Rgsccr
36 posts
Jul 02, 2012
11:00 PM
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Hi - I just picked one up on ebay for a good price (haven't gotten it yet). Just wondering if anyone can tell me how to figure out it's age. I have been searching on google and get the sense that these were made in the 40s - is that correct and were they made later? Thanks. Rich
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shbamac
200 posts
Jul 03, 2012
10:05 AM
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Most of the Astatic elements in the 200 mic's I've come across have a date stamped on the element which is a good indication of the date of the mic but not all ways. I can't remember when and for how long the 200's where made.
Last Edited by on Jul 03, 2012 10:59 AM
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markdc70
118 posts
Jul 03, 2012
10:28 AM
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Thats your cue billyshines! Tell 'em how you ain't gonna get laid if all you're dating is vintage mics! ;>)
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nacoran
5918 posts
Jul 03, 2012
11:14 AM
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I was going to say you need to start with a good pickup line. (Hopefully shbamacs advice was useful.)
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Nate
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Rgsccr
37 posts
Jul 03, 2012
11:25 AM
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Thanks
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MP
2327 posts
Jul 03, 2012
2:48 PM
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200 (i have one)and 200-S came out in the 40s and were produced into the 1950s. a chocolate brown one is most likely 40s. the colors got fancier later w/ gold, silver etc. Annie Raines favors this mic and doesn't chop off the stand.
if it still has the original Astatic element it may have a date stamped in blue or black ink near the positive and negative connections. if it is the original element i'll bet the rubber gasket is hard as rock and the crystal is dead.
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MP
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Rgsccr
38 posts
Jul 03, 2012
3:28 PM
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Thanks for the info MP. This one is chocolate brown. The seller said that the mic works well (we'll see), so I assume that means the element has been replaced. Rich
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MP
2328 posts
Jul 03, 2012
4:34 PM
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no problem Rgsccr,
it is possible the crystal number is 101. a more modern number is 151. ceramic elments are 127 but i've never seen a 200 w/ a stock ceramic element. buuutt....there are older numbers prior to the 101 and off the top of my head i can't remember them.
if it is a 101 it is likely to be original.
my neighbor-MojoKane- chops 200s and 200-S mics. lots of them and he shows me the elements that they contain
he has a gorgeous gold absolutely stock 200 with a working 101. maybe you got lucky. a good 101 has beautiful tone.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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Rgsccr
39 posts
Jul 03, 2012
8:40 PM
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I'll let you know what it is like when it arrives. Thanks again.
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Ant138
1202 posts
Jul 03, 2012
11:10 PM
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I have a nice Astatic 200 that i've just tried to sell(with no takers, so i guess i'm keeping her!)
I was under the impression that they were made in the 40's but it is hard to find much info on them.
Dave Barretts Harmonica Masterclass vinatge mic's page has some info but not much on dating them:o(
Check out the link if you haven't done so already:o)
http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/vintage_collection.htm
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Rgsccr
40 posts
Jul 03, 2012
11:45 PM
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Hi Ant 138,
I did check out that resource, and, as you say, there is some info but nothing too specific. That site has other great resources like the artist listing which gives the song keys (and harp position) of many, many blues songs.
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