Removing string noise ?

Wolffman · 08-17-2008, 03:49 AM

I,m trying to remove or reduce the string squeak on this accoustic guitar track, but i,m not having much luck.
I,ve tried spectro but i loose to much of the guitar sound, in saying that its probably user error

Iv,e also tried deessing, doesn't seem to help either.

Any ideas ?

Here's what it sounds like

https://stash.reaper.fm/oldsb/57211/String-noise.mp3

Cheers
Wolffman

plgrmsprgrs · 08-17-2008, 04:11 AM

Wolffman,

Personally, I usually enjoy that sound as long as it's not overbearing in the mix. And, unless it sounds a lot more so on your system than it does on my computer speakers, it just reminds me of a lot of Windham Hill recordings I've heard. As far as I know, the only way to eliminate the string noise completely is to use a nylon or gut stringed guitar. So, it may not be the answer you were looking for, but I liked the character it added to your clip. Would love to hear the rest of the piece.

Kyle

Wolffman · 08-17-2008, 04:17 AM

Kyle
Yeah, maybe i,m just focussing on it too much, still, it would be good to have a method of reducing/removing string noise.
Could come in very handy at times.

edit
I'll post the song on the music forum when the mix is finished

plgrmsprgrs · 08-17-2008, 04:19 AM

Forgot to mention you could use flat wounds. But, you probably already thought of that.

Blechi · 08-17-2008, 09:16 AM

I have used the snippet you posted to play around a bit using spectro.
I think it's possible to reduce the noises significantly without hurting the guitar's sound. (Nice recording btw)
Here you can find the projectfile to see what i've done.

hth
Blechi

Tedwood · 08-17-2008, 09:41 AM

Using flat wounds would just sound so different, that's ok but if that was the sound you wanted the string noise would not be an issue in the first instance.

What i have noticed that can be used to good effect is certain forms of lubrication such as talc, or hand cream, can be used prevent and subdue the effect prior to recording, it is of course too late after the event. I have have seen some guitarists dust their hands with talc before a gig, and I have applied moisturising cream to my hands after washing the car and suchlike, so long as you only leave a slight residue it does not dull the strings any more than normal everyday playing but the squeak disappears.

I do agree with plgrm though and would try not to eliminate the squeak entirely.

Shredder · 08-17-2008, 09:50 AM

Or you could always edit via Wavosaur..

https://stash.reaper.fm/oldsb/57251/S...se_reduced.mp3

Wolffman · 08-18-2008, 06:58 AM

Blechi, Thats certainly a better result than i got with spectro, still, as that is the intro to the song i,m trying the get as little impact on the sound as possible. Thanks for uploading the .rpp as i learned about the fades in spectro, i was using mute & as you can imagine it was far to unatural sounding. I'll spend some more time on it soon.

Shredder, Thank you also for taking the time to edit the snippet, but as i said i'm really trying for as little change as possible to the sound as its the intro of the song and theirs no other instruments playing.

Ted, I don't think i could ever use flatwound strings on my accoustic

i'm to used to the sound of bronze strings.
I used to use that spray you can buy from the music shop can't remember what it was called now i'll have to invest in some, if they don't have any i'll have to raid the misses moisturiser

& i'm guessing that'll be a lot more expensive that a can of spray from the music shop.

Much appreciated

Wolffman

Obitheincredible · 08-18-2008, 12:11 PM

Hate to say it but from what I have realized is its hard to remove string noise. I have not had any good results from anything be it eq or dessing. Everytime I tried it would remove other things I wanted to keep.

Tedwood · 08-18-2008, 12:44 PM

Handcream is not a Girlie thing Wolffman, quite the contrary. I am a builder and my hands get calloused and ruined by cement and chemicals and stuff. I found out quite by accident that the application of cream that softens and stops my skin cracking also makes it easier to play, as an added bonus the string squeak disappears.

You don't need to steal your woman's expensive moisteriser. Baby oil, talc or cheap hand cream from the supermarket does the same or better than that poofy scented designer stuff, just buy some and put in your bathroom cupboard and it's gonna last you a couple of years - if your woman doesn't steal it.

Wolffman · 08-18-2008, 04:02 PM

Ted , I wasn't meaning to imply moisturiser is a girlie thing, it was just my lame attempt at humour

And i am aware of the benefits hand cream has, being a tiler myself i,m all to familar with the effect of cement and general ware & tear on my hands. Luckily tiling is not my full time job anymore.
I will try hand cream next time i record accoustic guitar.

Cheers
Wolffman

Brad · 08-18-2008, 09:17 PM

They have this stuff in hardware stores here and it's pretty good stuff (ex-concrete/tile/shotcrete/plumber/electrician/guitar player...LOL)....

Don't know if they have it Down Udder...

http://www.udderlysmooth.com/

Finger-ease works pretty good too.

....now waiting for the thread "What Moisturizer Do YOU Use?" LOL

RMS · 08-24-2008, 09:23 AM

http://www.bagbalm.com/

Best in the West.