Microphone Placement

I had heard some mention of my mixing.

"Your guitar is not loud enough."
"The guitar is in the background too far."
"Push the guitar."

And it did not seem to matter if it was live music or Band In A Box type backup. The guitar was not center stage.

I adjusted input levels. I increased volume on the amplifier. Lowered the back up tracks. None of which really seemed to solve the situation. The guitar got louder, yes. But the presence was still off. I was playing in a soup can in the back yard over a piece of string.

Oh wait...playing in a soup can.
Number one indicator of poor microphonics.

I slapped my forehead, (yeow) and proceeded to start playing with the placement of the mic in front of the guitar amp. A forty five tilt this way, ninety degrees and perpendicular to the face of the speakers. An oblique turn that way.

What a profound difference the movement produced.

Studying the response curve can actually be helpful. Whoda thunk?
Sometimes a 3d plot is provided so you literally see where the mic is best at capturing your sounds.
Gawd...

No, I will no redo my catalog but I was tempted.

Onward and upward!