a little tip I use for recording acoustic instruments like guitars -> One mic by the soundhole, One on the neck, and one about 2-3 feet above the instrument to get the "circular" sound. It isnt so much the mics, but having these 3 in good positions to capture all the sounds of the guitar.

akg c451b is a good mic in that price range...
what about the c414?

Get a pair.Try to find used Shure SM81...AKG C451/460....Studio Projects C4.....ADK SC1/SC2.....Octava 012...OR one Neumann TLM 103(used)...the TLM will not be the best choice for acoustic guitar but it will do a very good job with the right guitar and its versatile in a lot of other uses...while not the BEST Neumann, it will still give a depth to your recordings that a lot of others wont.

One Earthworks SRO. Or other mic in Omni mode somewhere between 1 and 3 feet from the guitar, where ever it sounds best.

Steve

C414

brad3e wrote: I've been reading and doing research, but still can't decide on what acoustic guitar mic to get with a budget of $500 - $800.

What is the most precise mic in this range that will make you feel like you are almost in the room with the guitar?

Has anyone heard anything about Schoeps mics? If so, please elaborate on experience.

Sorry to respond with questions, but the answers will help:

1) One mic or a pair?
2) Is it just one player/style you'll be recording or will you be recording numerous different players with different guitars and playing styles?
3) Will the acoustic guitar be prominent in the final mix (e.g., for vocal acompaniment), or one of many many tracks?

The following link has some shootouts you might be interested in:

http://

Happy Hunting!
John Stafford

questions

Hi,

for response to questions:

I would prefer a pair for stereo recording and then some panning right and left for full sound.

One player with guitar and vocals.

Very prominent acoustic guitar as it is the only instrument.

Thanks for any help.

Brad