Re: How Do I Get [Guitarist's Name Here]'s Tone on [Record Title Here]?
If you build a guitar from a collection of parts, it's basically a recipe, just like cooking food. The final flavour(s) are the results of all the ingredients. In music, the guitar tones we hear when listening to CDs, MP3s, cassette tapes, vinyl records etc. are the results of complex recipes that involve everything from the components of the instrument right through to the microphone and it's placement, and then all the gear that the mic signal passes through (and the settings used) all the way through to the final recorded medium, and then to all the elements of the audio reproduction systems that we use to listen, and even the acoustics of the listening environment. Every aspect plays a part, some more than others, but they all contribute to what we eventually hear.
Having said that, I grew up in the dark old days when we listened to Hendrix and Cream (et al) on vinyl discs. Despite the recording options being different and more primitive back then, it was always possible to identify (for example) Richie Blackmore, Jimi, Clapton, Gallagher, B.B. King, J Page, Beck and all the other big names from that era. You could play the records on various record players in various stereo (or even mono) systems in various acoustic settings, and still immediately recognise the players, despite the sonic variations in the recorded reproduction of the performances.
Why was that ? Methinks it's because the good and great players had signature styles that transcended the effects of gear and the recording processes. They had created their own individual voices to such a degree that no amount of electronic manipulation could bury their signature styles. Yes, one can chase someone else's sounds by trying to emulate them via equipment, and sometimes people can get close. But ...
a) You go into a studio and record using your personal hero's guitar, pedals and amps AND recording settings, mics etc. But you probably won't sound like your hero.
b) Your guitar hero comes to your house or recording session and uses all of your gear, none of which he or she is familiar with. Guess what ? Most likely, they will probably still sound like themself, they will still be recogniseable by their playing style.
I do think mic placement in recording is a very important detail and can have great effect on the recorded sound. But i also feel it needs to be kept in context of the whole big sonic picture.
