The Gunter Hotel’s latest amenity is another nod to its rich musical history, and it may be the boutique downtown property’s most intriguing offering yet.
The hotel has unveiled Gunter Studio, a private recording studio on its second floor inspired by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson’s historic first recording session, which took place in 1936 in the property’s Room 414.
The completion of the state-of-the-art recording studio marks the fulfillment of a $57 million renovation of the historic hotel.
“From the very start of this renovation, we felt that we had a duty to honor the music that has filled these halls for over a century,” said owner Jiwon Choi, who also serves as managing director at Axle Capital. “We hope that the Gunter Studio will create more legendary musical moments that people will be talking about for years to come.”
In a statement announcing the new facilities, Gunter officials said the hotel is “committed fully to its love of music.” To that end, the studio is outfitted with high-quality equipment including a Neve Genesys Black 48-channel hybrid mixing console, outboard gear from Universal Audio, Neve, Manley and Pultec along with Focal Trio studio monitors.
The hotel didn’t immediately share details on how to book a session and how much it costs.
Adjacent to the studio, musicians can unwind in the Gunter Studio Lounge, adorned with jewel-toned interiors, polished brass accents and Art Deco details.
The Gunter Studio was designed by producer and musician Michael Ramos and acoustician Steve Durr.
“We wanted to make sure this studio has everything a professional recording facility should have,” Ramos said. “We worked to configure a layout that maximizes the acoustic properties of the space. Recording at the Gunter is more than a standard session, it’s an opportunity to leave your mark on a place rich with musical history.”
In addition to being available to touring musicians who stop in San Antonio, the Gunter Studio is intended as a resource for students and nonprofits to incubate creativity in the community.
A dedicated sound engineer is included with every booking, and the studio can comfortably accommodate groups of up to eight. For those seeking additional inspiration, Gunter Studio guests even have the option to record in Room 414, where Robert Johnson held his original recording session, and have it piped down to the recording studio.
Johnson recorded some of his most iconic tracks at the Gunter, including “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” and “Cross Road Blues.”
Musicians including John Mellencamp — and more recently Todd Rundgren — have made the pilgrimage to Room 414, drawn by the room’s mythic place in blues history.
But Johnson isn’t the only notable figure in the hotel’s musical history.
During the swing era, legendary big-band leaders including Alphonse Trent, Mack Rogers and Henry Lange held residencies at the Gunter’s venues: the Cave, the Keystone Club, the Rose Room and the grand Crystal Ballroom.
Jimmie Rodgers — the “Father of Country Music” known for the enduring anthem “Blue Yodel No. 9 (T for Texas)” — also has a deep history with the hotel. The “Singing Brakeman” called the Gunter home throughout his life, performing at its clubs and cementing the hotel’s place in the American musical canon.
“That history is what inspired the Gunter to build something worthy of it,” hotel officials said in a statement.
To celebrate the launch of the studio, the hotel will welcome the public to view the space from 6-7 p.m. on Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 prior to the property’s Singer Songwriter Series, which takes place in the Studio Lounge. Tickets for the singer-songwriter shows are still available.
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