Microphone Techniques For Acoustic Guitars by Victor Epand

Guitar is a very old musical instrument. It is normally played in an unplugged way. But when played in a show, a microphone is also used. Otherwise the sound will not reach every listener. Acoustic guitars have a unique sound.

Microphones sometimes cause different kinds of problems. And for that reason, the use of a proper microphone is ensured for acoustic guitars. Here we will talk about different microphone techniques for acoustic guitars.

The acoustic guitar delivers a varied range of frequencies. The range is from under 100hz to the extent which is not audible to human beings. The resonance of the largest string delivers low frequencies and the plucking system delivers the high frequencies. In most types of acoustic guitars, the sound hole generates the bass sound.

This instrument has always been so popular that people have thought of making some microphone which will not harm the sound of this instrument. And for this reason, a lot of experiments were made on microphones.

After a lot of experiments, dynamic and condenser microphones were made. These two microphones are suitable for acoustic guitars. But among these two, the condenser microphone delivers the most detailed and the brightest sound.

There are small and large diaphragm microphones available. Both of them are perfect for acoustic guitars. But while playing the lead portion of the acoustic guitar, if you stroke the string hard, then a sharp transient will be produced. It is louder than the sustain portion of the waveform. This will not sound well at the time of recording. So it will be better if you use the dynamic microphones for playing the lead portion.

To get a good sound out of the microphone, it is necessary to know where you should keep the microphone. If you keep the mike just in front of the sound hole, then the guitar will create a very dark, boomy sound. Just like that if you put it in front of the neck then it will produce a thin sound. Even the surrounded portion of the bridge will not be able to produce a proper sound, if you put the mike there.

Actually the proper microphone technique for acoustic guitars depends on the instrument itself and the playing pattern. That means it depends also on whether the instrument will be strummed or plucked, and on the music style and the recording place. The perfect place for a microphone is one to two feet away from the acoustic guitar. The mike must be pointing at a place somewhere between the sound hole and the very place where the neck of the guitar meets its body.

If you use a directional mike, then you have to adjust the distance, to make a balance between the proximity effect and the room ambiance. If you use an omni microphone for acoustic guitars, then you will be able to put it closer to the instrument and also will get a sound which is pretty much well balanced.

The most common microphone technique for acoustic guitars is the use of two microphones. One will be closer to the guitar and the other will be a bit far away.

But the interesting thing about microphone techniques is that you do not always have to use all these existing styles. You can try some technique of your own. And perhaps one day you will be able to make a microphone technique that will help many acoustic guitar players.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, DJ equipment, recording equipment, speakers, subwoofers, and microphone techniques.

Article Source: Articles for Boomers

By Kevin Singclair

Every good guitarist will want to take care of their guitar in order to keep it in the best condition. A large part of caring for your guitar is by cleaning it on a regular basis. And as a guitarist, it is your solemn duty to ensure that your guitar it maintained to the best of conditions, in order for it to deliver a quality sound. No matter whether you are a professional guitarist or a beginner, it is essential to undertake the care and maintenance of your guitar.

Your guitar will become dirty with sweat and dust just by playing it. Using a soft cloth is the best way to clean it. Special cloths can be purchased in music stores, or you can simply use an old t-shirt, providing that it is 100% cotton. It is imperative however, that if the t-shirt contains a logo, you firstly remove it, as this can cause damage by scratching the surface of your guitar.

If the surface of your guitar is French polished or lacquered, then cleaning items such as paper towels must be avoided at all times, as these will also cause scratches. If you feel that it is necessary to clean your guitar with paper towels, then it is advised to purchase non-woven shop towels which are available on a roll. These do cost a little more, but they will not scratch your guitar.

You will find that dust accumulates under the strings. Therefore particular attention should be paid to this area of your guitar. Do not be hesitant in inserting a cloth behind the strings and giving it a good rub, at the same time as you are wiping the entire body of your guitar. If you pay close attention to cleaning the strings of your guitar, then their life will be extended. In addition to a normal cleaning routine, it is advised that after every jam session with your guitar, you give the strings a good wipe by holding them firmly through a cloth and rubbing the cloth up and down their length. This will remove any dust, grease from your fingers, perspiration build-up, and skin cells etc.

If you find that you are having difficulty in removing finger prints on your guitar, then you can blow a gentle breath, just as you would with spectacles, to create a little moisture. You will then find that by rubbing your guitar vigorously that the finger prints will be removed. It is also possible to use a slightly moistened soft cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. However, do not overdo it. It is essential that you avoid at all times, getting moisture into the small spaces on the guitar surface. However you choose to remove finger prints from your guitar, it is advised to rub it well afterwards with a soft dry cloth. It is also recommended to change to a clean cloth on a regular basis, to avoid rubbing the dirt from an old cloth back on to the guitar.

