Recording Resophonic Guitar (Dobro)

[Zetajazz44]

I've recorded just about every type of acoustic instruments, but never a resophonic guitar... Soon I'm gonna need to... Anyone want to give me any tips on what types of mic(s) to use, large diaphram..etc.. Placements..etc...

[Rokket]

I don't see why you can't record a resonator the same as you would a regular acoustic. Perhaps just point your mic at the metal near the soundhole instead of the usual 12th fret. I think a mic that will pick up a deep warm tone will do the trick. You may want to stay away from the standard 57/58....

Try out different configurations. If you've ever mic'd a standup bass, this shouldn't be much different...

[lpdeluxe]

I point an SM81 at the resonator, maybe 6" away. I get a better tone (at least with my Dobro) than by micing the soundhole.

[lpdeluxe]

With all due respect, Harvey, my Dobro may well get a different sound from the ones you mentioned. I'm not saying better, mind you , what with the old man here doing the playing. The important thing, as always, is to experiment and to find what makes it sound good.

[Zetajazz44]

Originally Posted by Rokket

Try out different configurations. If you've ever mic'd a standup bass, this shouldn't be much different...

Thanks! I've been quite successful with standup bass so far... I mostly record only bluegrass bands and I've found a good technique for the bass... Just never gave a dobro a try and I have a studio musician coming in, in a few weeks and I can't waste a lot of time 'testing' with him... I may have to get a local player to come in and do a bit of testing with him first...
I've got several SM57 & 58's, Rode K2, Rode NT5's (2 pair), TLM-103, surely I can find a combination that will work...
I've thought about a ribbon mic, but I dont' have one... Maybe I can get one to try... How do you guys think a ribbon would work..?