Mic(s) for classical guitar

[j2dafo]

For live situations, I'd use a K&K sound pickup system. kksound.com

For recording, a pair of Oktava 012's.

[drBill]

I wouldn't want to use any of the mics you listed. There is one that you can probably get (used) that is surprising great for nylon string guitar :

Sennheiser 421 - dynamic. Very nice, large perspective, warm and not spikey like almost every condenser you listed will be.

[contrapunctus]

Thank you for your replies, j2dafo and drBill.

Bad news - I checked, K&K and Oktava are not available here, nor is the Sennheiser 421 II. What's more, I'm afraid buying used is not really an option for me.

On the brighter side, two mics whose names came up sometimes in my searches - Studio Projects B1 and B3...looks like they are available here after all. Any opinions on these?

Anything else under 200 that might work about alright?

[Byll]

I own and use a pair of AT4041s. For years, they were my go to mic for acoustic guitar. They work well in the studio and in performance venues, partly because of their cardioid pattern. While I still use them for acoustic guitar on occasion now, they have been superseded by a pair of Avenson STO 2s. These would be available to you, used, at the top end of your given dollar range. They are omni-directional. Except for borrowed Schoeps mics, I find that the Avenson STO 2s capture the most natural, realistic acoustic guitar sound, in my experience.

Best.
Byll

[Kaiborg]

You might consider a CAD M179

[contrapunctus]

Thank you for your inputs, Byll and Kaiborg.

I apologize if this comes as a disappointment, but based on what all I've read, including stuff on this thread, I've decided to hold off the mic purchase, save more, and get a Sennheiser MD421 II (or two), even if it means having to record my work with a portable digital audio player in the meanwhile. Hopefully it'll be a wise move in the long run.

Thank you, everyone.

[dubmunkey]

Originally Posted by contrapunctus

Thank you for your inputs, Byll and Kaiborg.

I apologize if this comes as a disappointment, but based on what all I've read, including stuff on this thread, I've decided to hold off the mic purchase, save more, and get a Sennheiser MD421 II (or two), even if it means having to record my work with a portable digital audio player in the meanwhile. Hopefully it'll be wise move in the long run.

Thank you, everyone.

You're doing the right thing, dont buy a cheap mic if you could save for a few months and get something decent

[j2dafo]

yes, wise indeed. BUY RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.