Recording voice and guitar. Just buy a 58?

[T Gobbs]

Just want to record some acoustic and maybe some vocals every now and then (not at the same time). I've had decent results with that setup in the past. Any reason to veer from that?

 

[Sleezy E]

Nope, that'll work just fine

...but someone will be along shortly to talk you into spending more money... because internet

 

[TSJMajesty]

My Beta 58 has always served me well for that sort of thing.

 

[DrewJD82]

A 57 or 58 will certainly do the trick!

 

[FuzzyAce]

...but someone will be along shortly to talk you into spending more money... because internet

Neumann U 67 will do the trick! Sounds a little better and only slightly more than a 58.

 

[T Gobbs]

Neumann U 67 will do the trick! Sounds a little better and only slightly more than a 58.

Bet it’ll sound great with my Strad.

 

[SwirlyMaple]

There are lot of "budget" condenser mic options nowadays which are quite good, but if you're recording in an untreated room, the 58 will serve you as well as just about anything. I have an SM7B that I love, but there's not a huge difference between it and a 58, and the cost differential is significant.

 

[Bruce]

Micing the acoustic? A 58 alone would be a little limiting but with enough time and processing anything can sound passable these days.

 

[Jarick]

First mic, definitely recommend a 57 or 58. You can get a decent sound on just about anything with it and will last decades. If you upgrade down the road, still useful.

 

[fretworn]

Was gonna suggest an AKG C414

And then I went and looked at current prices… Oops

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

Just want to record some acoustic and maybe some vocals every now and then (not at the same time). I've had decent results with that setup in the past. Any reason to veer from that?

If you wanna hear more detail - especially if you're recording finger style or general instrumental acoustic guitar arrangements, I'd probably grab any one of a number of decent $100-200 condenser mics. the sm57/58 work fine on acoustic guitar, but even with a budget condenser, you'll get quite a bit more detail and air from the guitar.

 

[Jarick]

The MXL V67 was always one of the leaders for surprisingly good large diaphragm condensers. Looks like you can get them for $100 new all day long, so if you have a half decent interface with phantom power, that's a good buy. Should be a solid condenser mic for vocals and guitar.