Another hillbilly tune

[MC Gitarz]

Hi folks - got a new mandolin a couple weeks ago so I wrote a tune to try it out. It's called 'Amanda' and it's here:

http://www.nowhereradio.com/MCGitarz/singles

The mix has issues:
a.) I hate the guitar sound - I'm blaming it on the Elixir strings - I never had trouble with the guitar before. It sounds like it's in a box - and I'm micing it exactly as I've done for years. Hmmmm.
b.) Sonic space - with only a mando and a guitar, the spread seems uneven - whaddaya think? Double the guitar? Any idears?
c.) Yes, I know the ending sux - but I'd like to solve some of the tonal issues first.

Go easy on the mando playing - I've only been playing two weeks. It's rough but it sure is a lot of fun - y'all should go get one!!

Thanks for the assist!
Milan

 

[groucho]

Yeah, you know for this kinda thing I think I'd just go ahead and do a more mono-ish sound. The panning seems a little inappropriate for how sparce the instrumentation is.

And having the instruments jammed together a little more might help disguise the guitar tone a little. I agree it sounds a little "boxy". But I would say don't double it - just cause I hate that sound for this kind of music.

I could hear this done very basic, with minimal panning and verb and "space" - just kind of a back porch jam feel. The production style I'm currently trying to copy is that of Steve Earle's "The Mountain" record, which is almost dry as a bone and very mono-sounding - yet sounds fantastic. I'm growing increasingly less enamored with excessive reverb and panning on acoustic material.

Anyway, your stuff is always great. Just a few little mix nitpicks.

Great song.

Chris

 

[MC Gitarz]

Hey! that's a good idea - you know - just 'cause you can pan - doesn't mean you have to! Sometimes it's the simple things that get me in trouble. I'm changing strings on the guitar tomorrow and I'm going to recut both guitar parts. So I'll try that tight mix idea. I don't have any of Steve Earle's stuff - don't know why not - I really like it. Gotta get some.

Thanks for the advice - I'll put it back up tomorrow.
Milan

 

[HevyD47Ca]

Quality as usual

How ya doin???????

It might be me, but some of the instruments sounded slightly out of tune
Your harmonies are outstanding.
The trade solos between mando and guitar could have been expanded upon.
I would like to hear that anyway.

great effort as usual though MC


Dan

 

[The Ghost of FM]

Listening to Amanda brought thoughts of Murray McLauchlan and Ian Tyson to mind of great, simple, happy music, of which your song captured all of those qualities very well.

The song is strong enough that I couldn't pick up much of anything to complain about mix wise or performance wise other then to maybe bring the panning in a little on the outside strings.

Wonderful song!

 

[MC Gitarz]

Thanks for the replies, guys!!
Groucho - took your advice and tightened up the mix - much improved as far as I'm concerned. Had to get creative with some EQ to give some space but it wasn't difficult or drastic. I left the vocals wider - seems to work. I'll do the final mix and post it later today.

Hevy - Thanks, Dan! OK - OK - I changed ALL of my strings this morning. I think I have some intonation issues with the mando 'cause I'm new at it and have a trendency to get heavy-handed with it. I re-cut all the parts - there's still a few flat spots - but I ain't gonna tell you where!! You have to give me a few months to get more creative with the mando. Right now I've been practicing scales and a few licks. What you hear is right at my limit right now. It's coming along quickly, though. It's really interesting to go from guitar to mando to bass in the same hour - whew! Thanks for listening! I'll have a re-post up later today after my ears are clear to mix.

Ghost - Thanks for listening and nice to meet ya! I moved the instruments a lot closer to center and it really makes a difference. I haven't heard of Murray McLauchlan and Ian Tyson - but maybe I should. What style do they play? Are they Irish? Thanks again!!
Milan