Tech: Fiddle mike

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Cluin
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:19 PM

A cousin of mine used to use a flexible necked condenser mini-mic designed for saxophones. Then he had an outfit designed with 2 of them which he fastened to the bridge piece and bent over each f-hole.

It sounded great, but once I saw him perform a concert while he had a cold. The mics picked up a perfect stereo image of the snot being sucked back into his nose with every inhalation of breath. Then he started using that sound as percussion (a sort of aural punctuation) that night. When life gives ya lemons...

He's not using those mics anymore.

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Al
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 11:57 AM

I've been thinking about getting a McIntyre pickup for my fiddle. Does anyone have experience with this? Their "feather" guitar pickup is great. Al

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: smallpiper
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 05:04 AM

Oakley and Niknak have mic's that are built into the bridge of their fiddles, they eliminate any possibility player clutter (ie breathing noises)and produce a great sound.

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 07:52 PM

I used to use the Microvox system and while it gives fairly natural tone, it is still essentially a small microphone with the consequential feedback problems as soon as any significant volume is concerned. On the advice of Phil Beer I switched to the Fishman system plugged through a small EQ - superb sound and plenty of it when required and absolutely no feedback. Knocks Microvox into a tin hat!

Regards - Captain Swing

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 07:47 PM

I always did rate Microvox and still do .I havent used them on fiddle,but on nearly every thing else. Great gear good sound response
and NOT silly money.

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 05:07 PM

My favorite is an Audio Technica 419 which is technically a horn mike, but when you run it through a tube pre-amp (like an ART MP, which also delivers the phantom power the mic needs) it is smooth and sweet.

The only problem with those clip mikes is if the fiddler is a heavy breather. Then you need to tape the portion of the mic with one small piece of duct tape that faces the fiddler and leave open the portion that faces the fiddle bridge, then cover with the small foam windscreen that comes with the mike.

Clip the mic to the chin piece and experiment with the placement of the mic head. (Aiming it at the left F hole on the fiddle is a good start). Remember that you could get feedback if you take the fiddle down and aim the mic portion at a monitor. Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: treewind
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:03 PM

Microvox are UK based but that web site lists retailers in the USA and other countries.

But as nickp says the one described isn't Microvox as that has a 1.2m flying lead to the battery box (which you typically clip on your belt).

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: nickp
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 11:42 AM

MOre likely to be one by AKG. Microvox (UK based for our non-UK Cats) tend not to have sockets on the body inless you make them yourself. Also it won't be clipped to the bridge - kill the sound - but probably the tailpiece.

Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 11:36 AM

Microvox make one. Microvox swan-neck microphone for violin/viola

Subject: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Peterr
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 11:22 AM

Ive seen a small swan-neck (presumably condenser) mike clipped to the fiddle bridge, with the jack held on the body with similar arrangement to the chin rest. Anyone know what it is, and a possible source?