Re: [Harp-L] mic for acoustic playing

[Will Greener <willgreener@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Mike,

In my experience...

I'd say no to the SM57. Too dark-sounding.

For harmonica only, I'd lean towards the Fireball V, because of the faithful capture of subtleties in acoustic tone. Really, really good. Super clean and pretty warm. It's also an amazingly versatile mic (with an impedance transformer, it plugs into amps surprisingly well, is the most feeback resistant mic I've encountered and is also ideal for experimenting with effects, too).

The SM58 is also a great acoustic harp mic, and (as someone's already mentioned) is MUCH better for harp + vocals (the Fireball V doesn't do vocals too well). It doesn't have the all round harmonica versatility that the Fireball V has (I've always sounded horrible when I've plugged an SM58 into an amp - maybe it's just me?), but for a virtually indestructible harmonica / vocal mic the SM58 is IMHO unsurpassed.

Don't think you'd go wrong with either.

Co-incidentally, I have a Fireball V + impedance transformer for sale. Both in excellent condition. If anyone's interested (UK based buyer would probably be much easier), please message me off-list.

xxx

--- On Fri, 19/3/10, Mike <otisharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

From: Mike <otisharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] mic for acoustic playing
To: Harp-L@xxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, 19 March, 2010, 17:49

Quick question: when i occasionly play out it is with a mic stand through the P.A. Mostly old timey stuff and i need a new mic. Fireball V or a Shure 57 or 58 ? Overall ruggedness and tonal characteristics for this type of music are the main considerations. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
            Mike Hines