Minimising string noise when recording acoustic guitar

  • Thread starter Thread starter Armistice
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Armistice

Armistice

Son of Yoda
Hi there - be interested to know if anyone out there has any particular tips on reducing the amount of noise you get from your fingers slipping on the strings when playing acoustic.

I'm attempting to record acoustic with mics (and if you read the other thread about miking acoustics, I agree with the guy that said don't necessarily think you have to get too close to get a good sound - I get a better sound, so far, putting the mics a bit further back) and the amount of string noise is killing me, especially once you start adding a bit of reverb - jumps right out at you.

As the acoustic guitar is absolutely central to what I'm doing, if anyone has any ideas on how to reduce it (a) while playing - best solution is not to make it in the first place, and (b) once you have it on a track, then I'd love to hear them.

Cheers David
 
I second the Elixirs.

not just for reducing string noise but for pretty much every other reason. I can't go back to "normal" strings since I started using them. There just so much better.

WATYF
 
If your using a DAW to record or mix try a de-esser plug-in. The tricky part is finding the right freq. to compress and setting the attack and release times. Cutting those same freqs on the 'verb can help as well.

You'll never get rid if it completely. Just remember most people won't notice it as much as you.
 
Hadn't thought of changing strings - thanks, I'll give it a try - thanks also for the tip about the de-esser!

Cheers

David
 
and if you get real anal...you can edit the stuff on your DAW... probably a bit time consuming, but the efforts would probably work out pretty good. I second the elixers...the only acoustic string in my book....or on my acoustics, that is
 
people won't notice? are you crazy? it seems like guitarists are the only ones who dont! :) I'm heard good thinks about elixers but it won't replace actually lifting your fingers off the strings. . . . and I've heard useing chicken grease helps too but it really gunks up the fret board

. . .but I'm a drummer. . .

peace
sam
zekthedeadcow@hotmail.com
http://www.track100.com
 
zekthedeadcow said:

. . .but I'm a drummer. . .
Click to expand...

hhhhmmm.

some guitar passages are extremely difficult, if not impossible to do such a thing as lifting the fingers completely off the strings...

......unlike most percussionists getting themselves locked in their own car(and trying to squeeze out the window with a good coat of chicken grease applied!!!) :D
 
people won't notice? are you crazy? it seems like guitarists are the only ones who dont!
Click to expand...

Frank Zappa used to have a guitar with a transducer built into the neck to amplify fret noise.:eek:

Go figure.:D

I didn't say they wouldn't notice, just that they probably won't notice it as much, unless it's really obnoxious. To me it's part of the sound of an acoustic
 
I work pretty hard on not making the noise in the first place, but it does sort of come with the territory - I've heard recordings (Elliot Smith as an example) where the guitarist's chopping round the fretboard at a million miles an hour and you can definitely hear the string noise lots, but it's a quite a lower level than I'm currently managing to attain.

Practice, practice I guess, and the Elixer strings...
 
Quite frankly.. I like a certain amount of string noise on acoustic recordings.. especially intimate, finger-picking style songs. It gives it "character". Right now I record with Elixirs, and I've never had any string noise that even rose to the level of "noticeable", let alone annoying.

WATYF
 
THE CORRECT ANSWER

Put some baby powder on the fretboard/strings. It reduces it but doesn't totally kill. I have seen this firsthand in the studio.

Robert
 
Re: THE CORRECT ANSWER

RSMITH123 said:
THE CORRECT ANSWER
Click to expand...
LOL.. well gee.. sorry for all those incorrect answers we just gave...

:rolleyes:



:p

WATYF
 
.......or you can cram your hand into a kingsize batch of fries from Burgerclit........... ..........a fine by-product for greeezin up yer fangers..........:D
 
String noise

You might try polishing the wound strings with very fine emory paper. It helps knock of the high points on the winding. I tried it once and it worked for me on classical strings, however I never worred too much about string squeaks. Miking your guitar at a closer distance and experimenting with different mics might help.
 
Try Pvc glue on the tips of your fingers, Its an old trick to eliminate fingerprints from a crime scene. it will also give a slide effect when hardened.
 
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