Acoustic Sound, i have a feeling that... Options

[mrben]

nobody really records live instruments on this forum?? r atleast not with garageband. I recently got into garage band which is great and I love all the setting I can make for my guitar... however an nice clean acoustic sound I have not been able to get. It always sounds to quite or something compared to everything else... anyone got any tips how I can get a fuller richer sound? Are there any more plugins I should try. I am using a mic if that makes any difference?
cheers!

[chappy]

Hey Mr. Ben,
I play and record acoustic guitars/mandos etc.... for a living.
It is not a secret science.
You need a decent acoustic guitar, a good microphone/microphones and a great mic pre. What are you using?

For big guitars where the acoustic is the center of the mix, try a large diaphragm
(tube) condenser or a pair. They don't need to be matched. Go light on the comprssion.
I use Neumann m149s, Manley Gold Ref and variety of tube condenser mics.
An unsung hero here would be the Gefell U92s.
For the sparkleing, strummy sound, try a pair of KM184's. They are reasonably priced and have a very 'in your face' sound. You can buy cheaper versions from AKG and some of the Chinese made mics with the fancy cosmetics but they will sound hyped.
For great depth on acoustics (these ain't cheap) try a pair of DPA 4015 or 4011.
Very natural, huge and I usually start with these and change based on the intended final results.
Stay away from the sound hole. Most of the boominess comes from there.
Start with one mic placed a foot away aimed at the 12th fret, the other mic can be aimed just after the bridge or experiment depending on the room and the guitar and player. Sometimes, placing the mic over the right shoulder can make a difference. Strings should be at least an hour old or you will get lot's of fret noise.
Very old strings will sound, wel, wery old.
This cannot be duplicated with any keyboard so it's worth investing some time and folding money into it.
peace,
chap