British jazz fusion guitarist John Etheridge is the proud owner of a DPA IMK4061 instrument microphone kit, supplied by UK distributor Sound Network. Comprising a DPA 4061 miniature mic with a variety of useful and discreet mounting solutions, the kit is proving to be a useful addition to Etheridge's equipment for the different types of gigs he plays.
"I've been using the IMK4061 for all dates I play with (classical guitarist) John Williams, and also on an acoustic Selmer guitar with my band Sweet Chorus - a 'hot club' style of jazz and a personal homage to (French jazz violinist) Stephane Grappelli," he says.
"I love the clear, true reproduction - the ease of mounting and the way that it gives me a great sound plus the freedom to move around."
The mounting accessories also allow Etheridge flexibility when it comes to positioning the mic on his instruments. "The placing is crucial so I've done fair bit of experimentation," he says. "For the Ergo guitar I use with John Williams I mount it above the sound hole, and with the acoustic Selmer I use with Sweet Chorus it's better placed below."
Another major consideration is that by bringing his own high-quality, highly portable mic to each gig along with his valuable specialist guitars, Etheridge can rely on the best possible sound from his instruments. "It seems odd that having invested so much in our valuable instruments, we should then rely on the unguaranteed provision of quality mics at venues," he says.