Recording The L-5

Capturing the essence of a great guitar like the Gibson L-5 CES requires an amplifier that can deliver the L-5’s clean electric hollow-body sound as clean and clearly as possible, and one or more great microphones to capture it.  My favorite mics for this job include the Neumann M147 (condenser), and the Audio-Technica AE5400 (cardioid condenser).

Place the mics two to twelve inches from the surface of the amp face pointing toward the center of the speaker.  Placing a mic closer to the amp gives the recording increased highs and lows, and less room echo.  A distant mic can provide a natural presence and its own unique character despite the decrease in definition. The best mic positions will depend on your amp, the room, and the desired tone.  I like the sound that I get with two mics, one about two inches from the amp, the other about six inches from the amp.

The angle of the mic in relation to the speaker will make a difference in the recording.  Pointing the mic at the center of the speaker cone will yield more active highs but fewer lows. Moving the mic toward the outer rim of the speaker increases low and mid tones resulting in a warmer or ‘fatter’ sound. Again this kind of tonal quality adjustment is a matter of personal preference.