Mic'ing PSG and other guitars on a budget

Benjamin Jayne · From: Orange County California, USA

I know this has been discussed before (maybe ad nauseaum? )but I would appreciate some direction in adding the best microphone to my rig, and advice on whether it's necessary.
In the past, I've simply gone from PSG to VP to Digitech processor to my computer with audacity for recording. There are some benefits to recording sans mic, primarily less ambient noise and ease of setup without concern for mic placement. However, I LOVE how my PSG and 6 string (gibson 335 copy) sound through my little tube amp (Karvin Vintage 16 single 12") and I often wonder if I could improve the quality of my recording sessions with the addition of a microphone.

Only problem is, I'm on a tight budget, and know little about the different types of models of mics. I've read quite a few posts on the forum about different types of mics, and for instrument recording, it sounds like ribbon microphones may be my best bet (is this accurate?). I have absolutely no vocal skill, so something like a Sure SM58 doesn't seem like the best choice. Can one procure a decent used ribbon or similar "instrument" microphone for under $200? Will these mics introduce any potential problems to a novice like me? Is recording with a mic standard practice for most non-professional musicians who enjoy home recording, or will there be little advantage when compared to recording "direct?" What do you all prefer?

Any advice on good quality inexpensive makes and models of mics for home guitar recording would be appreciated, or if your experience is that a mic is not necessary, please share that opinion as well.
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Lamar S-10, Goodrich L10K VP, Carvin Vintage 16 all-tube amp, John Pearse Cryogenic steel tone bar, John Pearse strings.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

in a thread on the electronics forum, it says the Sennheiser e609 is meant for hanging in front of an amp and cost around 100
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Benjamin Jayne · From: Orange County California, USA

looks like a cool mic, Lane, thanks for pointing that one out. Sounds like just what I'm looking for and at a price I can afford. Anyone know how this compares to something like the Cascade Fat Head II besides the price?
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Lamar S-10, Goodrich L10K VP, Carvin Vintage 16 all-tube amp, John Pearse Cryogenic steel tone bar, John Pearse strings.

Jim Park · From: Carson City, Nv

Here is a link to a clip I did with an E609 hung in front of a nashville 400 thru a Mackie 1640 firewire into Quicktime.....A Fessenden D-10 with Tonealigner P/U's AND a BIG OL crack in the c6 changer end wood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxvTIe4x6BY&feature=youtu.be

Bryan Daste · From: Portland, Oregon, USA

For a small budget, a good ol' SM57 will do the trick. The Fathead is great too, but it has a much more pronounced low end and not as much top end.

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

I have used the e609 and the SM-57 for steel and guitar amps for a long time. Both record quite well but I prefer the SM-57 because it picks up lass ambient noise. Being a bit less sensitive you have to crank the amp a bit higher and this results in a better signal to noise ratio (less apparent amp hum in the mix).

Greg

rodger_mcbride · From: Minnesota

check out the AT 2020, cheap and seems well mated to the steel tone spectrum.
-r

Benjamin Jayne · From: Orange County California, USA

anyone tried some of the less expensive ribbon mics like the Nady RSM-5 Ribbon Studio Microphone or MXL R144 Ribbon Microphone with steel? Something about that warm sound pleases me, but I don't know if want to spend $225 on a fathead...Then again, I've heard ribbon mics aren't very durable, and that's not great for someone without a lot of recording experience...
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Lamar S-10, Goodrich L10K VP, Carvin Vintage 16 all-tube amp, John Pearse Cryogenic steel tone bar, John Pearse strings.

Billy McCombs · From: Bakersfield California, USA

I picked up a used Shure 57 a guitar center for 65$ there built like a tank used as good as new IMO. Check Guitar center out if you have one in your area.
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78 Emmons PP,Great tone.82 Emmons SKH #56

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

Using a ribbon mic to close-mic an amplifier - or for any other high SPL applications - will shorten its service life significantly and is not recommended. The ATM2020 is a decent, inexpensive condenser mic; as such it may not be able to handle the high SPL of an amp up close without clipping but will not be damaged if you try.

In the absence of a vintage Sennheiser MD409 the Sennheiser e609 and Shure SM57 are affordable and appropriate choices much preferred for close-mic'ing amplifiers by professional audio folk worldwide over anything else on the market. That's really all you need to know....

Papa Joe Pollick · From: Swanton, Ohio

Yep the SM 57...I've read that Just about all the big studios have them in their arsenal.

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