Acoustic guitar recording

[SidVic]

Any advice on recording an acoustic guitar that doesn't have pickups in it? I obviously need to mic it, I'm just not sure with what and how???

 

[bfsuk]

from what ive read condensers are best for acoustic guitar, but I havent had any experience with any so cant reccomend.

James

 

[grahamware]

http://www.hr-faq.org/micbuying.htm#acoustic

- Graham

 

[keerus]

for the most part, the pickups or piezo mics on acoustic gutiars are there for convenience. they are for playing live gigs where micing would be impractical. when they are available, you should always mic. blending the pickup signal with a mic or two might sound good in some instances, but i've never tried it.

as far as mics are concerned, a couple that i don't feel you could go wrong with are the studio projects B1 (NOT behringer B1, biiig difference), or the oktava mk-319. if you're doing acoustic guitar only, with no vocals, i would recommend the oktava mk-012. the other two mics will double as decent vocal mics.

try having the mic about a foot away from the guitar, with the diaphragm facing the 12th fret. that mic placement with any of those mics ought to get you a decent sound. new strings can also really help liven up an acoustic guitar recording.

justin

 

[tdukex]

Any advice on recording an acoustic guitar that doesn't have pickups in it? I obviously need to mic it, I'm just not sure with what and how???

SidVic, yes you should mic it. My advice is to use the search function at the top of this page and punch in "recording acoustic" and you will find this topic has been discused in all its glory and detail many times. You will find more knowledge that way than with this single thread.

 

[manning1]

cheap alternative

you can build your own mic for a few bucks using panasoniccapsules. just search on google for "tapeop diy mic"
ive forgotten URL. then build yourself a little mic preamp diy for another few bucks and youll save money.
hi end - spend a few grand and use a royer mic into a great river preamp.
lo end - try a 99 dollar yamaha mg mixer with say a used akg 535 b
mic. lots of options.