classical guitar micing

[daveblue222]

how would everyone go about micing up a classical guitar? i have a samson c03 omni condenser (not the best mic in the world) and an sm57 to work with.

thanks

 

[ashyforth]

I'd stick the 57 pretty close to the hole of the guitar. and then use your c03 pointed more toward your neck. (or vice versa) It all depends on which mic picks up better high vs. low end.

Also does your classical have a pickup?
I have the MXL 990 and 991 pack, and i generally like to use the 990 (bigger diaphragm mic) on the hole and the 991 on the neck, and then I use very little volume on my Martin's bridge piezo pickup. Usually about a 3:1 ration between my mic and pickup volume.

Thats how I generally go about recording for the best sound.

 

[daveblue222]

no i dont have a pickup i did have a really bad transducer in it but it sounded terrible. can you recommend any that will be good for live use? as next year i have some dates booed for playing weddings etc..

cheers

 

[SouthSIDE Glen]

I'd try two approaches:

One would be one mic on the guitar saddle or just behind it, and one at about the 12-14th fret, each a couple of inches off the guitar. I'd avoid pointing directly at the sound hole unless you have a real lack of bass sound. As far as which mic on which spot, try it both ways ad bee which works better for your guitar and your desired sound.

The other would be to track in a fairly reflective room like a kitchen, stairway hall, etc. and place a single mic centered a good three feet in front of the guitar. Again which mic depends upon your guitar's personality and your personal tastes.

G.

 

[mixsit]

One mic live.

 

[zebra]

ide rather find some sdc's and put them left and right 1.5meter away from the guitar.
right one directed to the hole, left one to the 12th fred;.
works fine

 

[NYMorningstar]

I use a Rhodes NT5(sd condensor) to mic my acoustic live because the sound is alot fuller and cleaner than using the guitar's pickup. I use a dynamic mic for vocals because I have a big(loud) mouth and play harmonica. The energy you get from the combo is pretty unique and the best I've experienced.

 

[alan g]

how would everyone go about micing up a classical guitar? i have a samson c03 omni condenser (not the best mic in the world) and an sm57 to work with.

thanks

nightmare trying to get decent sound with any accoustic guitar and mike...I bought a line 6 electro classical....solved my prob...cheers Al.

 

[dervish riff]

I used to be a tech for a professional classical guitarist--he usually used an AT small condenser mic that came with a bracket that held the mic out toward the edge of the upper bout on top of the guitar. Ran it into a JC-55 amp, and it worked pretty well.

In the studio, they just mic'd the guitar with the usual dual mic setups and hoped for the best.

 

[darrin_h2000]

Ive heard the AT4050 at the 12th fret on some and was very nice sounding...the AT3035 and the KSM32 have both given me great results.

 

[daveblue222]

cheers, really appreciate it

 

[rmaier]

Are the wedding gigs for music before/during the service? If so, why not go acoustic? If the space is decent (ie. a church), I usually leave the gear at home. If I'm playing for the reception or other social events where I'm there to provide atmosphere, I use a small PA and a single mic (I use a cardiod sdc because I have a bunch kicking around that I don't worry about people knocking over or spilling drinks on. Your 57 will do just fine). You'd be wise to keep it fairly simple.

Break a leg.