Freshman FA400FBJ versus Yamaha FG200

OK, I know it's not a fair contest.

The Yamaha FG200 is from another millennium, when budget guitars were made from plywood (sorry, laminated tonewoods ) and the Freshman is made of solid woods throughout, 21st century and designed to improve through the years. But I thought it was worth giving you, readers and listeners, the opportunity to decide for yourselves what difference a decent guitar makes to a POP MUSIC! recording.

So, with the aid of an AKG C 3000 B condenser mic (excellent for background vocals) and a much older AKG D 320 B dynamic (just like an SM57 - honest), I've attempted to record the definitive acoustic guitar reference audio check thingie. And what's more, make it into a podcast!

And, I'll be honest here, it's nearly two in the morning and I'm desperate for a fag.

But peanuts and whisky will have to do - onwards...

If I play the two guitars to any listeners, it's immediately obvious which one has the resonance and tone; the Freshman vibrates and sings and sparkles and snaps. And because it's built with solid tonewoods, the sound will improve as the guitar is played in. But in a recording setup like mine, it's much less clear which is the best guitar for recording.

So, with two new sets of D'addario acoustic light 11 through to 52 strings, a fairly soft (0.8mm) nylon pick and a couple of beginner chords, let's go!

Whaddayathunk?