Classical Guitar Mic?

[GearGeek]

Hey Guys. So I got a beautiful new handmade classical guitar and I need a kick ass mic to go with it. My U87 doesn't sound so hot on it. Neither does my 414. I'm mainly doing pop styles with it and not really solo performance. So it really needs to cut through a mix. I was thinking a KM 184. Maybe a SM81? How about a Royer? Does anyone have any better ideas? Oh yeah, I'm running through an Avalon 737 ( I know, I know, but it's the best pre I got!) Thanks.

[Rogervandeberg]

If you really love the sound of the guitar and have a nice room, try a mic like a DPA 4006 or something. The backside of a royer also gives some nice flattering results!

edit:

i read "for solo" instead of "no solo".................well, then a km84 or 184 ahould be able to give pleasant results!

[mastert]

I recording the classic guitar with Millennia HV 3 and Neumann TLM 170 or Earthworks QTC 40 (if the room is OK).
The sound for my opinion is fantastic.
Best Regards

[Max headroom]

Originally Posted by GearGeek

Does anyone have any better ideas? Oh yeah, I'm running through an Avalon 737 ( I know, I know, but it's the best pre I got!) Thanks.

.... don't want to get to the off topic land , but since when Avalon 737 became something You would excuse yourself about ?

It is a friggin' grat pre ...


Cheers

Max

[Stisse]

Originally Posted by GearGeek

Hey Guys. So I got a beautiful new handmade classical guitar and I need a kick ass mic to go with it. My U87 doesn't sound so hot on it. Neither does my 414. I'm mainly doing pop styles with it and not really solo performance. So it really needs to cut through a mix. I was thinking a KM 184. Maybe a SM81? How about a Royer? Does anyone have any better ideas? Oh yeah, I'm running through an Avalon 737 ( I know, I know, but it's the best pre I got!) Thanks.

I enjoy the AT4033 very much on acoustics when recording pop. Don't really see how the Avalon could destroy the sound so I suggest you try different mics with that pre. But of course you could always trade the 737 for the favorite flava of the day....

Best of luck,
Stefan

[Arsene]

Don't laugh, but I have had some amazing results from my Alhambra spanish guitar with the following method:

Shadow nanoflex p.u. DI 'd, combined with a low cost MXL v67i (bright side). Depending on the sound, I might point the MXL at the 12th fret or, more often, at the bridge.
I have sometimes tracked this guitar with the U87ai, which didn't really cut it for this particular guitar... I was (pleasantly) surprised to see (and hear) this little inexpensive mic did an excellent job!

Mix the two signals to taste, and voila!

Works for solo & rythm work.

My 2 cts!

[MooWahmBah]

just did a session with a Millennia HV3 and a pair of DPA`s ..worked great on nylon and steel too

[Timothy Lawler]

I've used the U87(cardioid, 4 ft out)/Avalon 737 combination and really liked it on flamenco guitar. Very smooth sounding.

I usually use Schoeps mk41 or Beyer M160 on classical though, with a Great River MP2H.

[Cornvalley]

Originally Posted by Arsene

Don't laugh, but I have had some amazing results from my Alhambra spanish guitar with the following method:

Shadow nanoflex p.u. DI 'd, combined with a low cost MXL v67i (bright side). Depending on the sound, I might point the MXL at the 12th fret or, more often, at the bridge.
I have sometimes tracked this guitar with the U87ai, which didn't really cut it for this particular guitar... I was (pleasantly) surprised to see (and hear) this little inexpensive mic did an excellent job!

Mix the two signals to taste, and voila!

Works for solo & rythm work.

My 2 cts!

You have the right idea. You don't need expensive mics to obtain great results. DI blended with mic is desirable/appropriate for pop styles.
I just talked to Andrew York recently and he was using a couple of Marshall toob mics for his home setup. That's a good reason to check them out. I know I will.
If you have the cash Gefell M295/294 will be the ones you might want to consider for a legit classical sound.

[stvintage]

I've got good results w/ either a Royer R122, an AEA R84, and/or a AKG 451, right around where the neck mets the body, a bit off axis, and about 8-14 inches from the guitar. Experiment with different mics and placements. Its all subjective.

[GearGeek]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'll definatley look into it!