Any suggestions on recording a HarpGuitar

[Riakstonic]

I use mics but my main issue is getting the Base notes more out front especially because they’re drones ( Octaves ) in most cases .

I’m wondering if pencil mic/ mics would be better if placed more directly at the Bass strings ?

Thanks [emoji4]

[DupleMeter]

What do you have available, and how are you currently setting up?

[rick-slo]

Seems like there are good suggestions in link below. Remember you can alway tweak up the volume of the lower frequences post recording (equalizer, etc.) if you wish.

https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-u...%20lower%20one.

[Doug Young]

It's been a long time since I tried to record a harp guitar, but I suspect the issue with the bass strings is not all that different from a baritone guitar. With that, I've had the best luck with adding a pickup to the mix. The pickup can just help get a more direct, present sound from low bass strings. But experimenting with mic placement is always a good idea.

I've had some conversations about recording with Alex Anderson, who gets some great sounds from his harp guitar, he might be willing to share some tips if you reach out to him.

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

It's been a long time since I tried to record a harp guitar, but I suspect the issue with the bass strings is not all that different from a baritone guitar. With that, I've had the best luck with adding a pickup to the mix. The pickup can just help get a more direct, present sound from low bass strings. But experimenting with mic placement is always a good idea.



I've had some conversations about recording with Alex Anderson, who gets some great sounds from his harp guitar, he might be willing to share some tips if you reach out to him.

Thanks Doug , Is Alex a member here ?

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Seems like there are good suggestions in link below. Remember you can alway tweak up the volume of the lower frequences post recording (equalizer, etc.) if you wish.

https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-u...%20lower%20one.

Thanks I’ll check it out . [emoji4]

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by DupleMeter

What do you have available, and how are you currently setting up?

One pencil,mic , rest are condenser’s . I find in most cases that 16 -18 inches away give take depending on how hard or soft I play and about 24” apart works best . My left points to the 12th fret mostly the right one moves about a bit be it up /down or point direction such as the bridge , sound hole, lower bout etc .

I’m pretty simple . Audient id44 into Reason 10 . I’m new to Harp and just an average player so nothing fancy here . lol [emoji23]

I record stereo and was thinking to add a third channel for the pencil mic having focused on the bass strings . Not had a chance to try it yet though this coming weekend would be next opportunity. I’d also need another mic stand .

[j3ffr0]

My harp has a Sixtus long bar installed for the bass notes and I always record that sometimes I will mix in just a little bit of it, but I don't always want/need it.

There could also be some nodes and nulls in the room you are recording in. Beyond treatment, the Little Labs VoG can sometimes correct for a null on an important note or provide some weight to the bottom.

In my experience, moving a pencil closer to the bass strings won't help at all. It will in crease the proximity effect and make everything poofy and muddy down low... Although pointed at the bass strings, it will still pick up everything else.

[LAPlayer]

What type of "pencil" mic are you using? Dynamic, large diaphragm condenser, small diaphragm condenser, ribbon? They won't record the same.

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by Riakstonic

Thanks Doug , Is Alex a member here ?

I don't know, but you could reach him thru his website: https://alexharpguitar.com/

Here's an example of Alex's recording (and you can see some of his mic setup)

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by LAPlayer

What type of "pencil" mic are you using? Dynamic, large diaphragm condenser, small diaphragm condenser, ribbon? They won't record the same.

It’s a condenser MXL 102 I think ? lol

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by Doug Young

I don't know, but you could reach him thru his website: https://alexharpguitar.com/



Here's an example of Alex's recording (and you can see some of his mic setup)

Wow very nice . Yeah pickups and mic . Adding pickups won’t happen anytime soon unfortunately. Thanks again Doug .

[LAPlayer]

The believe the 102 is a Neuman. I also believe (not a recording engineer but have done a lot of recording) most MXL pencils are small-diaphragm condensers. I would try a dynamic mic for more bass response in your recordings. Then play with placement.

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by j3ffr0

My harp has a Sixtus long bar installed for the bass notes and I always record that sometimes I will mix in just a little bit of it, but I don't always want/need it.



There could also be some nodes and nulls in the room you are recording in. Beyond treatment, the Little Labs VoG can sometimes correct for a null on an important note or provide some weight to the bottom.



In my experience, moving a pencil closer to the bass strings won't help at all. It will in crease the proximity effect and make everything poofy and muddy down low... Although pointed at the bass strings, it will still pick up everything else.

Sixtus yeah I believe Jamie dupuis used that at one time . Was thinking of getting one after that . I’m just getting started on harp guitar . Trying to work the bass tuning around my open tunings is tad puzzling . lol [emoji23]

[Riakstonic]

Originally Posted by LAPlayer

The believe the 102 is a Neuman. I also believe (not a recording engineer but have done a lot of recording) most MXL pencils are small-diaphragm condensers. I would try a dynamic mic for more bass response in your recordings. Then play with placement.

Ok I do have one of those it’s one of old style types . Haha [emoji23]