SM57 vs. LRBaggs Element

For a couple of reasons, I'm beginning to sit in a chair for Sunday service instead of standing. So I thought it would be a good opportunity to break out my ol' SM57 and mic my Gibson acoustic instead of running it through the pickup. My usual setup is LRBaggs Element → AKG DMS70 wireless → Receiver → Direct box → system. The sound is pretty good, and I love being able to wander anywhere on the stage because of the wireless.

So this past Sunday I just played into my SM57 while seated, and the difference in tone was really surprising. There were many, many compliments on the sound of the guitar.

During fast "full band" loud songs, I'm the lead instrument but the tone of the guitar is not that critical. But during the quieter material, when I use fingerpicking/fingerstyle and when I'm strumming as the only instrument, the better tone is nice.

So I learned my lesson? I think I'm going to default to my SM57 whenever I play. Another advantage is I can bring my other guitars and use them, too.

My Gibson Acoustic may have aged beyond the capabilities of the Baggs. If I decide I want to start standing again, I will probably work more closely with the sound tech to get a better tone. But for now, I think I want to just keep using the mic.

[kaos]

Where did you point the mic? 12th fret? Sound hole? Lower bout?