Acoustic Guitar Mic Shootout | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets

#acousticguitar #mictest #studiogear #microphones
In this video I test out eight different microphones (2 dynamic, 2 ribbon and 4 condenser) with 3 different styles of playing: strummed steel string, finger-picked steel string and finger-picked nylon. The steel string is a 70's Martin D-35 and the nylon guitar is an Asturias.
Tell me your favorite mic for the job in the comments below and if you'd like more gear review videos like this one also comment below.
Thanks to Jeff Hooker for helping me with this video, both using his space, recording and providing some of the microphones. His IG is @jeffhookermusic he's great drummer.
Here are some links below where you can learn more about the mics (commission earned)....
Shure SM-57 - sweetwater.sjv.io/oqb1Db
Sennheiser e609 - sweetwater.sjv.io/MmjJzJ
Coles 4038 Ribbon - vintageking.com/coles-4038-si...
AEA NUVO N8 Ribbon - sweetwater.sjv.io/WqKneP
AKG C451B Condenser - sweetwater.sjv.io/NkPZx7
AKG C414-XLS Condenser - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkbWG5
(Note: we used a discontinued 414B-ULS model in this video)
Gefell UMT 70S FET (this is my main mic) - amzn.to/49aMPE4
Neumann U67 Tube Condenser - sweetwater.sjv.io/21YENO
MY GEAR - commissions earned
Dunlop Guitar Picks for Electric - imp.i114863.net/qnnGyg
Gravity Guitar Picks for Electric - imp.i114863.net/QOOxb6
Dunlop Guitar Picks for Acoustic - imp.i114863.net/qnnDMn
Elixir Electric Strings .010's - imp.i114863.net/LPPaka
Elixir Acoustic Strings .012's - imp.i114863.net/yRRxkG
Elixir Acoustic Strings .013's - imp.i114863.net/mggkEO
Savarez Classical Guitar Strings - imp.i114863.net/3PemqM
Snark Clip On Tuners - imp.i114863.net/LPXRyM
Shubb Acoustic/Electric Capo - imp.i114863.net/QOy2vo
G7th Newport 12-String Capo - imp.i114863.net/rnQJqv
Shubb Nylon String Capo - imp.i114863.net/e4Kk5O
String Winder Tool - imp.i114863.net/DVKRmy
Mogami Cables straight ends - imp.i114863.net/P0ymg6
Mogami Cables one straight and one angle ends - imp.i114863.net/kj0JvM
George L’s Cable Kit (for pedal boards) - imp.i114863.net/a1nrzj
Hercules Guitar Hangers - imp.i114863.net/JrzRAQ
Hercules 5 Guitar Stand - imp.i114863.net/4ee5V1
Ultimate Support Guitar Stand - imp.i114863.net/3Pemav
Dunlop Blues Bottle Slide - imp.i114863.net/vnNEvA
Production Tools -
Apple Logic - www.apple.com/logic-pro/
Apogee Duet 2 Interface - amzn.to/2q41P1w
API Mic Pres - amzn.to/2rgvDIA
“Lunch Box” for API’s - amzn.to/2rgycdL
Native Instruments Komplete - amzn.to/2r7uCW1
Yamaha HS8 Speakers - imp.i114863.net/mg5ovD

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Loved the Coles on the steel strings for picking, very "BBC" radio sound. 57 for the strumming and the plastic string fingerpicking. I use a 58 and a U87 like this. The Coles was a revelation. Thorough test, thanks for doing this.

[@davidsillars3181]

I liked the ribbons, the Coles, the neuman is a classic and the tube sound definitely adds something. The sure was far better than I expected, but small diaphragm condensers have a directionality that weems to be good for guitar, ie you can aim it at the sound hole and get less fret board noise if you want. My cheap option is a pair of Røde M5s on a bar at body height, guitar body that is! Worthwhile vid Tom. I'm definitely swaying towards a Ribbon now.

[@bobschumann9326]

Of course these will only sound as good as the headphones I’m using but I can see why Neumann is so expensive. On the other hand some of the less expensive mics sounded darn good. A bit more higher frequencies it seemed to me with the dynamic mics and some emphasized the mids more. I guess the mic to pick is the one that accomplishes the sound you want. Money no object? Of course, the Neumann. 😂

[@landmanjan]

This is very interesting Tom, those ribbon and the first condensor mic sound very nice... ofcause you have to consider what you want to record... Not an issue for me just yet.. but its very interesting for sure. Thanks Tom

[@conceptSde]

There is something nice with all of them, the only one I really dislike is the Gefell with it‘s mid-heavy sound. The Neumann probably needs least EQ. And I‘m really surprised how well the cheapo SM57 performs compared to expensive mics.

[@deadmanswife3625]

Bang Bang I got mine

[@blankspace0000]

Shocked how my preference changed based on the playing style and instrument. The ANA was my favourite for strumming, the 414 for fingerstyle and the C451 for the nylon.

[@TomStrahle]

Exactly. You perfectly understand why I did three different styles with each mi.

[@putmeinthemovies]

What is an ANA?

[@Theyrewrong827]

If I had 1 mic for all 3 gits, then the AKG 451 does the best job. I thought the AEA sounded better on the steel strings tho.

[@mr.k905]

One can keep lying to oneself, like I like to do as well, but the 57 eats them all. …especially for the price.

[@pq1151]

Strumming Test - Shure SM57 beat out all others - focused smooth strumming sound.

[@Hrcak1]

Which amp you will use for acoustic guitar and microphone?

[@Ri_Guy]

How can I get the signal louder when fingerpicking with an sm57? My preamp is all the way up and it’s reaching like -12 to -16db. I just know the my focusrite isn’t in the green. And when I turn it up in my DAW there’s too much noise.

[@Pavelsky]

карочь, и на 57 можно круто всё записать!

[@ItsRefuseDdLOL]

I’ve recently bought a guitar and I have a feeling that it does not sound how it should. I have it tuned and when I strum it is really weird. Could it be because u have a cheap plastic pick/plectrum. Or maybe the guitar itself, just sounds a bit different than normal ones? I don’t really have a clue. It is a Trammontane guitar. The guy at the store told me to get is and I got a bit excited and bought it quite fast. Now I’m gettting discouraged, thinking I made a mistake and wasted 280 euros :(

[@realpool]

Hi Tom, Is there any way you could do a video on superimposing pentatonics over maj7, min7 chords etc.? I've been messing around with it and having a lot of fun but I'd love to see your approach. Thanks

[@sixtynineelephants2403]

Huh. I hoped for some commentary. I know how they sound through KZbin on my phone now, but that doesn’t help much.

[@gilkatsir4052]

You have russian 7 strings guitar?

[@sunnyboner676]

All of them perfectly useable and some may benefit from different placement and/or some EQ. I believe the time focussing on the actual performance is key to the best recording.

[@DutchCreekRanch1]

You can throw the Coles in the trash