Acoustic guitar mic

[dfunk]

Could anyone recommend a mic to record acoustic guitar? Would an sm57 do the job? Oh yeah....it would have to be fairly cheap....around $100. Thanks!:)

[Mark Wein]

Try an AT2020....and long time no see!

<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=markweinguita-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B0006H92QK" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

[Flamencology]

I'd definitely go with an SM57 in that price range, depending on your style. It's got a fine acoustic guitar sound and absolutely essential for a lot of other stuff, particularly recording amplifiers. But it's also a bit bright, and not terribly sensitive, so if you've got a light touch, or if you're into classical/fingerstyle, it might not be ideal... but I don't really know of any decent condenser mics in that price range. :idk:

EDIT: Mark's recommendation seems to be a good value. Go with that, unless your acoustic style is the hard-strumming kind.

[dfunk]

Thanks for the recommendations guys:aok: I'd like to go with something that will cover a broad range of things- from fingerstyle to heavy strumming and even stick it in front of an amp to record electric guitar. Unfortunately, it has to be cheap.:mad: I was hoping that one mic would do it all but it doesn't seem that way. I might go with just the AT2020 and then pick up the sm57 at some point.

Mark- I've been around...mostly lurking though. Hopefully I'll be able to submit something for the next recordingfest (if I don't suck too bad).

[Mark Wein]

I'd definitely go with an SM57 in that price range, depending on your style. It's got a fine acoustic guitar sound and absolutely essential for a lot of other stuff, particularly recording amplifiers. But it's also a bit bright, and not terribly sensitive, so if you've got a light touch, or if you're into classical/fingerstyle, it might not be ideal... but I don't really know of any decent condenser mics in that price range. :idk:

EDIT: Mark's recommendation seems to be a good value. Go with that, unless your acoustic style is the hard-strumming kind.


Thanks for the recommendations guys:aok: I'd like to go with something that will cover a broad range of things- from fingerstyle to heavy strumming and even stick it in front of an amp to record electric guitar. Unfortunately, it has to be cheap.:mad: I was hoping that one mic would do it all but it doesn't seem that way. I might go with just the AT2020 and then pick up the sm57 at some point.

Mark- I've been around...mostly lurking though. Hopefully I'll be able to submit something for the next recordingfest (if I don't suck too bad).

The AT2020 is useful because its an inexpensive large diaphragm condenser, so you can you it for voice and a bunch of other things, too. I have the USB version in stock here but you will probably want the non-usb if you already have an interface since its cheaper and more useful in the long run. We have a pair of AT2035's that we use for the webcasts, drum overheads and some other things around here that are virtually the same mic and they are pretty cool for the money. Prages also has a pair of the 2020's, too.


The SM57 is another "must have" mic for recording but I wouldn't be crazy about it being the only mic I have for everything.

And please share some music...this is the "safe place" to get your feet wet. :)

[El Borrachito]

The AT2020 is useful because its an inexpensive large diaphragm condenser, so you can you it for voice and a bunch of other things, too. I have the USB version in stock here but you will probably want the non-usb if you already have an interface since its cheaper and more useful in the long run. We have a pair of AT2035's that we use for the webcasts, drum overheads and some other things around here that are virtually the same mic and they are pretty cool for the money.


Word!

[dfunk]

The AT2020 is useful because its an inexpensive large diaphragm condenser, so you can you it for voice and a bunch of other things, too. I have the USB version in stock here but you will probably want the non-usb if you already have an interface since its cheaper and more useful in the long run. We have a pair of AT2035's that we use for the webcasts, drum overheads and some other things around here that are virtually the same mic and they are pretty cool for the money. Prages also has a pair of the 2020's, too.


And please share some music...this is the "safe place" to get your feet wet. :)

Yeah, I already have an interface. I'll definitely check it out! Thanks!

Everyone sounds fantastic on the recordingfests which I would love to participate in. I just hope my playing will sound half-way decent.

[Mark Wein]

Yeah, I already have an interface. I'll definitely check it out! Thanks!

Everyone sounds fantastic on the recordingfests which I would love to participate in. I just hope my playing will sound half-way decent.

:thu:

You only get better at this stuff through experience, btw. The feedback you'll get from the more experienced folks is really helpful, too.

[Prages]

Tough call between the SM57 and the AT2020. The 2020 is the better acoustic, vocal, and overhead mic, but it sucks (IMO) on guitar amps (it's fine on bass amps).

The 57 is great on guitar and bass amps, and pretty good at acoustic and vocals. Never tried it as overheads though.

Both are must haves, IMO, but which one you get first is anyone's guess. If I were wanting to mic amps right away, I'd probably get the 57 first and then get a 2020 when you can swing it. If you're not terribly concerned with micing amps right now, the 2020 is probably the better choice.

[dfunk]

Tough call between the SM57 and the AT2020. The 2020 is the better acoustic, vocal, and overhead mic, but it sucks (IMO) on guitar amps (it's fine on bass amps).

The 57 is great on guitar and bass amps, and pretty good at acoustic and vocals. Never tried it as overheads though.

Both are must haves, IMO, but which one you get first is anyone's guess. If I were wanting to mic amps right away, I'd probably get the 57 first and then get a 2020 when you can swing it. If you're not terribly concerned with micing amps right now, the 2020 is probably the better choice.

Thanks for the tip! I'm about to pull the trigger on the 2020 since I'm able to record via plug-ins for electric. Plus, I don't have a good amp.