Microphone for Classical Guitar

[imi]

Hi
Is there a "standard" microphone for the recording of Spanish Classical Guitar? and even in combination with which mic pre?

My specific needs are for the recording of classical guitar with both nylon strings and John Pearse "Thomastik" strings (which have a more "metallic" sound"), often with a soft fingering and not necessarily for classical music.

Any personal "favourites" would also be interesting as a comparison to an eventual "standard"

Many thanks

[Jan Folkson]

I'm partial to small diaphragm condensors for classical guitar. My favorite is an old Neumann KM54/KM254, but a KM184 would work just fine. Some others are AKG C 451 or Shoeps M221.

HTH.

[imi]

Thanks Jan!

I see what you're getting at... makes sense. Thanks for putting me on a path.

[sdevino]

I would also go for SD mics. Using an omni will let you get detail you never imagined. Try 2 Earthworks QTC30's or the QTC1.

Best mic pre I've used for these mics is the Earthworks 1022 or a Grace.

Steve

[Will Russell]

Earthworks QTC1 through a Great River or Avalon solid state pre.

[sdemott]

I tend to let the instrument dictate the mics I use. If I have a bright guitar I will avoid mics with a presence boost (like the KM184) and go for a LD tube (AT4060 pair is sweet) or a pair of ribbons. Or if I need more punch from the mic I will use a KM184, either as a pair, with a LD mic (like an AT4050) or I'll sometimes just use 2 AT4050s.

I like the AT4050 better than the AKG C414 for stringed instruments. The AKG C451 is also a bit bright - the C480 is much nicer to my ears.

I will 2nd the vote for the Earthworks pre...very nice. I'll also throw in a vote for the API 312 series pres...very nice indeed.

Speaking of guitar mics, has anyone tried the Josephson SDs on acoustic guitar?? If so, do tell...

[sdevino]

I sometimes use the Earthworks in XY about 2 or 3 inches from the the fingers on a finger picker. Amzingly big sound with beautiful stereo field!

If you use Omnis you just need to place them where the guitar sounds great. No need for a lot of mixing and matching verses style (but that is always a fun and viable option os well).

Steve

[imi]

Thanks everybody (thus far)... I'll be trying to get my hands on as many of the mics mentioned to compare them (though this may take a while here in sweden, I doubt if so many stores here carry Earthworks gear, but it does sound interesting...

Any of you got classical guitar recordings (doesn't have to be classic music, even new age or whatever), I could check out on CD that you remember which mic you used?

Once again thanks for the input.

[fifthcircle]

A lot of the mic choices when I record classical guitar depend on the room and the instrument/player. I generally try to stay away from "hyped" sounding mics (like Neumann KM 184s and TLM 103s) as they will accentuate all of the flaws in a players sound... The high-end bump accentuates the finger squeaks and picks from sloppy finger work.

My favorites are my AKG 426 stereo mic (which is large diaphragm), Microtech Gefell M930 (also LD), and B&K 4006s (SD omnis). Schoeps in a good room also can sound quite wonderful. Old Neumanns like KM 86s are also a favorite.

When I have a bigger choice of mics, Coles 4038 ribbons are great (ribbons and their inherently slow transient response can be great for lessening the unwanted sounds), and some small diaphragm tubes are also great (like KM 54/64, and Schoeps 221s).

The things I find I need to work with the most are the reflections from the floor and that dictates mic position and stereo array. Mid Side can be great. When I use the B&Ks, I have them in an "ORTF" like configuration. With seperate Cardiods, I can use them in a stereo array or seperate them for a more commercial sound (body for low end and 12th fret for top end). Often placing the player on a small rug or placing foam under the mic positions can help tame the floor issues.

--Ben