Fwd: [Harp-L] Stick mic of choice...

["John K." <jkuzloski@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- In harp-l-archives@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Rick & Dana Siekmann" 
<dsiekmann@xxxx> wrote:

Just wondering if there's any kind of concensus here.  Most of the 
harp mic talk seems to focus on bullet styles, with a preference 
toward vintage.  But is there any one stick mic that stands out head 
and shoulders above the rest?  SM57, perhaps?

My amplified journey is just beginning, and I'm looking for direction.
_______________________________________________
Howdy, I really like the old shure 545's -- they're hot and cut 
through the mix.  I have no experience with the current production 
545's (but have heard good things about them).  Lots of folks like 
the SM57 (low Z only unless you use a transformer)and it never hurts 
to have one around for general purpose like playing acoustically or 
miking an amp or hammering nails (so they say).  It has proximity 
effect that (through some magic!) emphasizes the bass when you are 
very close (as in cupped).  The advice to try through your gear 
before you buy is good advice. Folks rave about the EV RE10 (no 
current production); sadly I have never tried one. I also like the 
old sure 533, not as hot and cutting as the 545 but very rich and 
more bass (to my ears anyway!) The 533 lets me turn the trebles up a 
bit on amps (like a Pro Jr.) where I normally keep the tone knob to 
the bass side .  Bottom line may be that there is no consensus 
about "head and shoulders above the rest" -- any one of these and 
others should get you started on your amplified chops just fine -- 
there'll be plenty of time later to go down the slippery slope of 
compulsive gear nut!  ;-)   --john k.