There are also various types of commercial guitar cleaners available to purchase, most of which are good products. When purchasing such products, it is essential that you primarily read all instructions on the bottle carefully, and use a water-based product for water-soluble dirt. There are creamy polishes available on the market, but they do have a tendency to be slightly abrasive. Therefore, if your guitar has a matte finish, then it is recommended not to use a cream product.

If your guitar should have a sticky residue from tape or stickers on it, then this will need to be removed by using mineral spirits. It is also possible to use lighter fluid, which is otherwise known as naphtha. Neither of these products will cause any harm to the finish of your guitar. However, you will need to remove the solvent with a damp cloth to buff your guitar clean after removing tape or stickers. Ensure that you are careful when cleaning sticky residue off your guitar, as you do not want to spread it around the rest of the guitar.

The fingerboard of a guitar, along with the strings and the fret wire are subject to acidity in the player’s hands. Therefore it is advised to completely remove the strings and rub up and down the fingerboard with a piece of extra fine grade steel wool. When rubbing the frets, it is essential that you take care not to catch the ends of them with the steel wool. The steel wool does not need to be wet before undertaking this process. It is after a few motions that the frets should be shiny. Obviously this depends on how dirty the fingerboard initially is. If the surface of the fingerboard is not cracked or damaged, then you can apply a little lemon oil to prevent the wood from cracking, which is caused by temperature and humidity.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.
Article Source: Articles for Boomers

Enjoy this post by Jon Mercer

All guitarists are searching for their own original sound, and using boutique guitar pedals is one popular way to insure that you stand out from the crowd. Unlike mass-produced guitar pedals, boutique pedals are usually made by small independent workshops, and most often, the pedals are hand-made and numbered.

While the large manufacturers can usually sell guitar effects pedals cheaper, small boutique pedal companies specialize in individuality and attention to detail in their effects. Companies such as Carl Martin, Divided by 13, Fulltone, Keeley and Red Witch are all smaller boutique manufacturers, dedicated exclusively to producing outstanding guitar tone.

As you might expect, small companies that hand build guitar pedals usually charge more for their products, but many pro guitarists insist that the higher price of boutique pedals is justified because of their quality and originality of tone.

As well as the small guitar workshops, boutique pedals are also produced by a few larger companies such as Electro Harmonix and Huges & Kettner. These medium-size manufacturers manage to avoid being labeled as mass producers of guitar effects because of their stellar reputations, and their attention to detail in producing quirky, non-traditional guitar effects.

Boutique guitar pedals come in many different flavors, from swirling chorus effects, to vintage, hand-built overdrive units. Primarily, most of these high-end effects are influenced by the vintage guitar pedals of the 1960s and 70s. For example, many boutique pedal manufacturers sell replications of rare 1960s pedals.

And though the prices of these units tend to be much higher than standard mass-produced guitar effects, when you consider the rarity of these 60s era pedals, and the fact that many of them will be in poor condition after all these years, it can actually make much more sense to buy a replication of a classic pedal than the original.

In a way, the trend toward using boutique guitar pedals is a reaction to the overly commercial music of the past few decades. Guitarists use these unusual and unique sounding “stomp boxes” to create an entirely different palette of sounds.

By using exotic guitar pedals, artists are able to shape the sound of a music to a far greater degree, and avoid the bland same-ness of much commercial music these days.

But as well is sounding unique, boutique guitar pedals are also small, functional works of art. Many boutique pedals are actually hand-painted and hand-labeled, ensuring that no two will look like. Boutique pedal producers such as Zvex are a good example of this. All of their pedals feature vintage analog knobs and foot switches, and are decorated with hand-painted symbols and icons.

So when a guitarist buys a boutique pedal, they are buying something very different from a mass produced multi-effects gadget; they are buying a unique piece of history that has been handcrafted and tested in a small workshop to perform to the highest standards, and create a totally unique sound.

There’s no doubt about it: these pedals cost more than mass-produced units from the big names, but you can also find them on auction for about the same price as a bland, mass-produced effects pedal. And when you consider the originality and inspiration you will gain by using boutique guitar pedals, it’s easy to see why they are becoming more and more popular everyday.

