Today’s video actually adds something new to the Bucket List- a Martin acoustic guitar. I wanted one of these ever since I found out about them. They just seemed like that quintessential classic American acoustic guitar. I toured the factory a couple of times and as soon as I could afford one, I bought it. I wanted it to be my “one and only” acoustic and is has been that for the past 15 years. It has been used on nearly every recording I’ve done over that time and is simply a great guitar. Check the video out for all the details on the MMV (Roman numerals for 2005), which is an obscure model that features all wood construction at a lower price point than Martin’s flagship models of the D18, D28, HD-28, etc.

In this video, I embark on a quest to capture the essence of my guitar tone in a digital recording. I explore various methods to achieve the most realistic sound, comparing direct input (DI), cabinet simulation, microphone placement, and impulse response (IR) loading.

The Experiment

I used a Marshall Origin amp and a Gibson Les Paul Standard to test different recording techniques:

1. Microphone Placement: I positioned a Shure SM57 microphone in front of the amp’s speaker cabinet, capturing the raw, unprocessed sound.
2. Direct Input (DI): The guitar’s signal is directly routed into the audio interface, bypassing the amp and speaker altogether.
3. Cabinet Simulation: A Torpedo Captor DI box is used to emulate the sound of a guitar speaker cabinet.
4. Impulse Response (IR) Loading: The amp’s signal is captured and processed through a digital IR, recreating the sound of a specific speaker cabinet.

The Verdict

After careful listening, I concluded that the IR loading method using the Torpedo Wall of Sound plugin offers the most realistic and nuanced sound. It captures the complexity and richness of the guitar tone, closely resembling the sound heard in person.

However, I acknowledged that the cabinet simulation provided by the Torpedo Captor is a simpler and more convenient option, especially for live performances or quick recordings. The microphone placement technique, while capturing the raw sound, can be less consistent and more susceptible to room acoustics.

Key Takeaways

• IR Loading: Offers the most realistic and detailed sound, but requires additional software and processing power.
• Cabinet Simulation: Provides a good compromise between simplicity and sound quality.
• Microphone Placement: Captures the raw sound, but can be less consistent and more susceptible to room acoustics.
• Direct Input: Best for clean tones and experimental sounds, but lacks the character of a guitar amp and speaker.

Ultimately, the best recording method depends on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, you can make informed decisions to achieve the desired sound for your recordings.

I waited nearly 20 years to buy this one, but it’s finally part of the collection! My brother and I saw the Fender So-Cal Speed Shop Stratocaster guitar in a catalog when it came out and we thought it was the coolest looking guitar ever. But, we weren’t really in guitar buying mode at that time, so it was a memory lost to time.

Then, when I was reminded of it, I knew that I had to make it mine. So, I searched for the cleanest one I could find. Many have dings and such from years of playing, but I wanted this to be a centerpiece for the collection. So, I paid a bit too much (I justified it because of the nice case it came with) and now it’s here forever!

Hear the rest of the story about this amazingly cool guitar in the video below.

The Sea Tea Comedy Theater in Hartford, CT invited us back for another great night full of music and comedy! The cast of improv players, lead by our longtime friend Matt Saccullo, listed to each song and then improvised scenes based on what they heard! It was so much fun and we were so happy to be part of it. The full concert and the interviews after each song is included in the video below.