Sessions and live Guitar Tech as well as consultations.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is that you cannot let fear be the compass by which you navigate. That compass only points South.
Pricing:
- Guitar Setups Starting $65
- Bass Setups Starting $70
- Pickup Swaps $35 Each
- Custom Wiring Starts At $55
Contact Info:
- Email: mmunoz@calibratedbymisael.com
- Website: calibratedbymisael.com
- Instagram: @calibratedbymisael
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalibratedbyMisael
Image Credits
Misael Munoz
