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Tech: Fiddle mike

20 Feb 03 - 11:22 AM (#894311)
Subject: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Peterr

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?


20 Feb 03 - 11:36 AM (#894320)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Malcolm Douglas

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


20 Feb 03 - 11:42 AM (#894325)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: nickp

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.


20 Feb 03 - 03:03 PM (#894503)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: treewind

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


20 Feb 03 - 05:07 PM (#894601)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Claymore

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!


20 Feb 03 - 07:47 PM (#894729)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Leadfingers

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.


21 Feb 03 - 07:52 PM (#895560)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Captain Swing

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


22 Feb 03 - 05:04 AM (#895732)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: smallpiper

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.


22 Feb 03 - 11:57 AM (#895891)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: GUEST,Al

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


22 Feb 03 - 01:19 PM (#895975)
Subject: RE: Tech: Fiddle mike
From: Cluin

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.