how are you rednecks mic'ing banjos with good results?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mixmkr
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mixmkr

mixmkr

we don't need rest!!
damn tough instrument to capture the sound. I can get an ok sound, but it sure doesn't sound like my banjo on playback.

I've tried a shitload of mics and different positions, room mics, etc..

The best I am getting is with a Beyer m160 about 2 feet away and a "pinch" of room mic about 8 feet away. But, it still doesn't sound "acoustic"...if you know what I mean. An extremely directional instrument if I might add too. oh...btw...bluegrass style w/resonator...and I've got a "cheapie" Deering.


or...should I just plug it into a rat somehow and wail away!!

(no dumpster jokes plzzz!)
 
I find the best position is a cardiod condenser positioned towards the middle of a stack of hay . . . just peaking it's head out from the straw.

You could also put it in the scarecrow's shirt.
 
that's because they are FUCKING LOUD...aren't they?? They easily drown out all you loser flatpickin' types at a jam, don't they???!!!:D
 
I've been picking 5-string since 1970, and have told repeatedly about perfect pitch: this is when the banjo enters the trash can without hitting any of the edges.

I've also been told the definition of a gentleman is, a man who knows how to play a banjo, but doesn't.

That silliness aside, I also would like a good lesson on how to properly mic my RB800. Perhaps tracking while playing in a shower stall or other reflective environment?
 
bgavin said:
I've been picking 5-string since 1970, and have told repeatedly about perfect pitch: this is when the banjo enters the trash can without hitting any of the edges.
Click to expand...
Originally posted by mixmkr
(no dumpster jokes plzzz!)
Click to expand...



:mad:


oh...my mistake...another banjo player. Can't read, can ya?:D
 
I have recorded a banjo..... once. But someone told me it's not a banjo but from the family. I cracked up when the player leaned it against the Marshall in the studio and had to take a pic.


That single recording wasnt a great success........
I think the problem is that since the Banjo projects sound in all directions and some are projected strrongly from specific places along the body, so close micing it would defeat the purpose.

Try to position the mic above the Banjo from 8" to a foot pointing towards the banjo. I think you might get a more natural sound that way. Adjust the mic towards the various parts of the body so it can focus more on specific freq's your looking for. Try also this - add another mic for Ambience. Place it a few feet from the banjo and have it very low almost touching the floor and pointing towards the floor. That can do wonders if your floor is hardwood but even if it's not, try with a little adjusting.
 

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Since a banjo is sort of like a drum with strings, I've always used a SM-57 out about a foot aimed at the neck/body joint (huh, I said joint:cool: ). It has worked for me but I'd imagine that the Beyer would be pretty simular.
 
Banjo Mic

I use a sm81 placed about 6-12" away pointed towards the area where the neck meets the body. I have also read that you will get a more natural sound placing the mic 2-3 feet in front of the player.

I use an open-back banjo (Wildwood Troubador) so my setup might not work as well for your Deering which I assume is a resonator model. I also modified my open-back for recording by inserting a sheet of foam inside the head. This has the effect of damping the sound for better control in the studio.

PS: Do you use metal or plastic finger pics?
 
run a stereo set up
large condenser at the fifth fret facing the tone ring (you need more room than a guitar because the tone ring is righ there at the joint)
small condenser ( or dynamic) over your shoulder by your ear pointing straight down at your pickin'hand
Make sure you eq the crap out of it removing all the high endy stuff (5k and up) thats how union station gets that clean sound without ringing and overtones,
In His Name
Big Kenny
P.S. Lean to the left so you don't drool on the mic. (sorry, couldn't resist)
 
Now now. What would Neil Young's "Old Man" be without that banjo? We need more banjo in all of our lives.
 
N Young and banjo

Or, even better, For the Turnstiles off the On the Beach album.
 
I've had very good luck with a coincedent (X-Y) pair of Studio Projects C-4's in cardioid backed off 2-3 feet.-Richie
 
After quite a few shootouts, I'm sold on the Shure KSM32 on banjo, pointed at the lower edge of the rim....

Nice solid low end on that mic...
 
It looks like a snare drum, so mic it like a snare too!

Jokes aside, I've had good results with a Beyer M260 ribbon some 1' away and a MD441 pointing to the side.

Some banjo's have soundholes there.
 
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