Sometimes the universe sends you exactly what you need through the most unexpected channels.
I met Wayne at Schmidt’s Pub, and recently he reached out on Facebook asking if I could use some microphones that had been given to him. Even though Wayne isn’t a musician himself, he immediately thought of Panama Sound and what these mics could mean for the studio.
Just the other day, Wayne showed up at the Pub with a bag containing not one but TWO Shure SM57 microphones plus extra cables. For those who don’t know, the SM57 is the industry standard—used on everything from guitar cabinets to snare drums, from Jimi Hendrix’s stacks to the White House podium. They’re indestructible, reliable, and essential.
With Wayne’s incredibly generous gift, Panama Sound now owns SIX SM57s—enough to properly mic an entire drum kit with mics left over for guitar amps. This directly expands what we can capture in a single session and means better recordings for every artist who walks through the door.
Wayne, you didn’t have to think of me. You didn’t have to make the trip. But you did, and that generosity is going to live on in every recording we make here. Thank you, truly.
Want to Help Build Panama Sound?
If Wayne’s generosity inspired you and you’d like to directly contribute to the studio’s growth, I’ve put together an Amazon wishlist of gear that would expand our capabilities:
Panama Sound Studio Wishlist – Amazon
Every contribution—whether it’s cables, stands, electronics, or recording gear—helps us serve Bay Area musicians better. And like Wayne’s SM57s, these tools become part of every session, every song, every artist’s journey.