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Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:27 pm
by 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.
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:33 pm
by 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.
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:46 pm
by 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.
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:17 pm
by Tunesmith
Yes! You play the guitar underwater!
Happy strumming!
Linda C
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:21 pm
by 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...
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:56 pm
by 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
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 10:24 pm
by 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.
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:19 pm
by 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!
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:40 pm
by 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?
Re: Indie Folk acoustic guitar sound
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:31 pm
by funsongs
GuitarKit wrote: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