Microphone for Acoustic Guitar!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gorty
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Gorty

Gorty

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I have done some searching and what have you and I want some opinions on what a decent microphone is to capture the sweetness of my acoustic guitars. I know there are a few to choose from but I want some real personal opinions.

I am looking in the price range of around $US 200.

Thanx in advance! :)
 
I really like the MXL 603s. The guitar I mostly use these on is a very warm and woody sounding cedar top (seagull); they sound pretty good on other types I've recorded though.

If you had a really bright and sparkly sounding guitar they might be a bit much in the highs, I dunno, I'm just speckerlatin'.
 
Kevin DeSchwazi said:
I really like the MXL 603s. The guitar I mostly use these on is a very warm and woody sounding cedar top (seagull); they sound pretty good on other types I've recorded though.

If you had a really bright and sparkly sounding guitar they might be a bit much in the highs, I dunno, I'm just speckerlatin'.
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I will be recording a Fender 12 string, a Fender Jumbo 6 string and a nylon string.
The Fenders are fairly bright and the nylon string is more woody.

Thanx for the feedback.
 
Kevin DeSchwazi said:
I really like the MXL 603s. The guitar I mostly use these on is a very warm and woody sounding cedar top (seagull); they sound pretty good on other types I've recorded though.

If you had a really bright and sparkly sounding guitar they might be a bit much in the highs, I dunno, I'm just speckerlatin'.
Click to expand...

which seagull would that be? do you have any tracks or sound clips?

Gorty, Oktava mk012 gets my vote.
 
It depends is my standard answer. For solo or more sparse arrangements anything like the Octava 012's or AT4033's. I did a band a couple of days ago (keys electric guitars, bass & drums plus a 12 string) and ended up using a Shure 545. The condensors were too bright.
 
I have a Martin D15, all mahogany, so I have to work a little to get it bright sounding. One thing I've realised is that, depedning on the guitar, one LDC wont do it justice IMO. I've used LDCs on the neck and bridge but I've ordered a matched pair of MS2s to see how they work out.
 
TelePaul said:
I have a Martin D15, all mahogany, so I have to work a little to get it bright sounding. One thing I've realised is that, depedning on the guitar, one LDC wont do it justice IMO. I've used LDCs on the neck and bridge but I've ordered a matched pair of MS2s to see how they work out.
Click to expand...

i'm usually working to get something darker sounding.
 
TelePaul said:
Whattya play? Spruce top?
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yea. it's pretty bright. i need to try a ribbon mic. i've been using a dynamic mic.
 
TravisinFlorida said:
yea. it's pretty bright. i need to try a ribbon mic. i've been using a dynamic mic.
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Yeah I was wondering what ribbons were used for.
 
Gorty, don't overlook the MSH mics. That's what I used teh lasy couple of times I played acoustic, and they are amazing. Especially the price. Buy a pair. It's also what I used to record my drums....just 2 of them, and they sound pretty good.
 
Oktava MK012 (2) one pointing at the 12th fret, one at the bridge 18-24"
MSH -1, MSH-2 (2) same
LCD of your choice (AT 4033, AKG 2000), about 12-18" off the 12th fret pointing towards the tuners
A Ribbon(any knock off) of your choice placed about the same

A dynamic (Beyer 201, senn 421, sm57)12" off the 12th fret pointing at the soundhole (or straight at the neck)
 
I love the Mxl 603's for acoustics. Did you check out that thread of Tim Lawlers on his nylon string with a sm57 on it? sounds very good on the classical. I would also vouch for Senhessier 441s.
 
Dogman said:
Gorty, don't overlook the MSH mics. That's what I used teh lasy couple of times I played acoustic, and they are amazing. Especially the price. Buy a pair. It's also what I used to record my drums....just 2 of them, and they sound pretty good.
Click to expand...

Ditto...i have a pair of msh 1's and a msh 10....nice mics for the price :D
 
TravisinFlorida said:
which seagull would that be? do you have any tracks or sound clips?

Gorty, Oktava mk012 gets my vote.
Click to expand...
That would be the Plus CW Cedar. I don't think they make that specific model anymore but the current S6 cedar looks mightily similar in construction and materials.

http://www.seagullguitars.com/productoriginal.htm

I put a couple of clips here , the stereo (XY) clip is just a part of a song I've been trying to write today. Then I just flipped one mic away and recorded a few bars of an Iron and Wine tune in mono.

Usual caveats apply, poor sounding room, I'm crap etc. :D but it might give you an idea.
 
Dogman said:
Gorty, don't overlook the MSH mics. That's what I used teh lasy couple of times I played acoustic, and they are amazing. Especially the price. Buy a pair. It's also what I used to record my drums....just 2 of them, and they sound pretty good.
Click to expand...

damn right your drums sound good

Dog I think you've just made up my mind as to what SDCs to get cos' I was gonna ask you what you used to record your bishy bashity bosh monsters with
 
i can't listen to anything today. i'm stuck it redneckville until tomorrow. :p
 
Definitely pick up some of the MSH omnis. They're a no-brainer. You could get a used SM81 under $200. Other to consider would be the MXL 603/604, CAD M177/M179, & AT4033.
 
Thanx to all for your feedback! I appreciate it so much. I am going to check out what is available at my music store tomorrow. :)
 
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