Which mic for guitar amps

[jgourd]

I have a bunch of older mics that I have been using in my setup. I want to add a new mic to the inventory that I would pretty much dedicate to micing guitar amps.

What would you buy for this task? The cost should not be over $500.

 

[DJL]

I have a bunch of older mics that I have been using in my setup. I want to add a new mic to the inventory that I would pretty much dedicate to micing guitar amps.

What would you buy for this task? The cost should not be over $500.

One of my favorite's is the Sennheiser MD421. Other people here may agree or disagree but that will not change my opinion... I would buy a Sennheiser MD421 for this task. I have other favorite mics for this task too... but the MD421 is a "must have" mic IMHO.

 

[jgourd]

One of my favorite's is the Sennheiser MD421. Other people here may agree or disagree but that will not change my opinion... I would buy a Sennheiser MD421 for this task. I have other favorite mics for this task too... but the MD421 is a "must have" mic IMHO.

I found a Mark II version. Is that what you are talking about?

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=000984

 

[DJL]

I found a Mark II version. Is that what you are talking about?

http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=000984

Personally I think I like all the versions... however, my MD421's are about 20yrs old... keep an eye on ebay and etc... you should be able to find a good used one for about $200 or so. I've got a gig tonight so I've got to run... good luck and have fun.

 

[NathanEldred]

The Sennheiser E609 silver sounds better on guitar amps specifically IMO, and it's only 1/3 the price of the 421 II.

 

[Thorguitarist]

I use the Sennheisser e609 also...great mic and it's $100

 

[jgourd]

I use the Sennheisser e609 also...great mic and it's $100

I could afford 5 of them at that price. What I may do is get 2 of the e609s and 1 of the MD421s which seem to go for around $300.

Any other suggestions?

 

[carlosguardia]

I've used quite a few mics for guitar amps and I guess I'm "old school" for I ALWAYS go back to a shure SM 57 4 or 5 inches from the cone and in a 45 degree angle.

Carlos

 

[fretmeister]

The Sennheiser E609 silver sounds better on guitar amps specifically IMO, and it's only 1/3 the price of the 421 II.

Nathan,
For clean jazz guitar (Gibson L5 CES) on a blackface Fender amp at relatively low volume, would the E609 still be a good choice?

 

[EleKtriKaz]

Nathan,
For clean jazz guitar on a blackface Fender amp at relatively low volume, would the E609 still be a good choice?

I just bought a Sennheiser 421 off Ebay, and I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but in the past I have used an LDC for clean electric guitar with good results. You might try a neutral sounding LDC if you have one laying around.

 

[fretmeister]

I have an AT 4033 and it does sound good. But I'm really interested in a mic for live performance and I'm not sure I want to subject it to gigging. As the night goes on, we transition to rock and R&B and I switch guitars. I've been using a 57. Of course, if I buy the Sennheiser, I could use it in my studio. So I guess the question becomes, is the Sennheiser a good "all-purpose" mic for guitar amps?

 

[jgourd]

I wnet ahead and bought two e609s and a 421. I'll be breaking them in at the Jamfest on the guitar amps. One guy told me the 609s are also decent for snares.

 

[Track Rat]

Sounds like I'm late but my favs are MD441 on bright sounding amps, 4033's on darker ones. Works for me.

 

[wilkee]

Either an SP B1 or Berry B1. Stick the foam condom on to protect against knocks and get a brill sound at low cost.

I find that the SP B1 is more practical because of the simple mic clip arrangement but only use the SP if you have channel pads on the mixer.

Tony