Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound

[GuitarKit]

Hi Taxiers.
I come from old school so I am used to recording my acoustic guitars crisp and shimmery.

I have noticed however the most of the Indie Folk acoustic guitars are very plonky sounding. Almost like they are using two-year-old strings. It doesn't sound like it is all E.Q to get that effect either.

Does anyone know how to achieve that sound?

Thanks for reding.

[erynmichel]

Bump. I’d love to know this too. I’m in a course and if I find out I’ll come back and let you know.

[funsongs]

Bump - me too - would like to hear what the techie-guys offer.
One thing, is the guitar: the natural sound generated from smaller-bodied guitars; Parlor, 12-fret, 00 size, etc...
in contrast to the classic sounds from a dreadnought Martin and their copy-cats.
I've been lusting after a Taylor 12-fret acoustic/electric, sorta for some of the reason in your question.

All that stated, and yet one of my favorite guitars to record with is a 1970s vintage Hummingbird copy -
and I like the sound of old, crusty strings on it. I had it at the RR... and got comments on the 'cool tone'.

Cheers.

[Tunesmith]

Yes! You play the guitar underwater!

Happy strumming!

Linda C

[Len911]

It sounds like what you are describing is what I'd probably call sustain.

So probably anything that adversely affects sustain, guitar design, old strings, finger mutes, smaller strings, string material...

[billhewett]

I don't have a solid answer, but I bet it could be as simple as mic choice and mic position. Do you usually record your guitar with a condenser mic that picks up all of that shimmery high end? Try setting up a second mic, either a standard dynamic mic or a ribbon.

I'm also curious to see the "correct" answer, but this could certainly be a place to start, short of soaking your strings in grimy water before putting them on your guitar ;o)

-Bill

[GuitarKit]

I like the playing underwater idea. It's cheaper than buying a ribbon mic.

Yeah I reckon the parlor guitar is part of it. They do have that boxier sound. I've got a lovely old K Yairi, but it does, of course, have the more traditional dreadnought sound.
I have only got a SM57a. (still a great recording mic) or the Fishman Eclipse mic in my guitar. Anything else is a hire job.

I also have a beat up old Hofner. I might try putting some strings on it from the turn of the century and see what it sounds like.

Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like this is a hot topic.

[eeoo]

For sure don't use brand new strings. I tend to use guitars other than dreadnaughts and rarely use a pick. I think mic positioning is pretty crucial too, err toward a bassy sound without going over boomy. I would think a 57 would be better for this than, say, a small diaphragm condenser. I usually use a large diaphragm condenser, put on some cans and move around until I get a sound I like. Hope that helps? Maybe?

Good luck!

EO

p.s. Don't go direct!

[GuitarKit]

So this is what I have come up with so far;

https://soundcloud.com/itrenon/indie-fo ... al/s-pIFJF

I guess it depends on what you have at hand, but I used my vintage f hole archtop Hofner with some very old flat wounds.
I have written done some E.Q settings in the comments. Oh, and I very subtly compressed. Just enough to clip the transients.
I also used a wee hint of plate reverb

Thoughts? Am I close?

[funsongs]

So this is what I have come up with so far;

https://soundcloud.com/itrenon/indie-fo ... al/s-pIFJF

I guess it depends on what you have at hand, but I used my vintage f hole archtop Hofner with some very old flat wounds.
I have written done some E.Q settings in the comments. Oh, and I very subtly compressed. Just enough to clip the transients.
I also used a wee hint of plate reverb

Thoughts? Am I close?

Don't know much about Indie Folk, per se... (thank you, Paul Simon) ... but I like the tone; sounds cool.
However, it almost sounds like a bright, nylon-string classical guitar... just a little bit.
Maybe it could stand to be even less bright?
I'll be interested to read what other ears are hearing