Trying to get a great acoustic guitar tone, help please?

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GeorgeGoodnight

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Excuse the playing. I recorded this today and I'm pleased with how it sounds. But I don't really know what I'm doing. I've watched a few YouTube videos. This is recorded with a SE2A and NT1A in a close mic situation. I wonder if there is a way to get the bass more prominent at source? I'm not even sure that is an issue.

Also, I have a bit of gear lust for a pair of SE8, I'd need to be sure they'd be significantly better that what I have, SE2A and NT1A.

I'd welcome any advice on how to make the best recording possible.

The video is here.

Many Thanks
 
Ey up George! Just played your recording and TBQH I can find very little wrong with it. Now, you might not think much of MY opinion once I tell you that I am clinically deaf, have aids but don't need them for music. I do have some experience of acoustic (and classical) guitar since my son has been recording same for 20 years or more.

More bass? I would say not. I am listening via a MOTU M4 and pair of Tannoy 5A monitors. The Tannoys deliver very decent bass for their size and I am very used to their sound on a wide variety of material (I listen to EVERYTHING on them! Son, YT, CDs, telly, radio...) Your guitar seems just about right in the 'heft' department. What are you listening on?

Dave.
 
I agree with Dave. It sounds very natural to me. I think I would cut the amount of stereo panning.

There is bass when you are playing the bass strings. You can increase the bottom end by aiming more at the body of the guitar, but I think things sound pretty balanced as is. You can always do a slight EQ if you need it, but I don't know that it's really needed. The lowest fundamental of a standard acoustic guitar is 82Hz, so a slight bump in the 100-150Hz range can add a bit of boost to the bottom 3 strings. Too much and it can become boomy. An alternate path would be to drop the upper frequencies by 2 or 3dB with a high shelf in the 5-6K region to reduce the upper harmonics if you think it's too bright. Most condensers have a peak somewhere in the 8-12K range, so you can smooth that out. It can depend a lot on your guitar. My Taylor is brighter than a Martin, so it responds better to a slight adjustment.

The SE8s get pretty good comments, but I don't know that they will radically change the balance.
 
I have an old pair of AKG k240 DF I've dug out of storage and a pair of Genelec 8020's

Thanks so much for the feedback.
 
We get loads of guitar recordings and this is better than many! you've got it right. I guess the hing to think about now is as said, subtle reverb and getting the guitar sitting as you want in the stereo field. Do you want it up close and in your face, or more distant, and then more distant in what kind of building. You have the clarity, now work on the space?
 
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your input.
ecc83 said:
Indeed, the Genelecs get a good rep here, https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/genelec-8020a especially for very decent bass so long as you don't go for defenstration, MORE than enough poke for acoustic guitar.

I would defer all decisions re spends until you have the speakers properly setup and are used to them.

Dave.
Click to expand...
Sorry I was wrong, they are 8030c's I have six treatment panels. I really should add some more. To get the best out of them and to make for a better recording space.
 
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