Looking for something middle of the road. But it needs to be clip on type and one that clips on pretty securely. Nothing thats omni or anything like that... Thanks for any feedback you got.

What type of venue?
Open back or closed banjo?

To front mic senn 441 can be nice.

clip on akg pro 35
shure sm 98 with sax clip might work.

For best gain before feedback an internal pick up or mic system is best.

Be sure you want a clip on. Banjo players usually work the mic a lot.

Best mic I ever used for a banjo was the EW SR69. It sounded awful - just like the real thing with that thuck and sizzzle......



-tINY

I've had good luck with an Audio Technica ATM35. I think it goes by a different number now. Clips right on and stays where you want it. Also use it on dobro.

To take care of the banjo, I use a custom Taymar TH2000.

I started out using SDCs on stage. If the sound guys didn't have one, I used my MK-012. However, after getting tired of hearing "you guys sounded great, but I couldn't hear the banjo" I decided to take matters into my own hands.

So, I bought a pickup from pick-uptheworld.com, along with one of their preamps, and haven't looked back. I'll turn the preamp about half-way up for the sound check. During the show, when I get the squinty-eyed "I can't hear you" look, I crank the preamp up some more.

I'd prefer to work a SDC when playing in a live bluegrass/folk context, and still do sometimes -- when the FOH guys know how to work with stage condensors -- but, usually end-up using the pickup.

BTW, the pick-uptheworld.com pickups are the most natural sounding I've heard, and the preamps are exellent for live work.

- Jim

While it's not a clip on..... the best live banjo sound I've gotten was with an AT 3035. They're only about $199 and come with a shockmount. I actually recieved complements from members of the crowd on that banjo sound!

beyer m130 is the best live sound ive ever gotten.

edit..

SP-CMC-4 from www.soundprofessionals.com

I can't imagine a ribbon working well as a live mic for banjo.

Maybe 60 years ago....

Was the banjo being picked or clawhammer?

- Jim

mainly clawhammer, but some picked too. it is my go to mic for live banjo. (and mando, actually)

pro37r is a good live mic. I have a MC012 that I use, as well.

I may move to a combination mic, pickup system, as I already use a fishman pro platinum for use with my guitar pickup system. this Nashville utility gig requires fast switches and quick setup.

edit: sorry I didnt realize it needed to be clip on!!! apologies

regards,