<I have to dissagree big time. I have used U89's on a guitar cabinet with awesome results. (stereo cabinet, two U89's XY, Fender strat, blues guitarist).>
You probably did. Happy for you. But, err... Did you know that the capsule used in the U89 is NOT a 1" but a smaller capsule; JUST BECAUSE THE MIC IS BIG DOESN'T MEAN THE CAPSULE IS LARGE! Check the Neumann Pinboard for more info.
Also, the question refered to typical XY, AB, ORTF etc. techniques where, I'm sorry to say, the smaller, the better. Can't bend the laws of physics... Off axis reflections from the body and grille are bad; large capsules suck off-axis. SD capsules are ALWAYS more linear on and off axis. I'm not saying we should only be using SD's, but I certainly prefer using a SD pair when I'm doing critical stereo recording, especially from a distance. the difference in off axis coloration is huge.
But I'm not saying it can't be done, or that it doesn't sound good.
Of course, you might actually like the funky off axis response of LDs. I do like it on some things, but mainly pop/rock stuff, not classical etc.
JP
Also, LD's as drum overheads and on acoustic guitars are simply the shit if you use the right ones. A LD, ADK LE on the sound hole of an acoustic guitar with a SD, MG300 on the neck.... butter.