Acoustic Guitar Feedback

[BluMusic]

Hi Gang ~

While critiquing a recent recording where I included acoustic guitar recorded via condenser mics, I found an inexcusable section of hum most likely coming from the body of the guitar in what was otherwise a flawless solo. Using Cubase SX3, there must be a way to remove or reduce that feedback without cutting out that section of audio sound? Problem is, I don't know how and I'm hoping one of you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks

[cusebassman]

What is this sound you are hearing? Are you talking about some sort of background noise or electrical "hum", or is it a resonant overtone produced by the instrument?

Chances are, its going to be easier to go back and rerecord, as much as you might think there must be some sort of plugin that will fix the problem. Not that I have necessarily tried to fix the same problem, but just about every sonic issue I have had with my acoustic guitar recordings has inevitably resulted in my fixing the problem in the physical world and then rerecording. Just the ole 2 cents though.

[Monkey Allen]

If it was too boomy you could try to cut 3db or whatever at around 80hz....I think it's 80hz for acoustic guitar. Don't quote me.

You could just get a multiband eq plug and experiment with eliminating some volume from the lower frequencies.

But like cusebassman reckons, you could record it again...but sometimes you can't get the feeling right...sometimes I can't even get my guitar tuned properly for a track redo days later, so that it matches the main track.

[NYMorningstar]

Originally Posted by Monkey Allen

sometimes I can't even get my guitar tuned properly for a track redo days later.

that's why I use a guitar tuner, works 'every' time and speaking of time, you don't waste any tuning.

For the OP, retracking is your only viable option. Use a different guitar, take a look at repositioning the mics and sound treating the room too.

[BluMusic]

Originally Posted by cusebassman

What is this sound you are hearing? is it a resonant overtone produced by the instrument?

Chances are, its going to be easier to go back and rerecord, as much as you might think there must be some sort of plugin that will fix the problem. Not that I have necessarily tried to fix the same problem, but just about every sonic issue I have had with my acoustic guitar recordings has inevitably resulted in my fixing the problem in the physical world and then rerecording. Just the ole 2 cents though.

Thanks all, in listening to this, it hard to say but I think what you said here (in Bold) is pretty much the culprit. And yes, I did think of re-doing the solo, but it's a freaking solo, which btw was one of the improvised solos not previously mapped out, so the groove & feel difference will most likely be noticeable.

I think highlighting the very small section and playing with some EQ adjustments, might be just the ticket. I rather do that than try to create a rendition of that feel.

I've been playing guitar for more years than some of you were probably born and I still get amazed at the whole concept of being in the moment while your fingers are flying having no clue as to what note you're gonna play next until you actually get there. And then when you sit back and listen, it sounds as if (on a good night that is) your solo was mapped out. But in most solos, especially like this one where it went on for 16 bars, there's bound 2B a flub somewhere along the way.

Thanks .. I'll let you know how the EQing turned out.

[Robert D]

How is it that you have a feedback path? Were you monitoring with speakers instead of headphones?
Regardless, the best fix by far is to replace the part. The best way to do that, assuming you don't want to replace the whole lead, is to record to a another track, starting a few seconds before, and ending a few seconds after the bad part. Then you can use crossfades to splice in the correction. Experiment with different crossfade locations to find what works seamlessly.
If that isn't workable for some reason, try a parametric eq to bullseye the offending frequency, narrow the Q down to just what it needs to be, and cut till it's acceptable. If you can, apply it only to the offending section.

[Monkey Allen]

Originally Posted by NYMorningstar

that's why I use a guitar tuner, works 'every' time and speaking of time, you don't waste any tuning.

One of those things I always meant to get but never got round to getting

[The Axis]

*Possibly* you can knock down the hum without affecting the overall sound and tone too much by using a parametric EQ. Identify the specific frequency, set the "Q" very high (10 or more) and then attenuate the frequency.

One of the many "feedback eliminators" is really operating on this same principle and may also work. It is also the same as the "60 cycle hum" eliminators, except adjustable to other frequencies besides 60 Hz. Roland workstations have this, and there are many plug-ins.