Bid on the hottest boutique guitar pedals and vintage guitar effects at Soundsfat.com
Article Source: Articles for Boomers

Depending on the kind of music you like to play would determine as to what kind of guitar you would choose to purchase from the many different varieties that are available on the market today. It is essential, however, that the guitar that you select feels comfortable to you. If you are a person of a small build, then you will require a guitar that fits your build, whilst if you are a person with very long arms, then a small guitar simply would not be suitable. The weight of the guitar that you select is another important factor. This is because, if you will be playing the guitar a great deal, then you will not wish to feel weighed down by an instrument which is far too heavy for your strength.

Other factors which need to be taken into consideration when selecting a guitar is the sheer look of it, as well as the sound that it gives off. Guitars are available in a wide range of different shapes, colors and finishes. Every single guitar will have a slightly different sound and the quality of sound very often depends upon the quality of the guitar.

If classic music is what you enjoy playing, then you will require a guitar with nylon strings. The back and sides of the guitar will usually be made of rosewood, with spruce or cedar for the top. The guitar that is used for playing flamenco is similar, only with the wood being thinner and the body of the guitar shallower and made of cypress with a cedar top.

The classic guitar which has a hollow body and nylon strings, and the electric steel guitar with its solid wood body, bottled neck and steel strings, such as the very popular Fender Stratocaster are the two most popular types of guitar. Of course, there are many variations within each type. The semi-acoustic and the semi-solid are just two of them. Then of course there are the bass guitars. However, when purchasing a guitar for the first time, the main selection will be between electric and acoustic.

It is worth considering purchasing an acoustic guitar if you have never played before. This guitar is much simpler to play and nothing else is required to accompany it, apart from a case, strap, some picks, and sheet music, all of which are available at an inexpensive price. If you choose to purchase an electric guitar, then you will also need to purchase an amplifier and at least one effects box. This can of course increase the overall cost dramatically and make the selection more difficult.

Even though it is not necessary to spend huge amounts of money on your first guitar, it is never recommended to buy the cheapest available simply because you are not sure if you will continue to play. For this reason, it is worth taking every opportunity to have a play with friends’ guitars or with those in shops before you make a purchase decision. It is not necessary to purchase one of the top brand names; there are plenty of guitars available with no brand name attached to them.

Always ensure that the guitar you select is well made. This can be done by running your fingers around the seams. If you can feel as though any part is coming apart or if it feels rough, then do not buy it. Ensure that the frets are even and the top is not made of plywood. It is never wise to rush out and buy the first guitar that you see. Select a guitar carefully from the many different ones that are available on the market today.

Article Source: http://articlesforboomers.com

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.

Of course you do not want to be dead for that to happen. But here’s hoping you see fame in your lifetime. Guitars can hold, I am finding out, a good resale value.

Here is the discussion I found.

We would also be glad to post a page on this site for anyone who wants to post their guitar for sale. (No charge)

Every good guitarist will want to take care of their guitar in order to keep it in the best condition. A large part of caring for your guitar is by cleaning it on a regular basis. And as a guitarist, it is your solemn duty to ensure that your guitar it maintained to the best of conditions, in order for it to deliver a quality sound. No matter whether you are a professional guitarist or a beginner, it is essential to undertake the care and maintenance of your guitar.

Your guitar will become dirty with sweat and dust just by playing it. Using a soft cloth is the best way to clean it. Special cloths can be purchased in music stores, or you can simply use an old t-shirt, providing that it is 100% cotton. It is imperative however, that if the t-shirt contains a logo, you firstly remove it, as this can cause damage by scratching the surface of your guitar.

If the surface of your guitar is French polished or lacquered, then cleaning items such as paper towels must be avoided at all times, as these will also cause scratches. If you feel that it is necessary to clean your guitar with paper towels, then it is advised to purchase non-woven shop towels which are available on a roll. These do cost a little more, but they will not scratch your guitar.

You will find that dust accumulates under the strings. Therefore particular attention should be paid to this area of your guitar. Do not be hesitant in inserting a cloth behind the strings and giving it a good rub, at the same time as you are wiping the entire body of your guitar. If you pay close attention to cleaning the strings of your guitar, then their life will be extended. In addition to a normal cleaning routine, it is advised that after every jam session with your guitar, you give the strings a good wipe by holding them firmly through a cloth and rubbing the cloth up and down their length. This will remove any dust, grease from your fingers, perspiration build-up, and skin cells etc.

If you find that you are having difficulty in removing finger prints on your guitar, then you can blow a gentle breath, just as you would with spectacles, to create a little moisture. You will then find that by rubbing your guitar vigorously that the finger prints will be removed. It is also possible to use a slightly moistened soft cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. However, do not overdo it. It is essential that you avoid at all times, getting moisture into the small spaces on the guitar surface. However you choose to remove finger prints from your guitar, it is advised to rub it well afterwards with a soft dry cloth. It is also recommended to change to a clean cloth on a regular basis, to avoid rubbing the dirt from an old cloth back on to the guitar.

