Fiddle mics

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: Mitch the Bass
Date: 26 Dec 03 - 05:16 AM

Sarah,

You're right, it's always difficult to listen to the amplified sound of an acoustic instrument while you're playing.

I've tried recording then playing back the sound but much depends on the equipment and in fact in most live situations the listner hears some live and some amplified sound. Overall I prefer to let a friend do the listening and adjusting. I play double bass, melodeon and concertina but I've taken the role of listener for the fiddle players in the band. This includes a Bridge electric and an octave violin all of which need different techniques.

We played at Sidmouth a couple of years ago and the sound man in the marquees was happy with the AKG mics which we use for accordion, fiddle and bass.

Hope this helps

Mitch

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 07:58 PM

Dont know about Fiddle. but Microvox worked for me on Guitar, banjo
Mandolin and whistle. Andit doesnt cost an arm and a leg.

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 03:39 PM

Thanks folks - good supplementary John.

The info on the Judicael site is precisely what I'm looking for so thanks Mitch. I've got something to start sorting out the finance for.

Question though - how do you test the bloody things whilst you are playing them? - you can't hear the amplified sound whilst you've got the instrument playing in your ear!!!!

Cheers
Sarah

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 12:06 PM

If you're looking for really top of the range then try - http://www.dpamicrophones.com/eng_pub/index.html

Alternatively take a look at -

http://www.judicael.co.uk/articles/violin_pickups.pdf

I've been using AKG micromics including the C411 http://www.akg.com/products/powerslave,mynodeid,164,id,272,pid,272,_language,EN.html attached to the violin body and the C418 http://www.akg.com/products/powerslave,mynodeid,15,id,275,pid,275,_language,EN.html clipped onto the chinrest. These can be used with a battery pack, phantom power or a radio transmitter.

Mitch

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 12:05 PM

Related question - any thoughts on the best mic to use (particularly for recording rather than stage use).

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: GUEST,Frank
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 11:52 AM

I like the sound of a Barbera but it might be too electric
for your taste. It is a great pickup, though.

Frank

Subject: RE: Fiddle mics
From: s&r
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 11:48 AM

experiment with the placing and tension of your fishman (angle, depth of insertion etc) make sure you use equalisation and a preamp, and use a "guitar" radio (uhf) this can be fitted on the waistband with a Fishman pre-amp. If complete freedom is your goal stick a guitarbug (AKG) in the fishman socket, and equalise at the desk. I've tried many, and this is with my setup the ultimate.

Cost - listed on Google for about £170.

Microvox never worked for me.

Subject: Fiddle mics
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 09:32 AM

Hi folks,

I've been using a Fishman pickup on my fiddle for sometime and now want to upgrade to something that sounds less electric and more 'real' but allows me freedom to move around rather than be anchored six inches from a mike stand.

I've been told there are some antennae-type mics which sit just above the bridge to pick up the sound and that they cost anything from between £500 up to £1,000. I don't believe we are talking Microvox here.

Anyone any idea of makes, availability in the UK and more accurate pricing?

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
Sarah