I have a small digital studio (Roland VS880 8track recorder/mixer, sampler, synth, etc) and am looking for some advice about insuring it. When talking to normal insurers they recommend special insurance policies for musical equipment, but with all these little studios around is it really such an unheard‑of thing that needs special insurance? Perhaps you could shed some light, or give me a couple of names of companies that are trustworthy?
Sven Mitchell
Editor Paul White replies: We often carry ads from insurers who will cover studio gear in the classified section of the mag. Check out Hencilla Canworth (+44 (0)20 8686 5050), GM Imber (+44 (0)20 7231 5005), Golden Valley Insurance's Musicover (+44 (0)1981 240536), Robertson Taylor (+ 44 (0)20 7510 1234) and Musicguard (+44 (0)2476 851000, www.musicguard.co.uk)
Also, many home insurance policies will cover a sensible amount of recording gear at an extra premium — that's how I do my insurance now. All the insurer usually asks is that the total value of the items is disclosed, and that individual items worth over £1000 are specifically listed. Just don't call it a studio, unless you're taking in paying clients of course — technically it's just expensive audio equipment for your own use.