off topic - bluegrass band mic uses

[davidp158]

I hope no one minds a non-ProTools software/hardware question.

I am about to record a bluegrass band and wonder which of the microphones I have would work best. I don't know the exact instrumentation, but I assume its guitar, mandolin, upright bass, and possibly dobro and/or banjo. The band wants to record live in the studio, but record vocals as an overdub. They are not sure if solos will be performed live, or as overdubs, yet.

Here's what I have for mics:

AT 4050 (omni, cardioid, or figure 8)
Shure KSM32
Blue Baby Bottle
Studio Projects C1
Studio Projects B3 (omni, cardioid, or figure 8)
(2) Oktava MC012
(2) Rode NT3
AKG D112
(2) Shure SM57
Shure Beta 57
(2) Shure Beta 58
Shure SM58

I was thinking about doing a mid-side stereo recording of the band (AT4050 for side, KSM32, or other, for mid), and then close miking the bass and soloists. I don't have a matched pair of large diaphram condensers, so I'm not sure about a stereo recording instead of the mid-side technique. I have used the Oktava MC012's and Rode NT3's as stereo pairs, but both tend to be a bit spikey and harsh.

Will the mid-side plus close mikes present more phase problems than if I just close mike each instrument? What about recording overdubs so that they sound like they are in the same room/space? I haven't recorded with mid-side, yet.

This is a new type of band for me to record, so any info you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance,
Dave