I think one of the worst events in the history of mic’ing acoustic instruments was the moment someone first slapped a microphone inside an acoustic guitar. There. I said it. Hey, I’m no expert. Heck, I’m only a decent guitar player. I know this. And you’re right, Mr. Acoustic Guy, there are quite a few phenomenal acoustic guitar players with proven tone, studio and live, with internal mic systems. Let me just point out that I’m one of thousands of church engineers across the country who get to mix everyone else. Weekly.
Now, I’m not against microphones inside guitars but honestly, things are a little out of control. Ever since it turned into a mainstream trend, the sound of an over-blended internal mic has become the Lawry’s Seasoned Salt of the guitar world. All food at my grandparents’ house tasted the same thanks to that stuff. Every time I hear the inside of an acoustic guitar I try to get away with just a little sprinkle on top of the mix because it makes me throw up in my mouth a little. I fear this unnatural sound has become so common that the general public accepts it as a great guitar sound. Please friends, I beg of you… choose the red pill.
Well, I hope you’ll forgive the hyperbolous intro but I do want to make this a memorable post about acoustic guitar tones. I think it’s important.
After the jump: the best tones I’ve gotten to mix and why I think they’re good.
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