squeaky guitars
 

When I listen to Kalapana or America, I can hear fingers sliding on the strings of acoustic guitars. Is this part of the effect? I would think there'd be some way to move fingers without making the squeaky noise or some way to filter out the squeaks during the mastering.

I mentioned it to my wife and sort of ruined the experience for her as well :)

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Kalapana and America were recorded in the 70's and the wound string "scratch" is really part of the performance. I suppose any good board guy can edit out the string scratch, but to what end . . peceived perfection over an honest performance?

BTW, sixto, if you haven't already, get a copy of a Hawaii acoustic guitar trio named "Kohala" and their "Flying" CD. You'll love the covers they do of "Nightbird" "Juliette" & "For You I'd Chase A Rainbow"

You can't really edit out the string scratch, only minimize it. You can lift your fingers slightly off the string while changing position, you can use polished recording strings, you can make the position shift using a non calloused part of your fingers, and you can lick your fingers before making the position change. :)

Good guitarists can minimize it, and engineers can also use EQ to minimize it, but it will always be there...it's just the friction of fingers against wound strings, and is an inherent part of the sound of the instrument. I personally like it...It adds to the "intimacy" of the performance....makes it seem like you're "right there" in front of the player. :)

Mike

Eric Clapton , "Unplugged"

"Tears in Heaven"

'nuff said.

Yes.

Mike