Lowden 035 Recording

billv · #1 01-20-2006, 08:36 AM

I mentioned in another thread that I recently purchased a Lowden 035 (spruce/koa). Well, I've been having a blast playing and recording it. I've been working on mic placement, etc. and I think I am starting to get close.

If you are so inclined, please give a listen to my latest attempt. Any thoughts or feedback is very welcome! Click on the link below and select the song called "Seven Words"

http://www.billvencil.com/music

Thanks!

Bern · #2 01-20-2006, 10:05 AM

Very expressive piece of music. Your recording sounds great. I love how you captured the bass without having it take over, nice balance. Great sounding guitar you have here.

billv · #3 01-20-2006, 10:17 AM

Thanks Bern! One of things I love about the Lowden is its low end. Big but not overpowering.

Fngrstyl · #4 01-20-2006, 10:21 AM

Sounds great.. Great recording. Where was your mic placement?

David MacNeill · #5 01-20-2006, 11:12 AM

Beautiful! Nicely balanced recording and your Lowden sounds (dare I say it?) heavenly. You seem relaxed and in complete control -- nice job.

billv · #6 01-20-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fngrstyl

Sounds great.. Great recording. Where was your mic placement?

Thanks! I used 2 mics:

1. Oktava MC012 placed about 15" in front of the 12th fret area.
2. Audio Technica AT3035 placed about 15" away and 15" above the bridge area. Mic pointed down at the guitar.

billv · #7 01-20-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmacneill

Beautiful! Nicely balanced recording and your Lowden sounds (dare I say it?) heavenly. You seem relaxed and in complete control -- nice job.

Thanks! I've had a few visions while playing that guitar...

ljguitar · #8 01-20-2006, 07:14 PM

Hi Bill...
I listened to several of your cuts, and plan to re-listen. I like what you are accomplishing with your music.

It is very moving.

JedimasterPaul · #9 01-20-2006, 07:37 PM

That sounded great!

My Lowden has certainly spoiled me when it comes to low end, and I think your is no different.

TBman · #10 01-20-2006, 09:12 PM

Bill, really nice. I like your style and the way your guitar sounds. How big was the room you recorded in? You have inspired me to pick up another mic cable tomorrow and try two mics.

DJanzen · #11 01-20-2006, 09:15 PM

Beautifully done, billv! Expressive indeed. That is one great sounding guitar, played very skillfully.

DJanzen

rick-slo · #12 01-20-2006, 09:42 PM

Very nice Bill. Excellent recording quality. Where did the signal go after the mikes (the rest of the recording chain)?
Rick

billv · #13 01-21-2006, 07:50 AM

Gosh! Thanks again for the very kind comments!

As far as the signal path goes, I ran the 2 mics into a M-Audio DMP3 preamp, then into a M-Audio Delta 44 audiocard. Recorded at 48K/24, using Adobe Audition.

OK. Full disclosure time. The extremely humble space I recorded in was my dungeon basement (I live in an old house). The total size of the room is 28' X 25' or so, however, there is so much junk, and the room is partitioned, so the effective sonic area is more like 15' X 13' or so. Hold on to your hat; here's a pic:

I know, I know, I really need to clean the basement. #2 son and I will be doing that soon...

DJanzen · #14 01-21-2006, 09:15 AM

Bill... looks like you have the 'natural basement' equivalent of acoustic baffle there! Might just be working in your favor...

Regardless, you really did a fine job playing and recording these songs. Kudos!

DJanzen

Bern · #15 01-21-2006, 11:38 AM

I just listened to one of your older recordings. There is one called 'Nihilism', which I really liked very much. Being a Gentle Giant for a long time, this song fits right into that style. Nice composition ! I like this kind of music, a little outside, yet, right in there.