I'm curious about how some of you might feel re the alternatives I'm thinking about. Since many of you have a whole lot of experience both as players and as recording artists.

It's too soon for me to really get into the recording side, or to get plugged in for that matter, but I kind of have an inkling to do one or the other anyway. More as a learning device and to have some fun.

So the question is, if you were going to sink your first $1000 and you had two alternatives, which way would you go.

K&K mini pickups and amp (Loud box 100 or 130 not that it matters what manufacturer for this question) so can plug in and have some fun plugged in, or,

Recording device and mic(s) so that I can record and listen to the recordings, since it's kind of hard to hear exactly what you sound like when you're playing.

I'm thinking of one or the other, but for now, not both, just to keep the cashflow under control.

I know I could plug into the recording device and skip the mics for now to save some cash, but the recording devices aren't that cheap to begin with. So it's likely one or the other for now.

This is all aimed at becoming a better player and having lots of fun during the process.

thanks,


Stuart

you're really talking about 2 different things... a pick-up and amp would be great if you wanted to go play out, or play with other people who are playing amplified instruments and/or drums. If you're not about to do that, there's really no reason to get that kind of gear.

If you are interested strictly in hearing yourself, a mic and recording device are DEFINITELY the way to go. It's easy and cheap these days to record if you already have a halfway decent computer...USB or Firewire input devices have gotten very cheap lately, and many already come with basic recording software. Just pick up a mic or 2 (no one who records ever regrets starting with a Shure SM-57), and a boom stand and you're good to go.

Acoustic guitar pickups recorded direct...um...they don't sound so good...

If I had $1000, I'd buy an Edirol R-09 mp3/wav recorder for $400. It records with built in stereo mics (has an external mic input also) on SD cards; and has a USB out to send files to your computer. Great for great for listening to your practice or live concerts.

With the other $600, I'd get the (~$100 or less) K&K pickup and shop around for an acoustic amp. You should have several choices in the $500 range.

DJ

Thanks guys for comments,

DJ, I will look that product up this afternoon and see what it's about and compare to some products I've been looking at.

I understand it's two different things re recording vs plugging in the guitar. Still not exactly certain which I would have more fun with, but I'm beginning to think I would like to record.


best,

Stuart

Yes, there's a difference between a "recording rig" and a "gigging rig". Some components may overlap, but it probably best to consider them as separate things.

For $1,000 you can populate either rig, although the budget will be stretched for the recording gig (read: you'll be looking at buying budget items to populate the rig).

I have both, a recording setup and a gigging rig. There is some overlap (I actually use some of the gigging gear when recording and could (but don't) use some recording gear for gigging).

Chances are I'll spend way too much.

I guess a more precise question would be: For those who plug in and play, do you sometimes practice plugged in and enjoy it, or do you only plug in when you're gigging. If it can be a joy to practice plugged in, then that might be interesting feedback. This is one thing I'm uncertain of.

And perhaps, does playing with an amp provide a means to listen to your own music in a more critical way, and thus provide a good learning tool.

thanks,

Stuart

quote:

Originally posted by Stuart:
Chances are I'll spend way too much.

I guess a more precise question would be: For those who plug in and play, do you sometimes practice plugged in and enjoy it, or do you only plug in when you're gigging. If it can be a joy to practice plugged in, then that might be interesting feedback. This is one thing I'm uncertain of.

And perhaps, does playing with an amp provide a means to listen to your own music in a more critical way, and thus provide a good learning tool.

thanks,

Stuart

You are asking some interesting questions. I plug into my gigging rig in the studio to practice or just to enjoy the sound, sometimes with the amp and speakers and sometimes through headphones. It's certainly inspirng in certain ways. And yes, it provides a different way to listen to my own playing, so it's a good learning tool. However, it is still real time. Listening to myself recorded is a different (and perhaps better) learning experience because it is not real time - I can pay more attention to a recording.

Good answer. Expensive, but I suppose that's what I wanted to hear in a way.

I've been working on dynamics and find myself rewriting a song (the song I'm working on) everytime I really get into it. Then it begins to really sing, and when I play very lightly, I'm thinking, if this was plugged in, I could really here the edge of those soft notes.

I do find that most songs can be substantially improved. Having said that, there's only me to say it's better. Point is, I feel the dynamics of the song could be accentuated by plugging in, because I wouldn't have as much need to play that 'little bit harder' to pluck the strings with just a little more robustness. And the softest edges could be heard.

Thanks for your time, Stephen,

I printed one of your responses to another post today, forget which at the moment, but in this area. I wanted to re-read it. I'll do some readying over the next two weeks, and my questions will have just a little more substance next time I get into the equipment side.


Stuart