When you step inside Jesse Ray Ernster’s studio, you’re entering a space where craftsmanship, character, and creativity collide. From vintage guitars and boutique gear to pick crumbs and custom acoustic treatments, every detail tells a story. In this behind-the-scenes tour, Jesse gives us a glimpse into his world—equal parts heartfelt, hilarious, and technically dialled-in.
Custom Tools and Tactile Treats
Kicking things off, Jesse highlights one of his more low-key favourites: a custom Apogee remote control. It’s unassuming, but powerful—letting him manage volume, switch monitors, toggle mono, or dive into mid-side listening without ever leaving his seat. “Amazing,” he says with a grin. Beside it? A Juice Goose power distributor—because there’s always another Juice Goose.
Oh, and if you’re on Xbox Live, you can add him as Goose Bagels.
Check out the full-length video here ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z6deDZfyec
Shabby Headphones and Sentimental Art
One of the more “seasoned” items in the studio? A set of old headphones that disintegrate on impact. “Clients put them on and they leave trails of faux leather crumbs everywhere,” Jesse laughs, zooming in on the debris. “It gets all over the carpet.”
More meaningful is a portrait drawn by his daughter, destined for a spot on the wall. “It captures the vibe,” he says fondly. “Whenever I’m having a bad time, I look at that little guy with his yellow stick arms and bunny teeth and think—that’s the energy I want to bring into this room.”
The Picks With Personality
Sure, Jesse keeps the classic green Tortex picks on hand, but his current obsession is far more cheeky—literally. The Anatomy of Sound picks feature a bikini on one side and butt cheeks on the other. “It’s like feeling a little butt cheek while you’re playing the guitar,” he says, laughing. “They actually help with grip, and the softer attack makes them feel like a ribbon mic compared to a plastic pick’s condenser-like pluck.”
Guitars With History
Jesse’s guitar collection isn’t enormous, but each piece is chosen with care.
- 1989 Clapton Strat: A hand-me-down from his dad, fitted with Sheptone “Good Enough for Leo” pickups wound to vintage pre-CBS specs. “Tall frets and high action—that’s my thing,” Jesse says. “I like to dig in.”
- 1997 Telecaster: Once a Minnesota backline guitar, upgraded with Lindy Fralin Blues Specials. “It’s the Brad Paisley sound,” Jesse explains. “Spanky and banky.”
- 1979 Guild D50 Acoustic: A Rhode Island-built classic found on eBay with a collapsed top. Hoffman Guitars rebuilt it beautifully. “It lived under a bed for 25 years,” Jesse says. “Now it sings again.”
- Gibson Les Paul R8 (2007): A tank of a guitar, loaded with Wizz PAF-style pickups. “Everyone says you want the lighter ones for resonance,” he shrugs, “but it’s all about the pickups.”
Amps That Roar and Sing
Jesse has a stack of amps in storage, but the essentials are here:
- JCM800 (2204 Vertical Input): Modded by Eddie Lenz, a brilliant amp tech based across the pond. Eddie’s 3436 mod is designed to emulate Slash’s tone from the Use Your Illusion era—barky, resonant, and full of hairy texture. “When you hit a chord, every string rings out with this gritty beauty,” Jesse says. “It’s just fun.”
- Matchless DC30: A point of friendly contention between Jesse and his dad—he wants the Chieftain, his dad wants the DC30, and they live 2,000 miles apart. “It’s the most versatile amp I’ve ever used,” Jesse says. “Incredible.”
The Room That Built the Sound
The Room That Built the SoundDesigned by Gerhard Westphalen, the studio is a mix engineer’s dream. The walls are covered in custom panels built by Jesse himself from Gerhard’s plans, using materials designed for specific acoustic responses—membranes, air gaps, absorbers, and all.
“I’m not an acoustician,” Jesse admits, “but I followed the instructions and built it all—hammer, nails, screw gun. It was fun.”
Among the standout features:
- DA9 Resonant Panels: Large with a vibrating membrane for low-end control.
- MLV Membrane Absorbers: Built like resonant drums, packed with 24 inches of pink fluffy insulation and a 2-inch air gap.
- ASC Tube Traps: Strategic placement throughout the space, with extras in storage.
No treatment on the windows or doors—“Low-end just passes through them anyway,” Jesse notes.
The Soul of the Space
“This room has been really good to me,” Jesse reflects. “It’s a space where I can keep improving. Like anyone watching, I love doing this—but I’m never quite there. Having a room that lets me hear things accurately makes the learning curve feel a little less steep.”
Final Thoughts
Jesse Ray Ernster’s studio is more than a workspace—it’s a reflection of his story, style, and spirit. It’s quirky, refined, heartfelt, and hilariously human. From Xbox usernames to decades-old gear, it’s a place where great music is made and shared with joy.
And as Jesse says, “Thanks for coming along for the ride.”
Check out the full-length video here ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z6deDZfyec