There are also various types of commercial guitar cleaners available to purchase, most of which are good products. When purchasing such products, it is essential that you primarily read all instructions on the bottle carefully, and use a water-based product for water-soluble dirt. There are creamy polishes available on the market, but they do have a tendency to be slightly abrasive. Therefore, if your guitar has a matte finish, then it is recommended not to use a cream product.

If your guitar should have a sticky residue from tape or stickers on it, then this will need to be removed by using mineral spirits. It is also possible to use lighter fluid, which is otherwise known as naphtha. Neither of these products will cause any harm to the finish of your guitar. However, you will need to remove the solvent with a damp cloth to buff your guitar clean after removing tape or stickers. Ensure that you are careful when cleaning sticky residue off your guitar, as you do not want to spread it around the rest of the guitar.

The fingerboard of a guitar, along with the strings and the fret wire are subject to acidity in the player’s hands. Therefore it is advised to completely remove the strings and rub up and down the fingerboard with a piece of extra fine grade steel wool. When rubbing the frets, it is essential that you take care not to catch the ends of them with the steel wool. The steel wool does not need to be wet before undertaking this process. It is after a few motions that the frets should be shiny. Obviously this depends on how dirty the fingerboard initially is. If the surface of the fingerboard is not cracked or damaged, then you can apply a little lemon oil to prevent the wood from cracking, which is caused by temperature and humidity.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of MusicianHome.com, a site that provides information and articles for musicians at all stages of their development.
 

I like playing the blues, Funk, Gospel and jazz. So I was looking for something that would work in that style of music with a budget of 300. – 400 range if that is possible.

Thanks

Different Types of Guitars by

The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments, and it has earned a world-wide fame throughout the decades for its melodious sound and tone. These amazing instruments are found in a wide variety of sound quality, playability, and in terms of overall appearance. There are different types of guitars, each of which are chosen depending on certain factors and convenience of the professional guitarist, or the aspiring guitar players.

The first major variety in the list of the many types of guitar includes the Acoustic guitar. There are scores of guitars under the brand Acoustic, varying widely from one another. An acoustic guitar is made of a wooden structure, fixed with a soundboard, and it is free from any external inclusion. The sound emerging from this category of guitars is generally softer than the other instruments included in the orchestra bands. However, they can be accordingly amplified and modified with the needs and requirements of the musician or that of the band. There is, again, a broader variety of these acoustics that include classical and flamenco guitars, steel string guitars, and many more to be discussed. The category extends to both amplified and non-amplified guitars that are used in the different registers, such as the acoustic bass guitar.

Designed exclusively for the execution of a solo polyphonic melody, the magical guitar produces music similar to that of a pianoforte. The finely placed nylon strings on the guitar sound melodious with any music, from jazz to classical. The modern forms of classical guitars were pioneered by Antonio Torres Jurado. There is a roster of classical guitars classified distinctively according to their functions and usages. These include the tiny requinto, the larger guitarron, and many more. The requinto is a well-famed type, found mostly in the Latin-American nations as an associated part of the guitar family.

There are also the more reformed and simplified versions of the classical guitars. The Renaissance and Baroque guitars are smaller in size and are comprised of only four to five courses of strings attached to it. Often used in an ensemble for rhythmic purposes, these two types are quite common in musical performances. While the Renaissance guitar is comparatively simple and plain, the Baroque guitar comes highly embellished in the on its entire structure including the neck and body.

Included among the many other guitar types are the Portuguese guitars, the twelve-string guitars, which are exclusively meant for their traditional Fado song, the Archtop guitars, the Flat-top (steel-string) guitars, the traditional seven-string Russian guitars with an open G major tuning, Acoustic bass guitars, Tenor guitars, Harp guitars, the smaller Guitar battente, extended-range guitars, and the resonator, resophonic, or Dobro guitars.

The electric guitars have become one of the most common and significantly used instruments in any musical ensemble or performance. These guitars basically use electronic pick-ups to amplify the sound and vibration of the strings. They come in a solid or semi-solid structure, and do not use much of the body structure to produce sound. They use amplifiers to produce the maximum amount of sound that is emitted from the instrument.

Patrick Carpen is the designer, writer and owner of the website http://guitaring.infobay.ws/ . Infobay.ws is a content based, consumer oriented website that provides professionally researched, and up to the minute content on selected subjects.

Article Source: Articles for Boomers