Micing a Classical Guitar Quartet

[bash]

I will be lightly amplifying four classical guitarists on stage with a small string section and a grand piano. Only the guitars need to be mic'd. I have a pair of Schoeps MK2s onhand (although I can rent whatever is required). I'm hoping for advice on mic configuration, spread, height and distance from the guitarists as a starting point.

The guitarists will be front right on stage, the piano is front left and the strings will be center rear. The PA speakers will be stage rear, far left and right, mono. The purpose, I'm assuming, is mainly to bring them up in the hall and perhaps also for the benefit of the string section since the strings will be behind the guitarists. Will two mics be sufficient or should each guitar be mic'd individually?

Any help appreciated and thank you in advance.

[Ozpeter]

I know the Australian guitar quartet "Saffire" use Sennheiser MKH series cardioids on each instrument when amplified, fwiw.

[d_fu]

I'd personally mic them individually, and I'd reach for SDC hypercardioids, for best separation and protection from feedback (hands off those Schoeps omnis...).

[ssaudio]

For this particular job I always use MKH40 at about 3/400mm from each guitar, never had a complaint yet.

I stick them on a long gooseneck and short stand so they don't look too bad. If the players are seated very close I'll go for 2 stereo bars.

[-Noodles-]

Originally Posted by Ozpeter

I know the Australian guitar quartet "Saffire" use Sennheiser MKH series cardioids on each instrument when amplified, fwiw.

I've worked with other guitar quartets (or more!) and they use a mixture of DIs and Mics for every guitar.

I don't know the exact models of every mic i've used, but some of them are "normal" studio mics that translate the guitars well.

[fifthcircle]

LA Guitar Quartet travels with 4x KM184 mics for them... I generally choose Beyer 160's for guitar amplification. I'll usually place a Millennia or Grace preamp on stage, run the Beyers through that and we've got a beautiful sound.

If I was going for a condenser, I'd probably reach for a Schoeps MK41.

--Ben

[bash]

Looks like I'm renting some mics/stands. Thanks, I know now what to ask for. :D

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by fifthcircle

LA Guitar Quartet travels with 4x KM184 mics for them...

Just for purposes of disclosure: The LA GQ has had a promotional arrangement with Neumann. I stopped following this some time ago, so I don't know about their current arrangement.

Doesn't mean the 184's wouldn't be good on guitars, though.