Hey,
 
I'm working on a song that includes harmonica as a main melodic element.
 
Unforunately, the harmonica sound is quite shrill and harsh to my ears.  I recorded it using a Shure KSM-44.  In hindsight, I'm wondering if I would have been better off using a dynamic mic such as a SM7 or 58.
 
So that got me thinking...  Perhaps I can re-amp the existing recording by playing it through my studio monitors and then re-record it using a dynamic mic.  Might this result in a more pleasing harmonica sound?
 
I think I'll try it!
 
Anybody here use this method, or have other suggestions on getting a harmonica sound when recording?
 
Thanks.

Why don't you try EQ first?

Naturally I tried that. But still want better results.

I would redo it and use a SM57 about 12" away with some lows boosted.  

Maybe try the KSM44 in omni? The hi freq boost starts at 5kHz in Omni while it rises at 3kHz in Cardiod. Plus the off axis in "Omni" has quite a bit of fall off, as the frequency rises, so you can tailor the tone of the hi end by positioning the mic to the side  or at an angle to sculpt the EQ curve of what you capture.
 
I think that harmonica could really challenge a condenser mic. Some may work while others others probably will not.
 
I don't want to seem argumentative, but I think your (Dave) response makes sense to me; If there is something about a mic's EQ response that I don't particular like it seems to persist regardless of attempting to use EQ to make that aspect go away.
 
Have fun!

Huh, okay.  Maybe I'll try the KSM44 in Omni mode as you suggested too.  Might be nice to pick up a little "room" in the recording as well.
 
Ran out of time tonight, so I'll try to give it a try tomorrow night.
 
Thanks!

Check this out:
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may13/articles/harmonica.htm
 

The SOS article seems rather spot on.  For harsher instruments: Harmonica, accordion, bagpipe, etc.  I usually reach for the most neutral and warm condenser in my kit.  A good ribbon would also be great.  I think the SM57 might have too much nasal mid range and not help the situation other than castrating the high frequencies.  The KSM44 is not a microphone that has a noticeable weak area in the frequency response, and should take EQ well, but most problems can be solved with positioning while recording and that is always the place to start.  

I have always thought of harmonica playing and blues harp to be two distinctly different styles of music. I usually mic the blues harp on the players amp and I think of harmonica playing as soft melodic stuff like German folk songs. I think of harmonica as a reed instrument.

The SOS article was very good. 
 
Of the reference audio samples accompanying the article, I like the SM58 best (although I did not use the "cupped" method of playing when I recorded).  Nevertheless, this gives me a good reference to compare and tweak my recordings to.
 
Thanks.