recording musical saw?

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 4:36 pm

Does anyone have experience recording the musical saw? I'm going to be recording my grandfather-in-law (playthesaw.com). I''m thinking to approach it like a string instrument (violin), possibly cascade fathead(s) or blue bluebird.

What do you all think?

Thank you in advance...

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 7:30 pm

Where do you find good saws now? Isn't Disston out of business?

Posted: Mon May 05, 2008 8:29 pm

He rocks a Stanley... I'll find out the model... nothing special. It's the bow.

Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:35 pm

kjfarley wrote:

He rocks a Stanley... I'll find out the model... nothing special. It's the bow.

Excellent.

Only those with real knowledge of this instrument would know the most important part.

Saws will 'woof'....more than a Violin. You want to watch for that. (Its where there is a harmonic overtone that becomes louder than the root note.)

A ribbon will work well for this. The Cascade is a good bet if there isnt a Royer available.

Like the bow, its simple......placement and gain is everything.

Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 10:01 am

With unusual instruments and sounds (and I record lots of weird things when doing Foley and Sound FX) I like lots of mics if I have the option. When a person is playing an instrument or manipulating something for a sound effect in addition to the "best mic in the best position" I like one over the shoulder, another in an odd close-in position and especially a - preferably stereo - room mic. Lots of interesting results.

Just my 2 ducats.

Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 5:47 pm

Thank you very much for the responses. I'm most likely goin g to use Cascades, plus perhaps a bluebird and some 57s.

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