#1
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Acoustic guitar microphones for the stage...
For a variety of reasons I'm considering exploring the microphone option for my guitar(s).
Specifically, a mic intended for on stage acoustic guitar amplification...I already have a vocal mike. Something affordable, robust, and preferably not needing a battery...keeping it simple. The first thing that came to mind was a Shure SM57, but I got around to wondering what other good alternatives might be out there these days. As always, any advice is appreciated. |
#2
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Phil
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Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#3
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I recommend iRig acoustic stage, it’s a discrete clip on digital MEMS mic and gives better sound than a dynamic or condenser mic. It comes with a preamp that calibrates with your guitar and has various EQ settings and settings for steel or nylon strung guitars
Here’s a demo I did comparing it with a condenser mic and a clip on piezo https://youtu.be/9LGwsS6ZavQ |
#4
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Mxl 603s is the acoustic worlds best kept secret.
I picked up a stereo pair on eBay came in a case With two shock mounts and windscreens for 149.00. They don't take a battery but require 48v phantom power. You can buy a used one for 40 buck if you shop around. |
#5
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Hmmm. I might have to rethink the battery thing, then. Well, that's why I ask questions here....for the good advice Anyway, it's easier to change a microphone battery on the fly than the pickup batteries in my guitars, which require at least a few strings to be removed to get my hand in there.
Here's what prompted my question...If you'll indulge me... Yesterday I was browsing conversations from the other side, the soundman's POV. They all had stories of performers stepping up to the stage and finding their pickup batteries had passed away. At the same time, I had on the TV a PBS show that had a solo performer (seated) with a simple vocal and instrument mic set-up. Spare guitars, I have (I think just about everyone on this forum does ), spare cables, etc., too. I was surprised to hear from the soundmen that they found few performers carried spare batteries, though. Make a note. But I won't be carrying spare amplifiers... So I figured I'd look into it, if for no other reason than a backup that I could plug into the amp or a PA if a pickup should fail, and possibly because I may like it as a better option. As an(other) aside. I still haven't settled on sitting or standing. I mostly practice while seated, but I also make it a point to see how things work from a standing position. Standing sounds good to me...I even modified my keyboards back then to be played from a standing position...but I have a bad left leg that isn't getting better, so...no decision yet. In either case, I'll be ready. Luck favors the prepared. |
#6
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Before you give up on dynamic mics check out the Beyerdynamic M201 TG.
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#7
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The biggest problem with mics on acoustic instruments on stage is when the instrument moves around. This can be so little as the instrument swaying back and forth a few degrees, or as much as a performer stepping back and forth a couple feet or more. Getting a mic that clips onto the instrument, either around the edge of the body like the DPA clip, or a soundhole mount, will be much more reliable, in that the mic stays in the same spot relative to the instrument.
The second problem is feedback. If you're using in-ears, then this is less of a problem. But having another open mic on stage will always lead to more potential for feedback. This goes double if the mic is pointed at a large acoustic resonating chamber, like the body of an acoustic guitar. You have to trust your monitor engineer to be good at their job for this one. |
#8
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It's maybe a bit unusual, but for two years now our lead guitar and mando player has been using an EV 767A mic for his instruments. Super feedback resistant and great punchy sound.
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Website: http://www.buzzardwhiskey.com |
#9
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guitar mike
For guitar, I have been delighted with my Audix i5's.
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The Bard Rocks Fay OM Sinker Redwood/Tiger Myrtle Sexauer L00 Adk/Magnolia For Sale Hatcher Jumbo Bearclaw/"Bacon" Padauk Goodall Jumbo POC/flamed Mahogany Appollonio 12 POC/Myrtle MJ Franks Resonator, all Australian Blackwood Blackbird "Lucky 13" - carbon fiber '31 National Duolian + many other stringed instruments. |
#10
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Blue Encore 100i.
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As my username suggests, huge fan of Yamaha products. Own many acoustic-electric models from 2009-present and a couple electric. Lots of PA too. |
#11
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#12
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------------------------------------------- Gibson / Flatiron 1996 Prototype "Bruce's Guitar" Gibson 2005 J185ec Gibson 1963 LG0 Gibson 2013 J45 Gibson 2013 LG2 American Eagle Martin 1993 D1 And many more...... Tom Palm Bay, FL |
#13
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I’ve used a Beyerdynamic 930 very effectively on stage. The old AKG C1000 is also pretty useful as this has battery power.
Rather than the mic in many situations it is those other factors - monitor placements and so in - that are most significant. The good news is that you only need a small amount of real mic in a blended signal to give more air and space to the sound. A preamp with a good notch filter is a good investment.
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------ AJ Lucas Pavilion Sweep fan fret Santa Cruz OM/E (European Pre War) Martin J40 |