Rick Davis
517 posts
Jul 13, 2012
3:30 PM
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I have a very nice-sounding Shure CM 99B86 element that dates from (I think) June of 1959. I'd like to put it in a JT-30 type shell.
What do you suggest? Where can I find a good shell? I'm fairly handy, have tools, and I can solder. If you had this element what would you do with it?
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-Rick Davis
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Kingley
2037 posts
Jul 13, 2012
3:53 PM
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I'd stick it in either a JT30, T3 or Turner Challenger shell. Shoot Greg Heumann an email regarding a JT-30 shell, he'll most likely have some in stock. Or scour ebay for a shell. Once you've decided on the shell order a gasket from Jeff Spoor (harpmicgaskets.com) and you're good to go.
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Tuckster
1093 posts
Jul 13, 2012
3:57 PM
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What Kingley said! That's exactly what I did. I'd also look for used BluesBlasters. Might be cheaper and it's the same shell. I was lucky enough to have a JT-30 with a bad element and a CM element I got at work when they upgraded the dispatch system.
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didjcripey
331 posts
Jul 13, 2012
4:04 PM
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Bullet mics and shells are pretty rare in Australia, so my only real option is ebay; there are always plenty for sale and you can still get some bargains.
If it was me, I'd be looking for a small shure shell like the 707, an Astatic T3, or an Astatic 200. For some reason I don't really dig the JT30 shells (though I have one in my collection). Get a gasket from harpmic gaskets. If you get a shure shell or one with a threaded hole for the mic stand I would install the switchcraft connector in the threaded hole from the mic stand with an adapter:
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/290703930589?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_500wt_1200)
this means you only need modify the shell with a very small hole for your wire (not like the one in the pic) and I think you can install a volume control (250K) in the hole which originally carried the cable (I've done it with other shells but not a shure bullet yet; just depends if it fits and the shaft is long enough).
Good luck and have fun.
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Lucky Lester
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Greg Heumann
1695 posts
Jul 13, 2012
5:44 PM
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The rear of the Shure shells is tapered and it is not possible to install a volume pot back there unless you like huge hack jobs. When it comes to Shure shells, i MUCH prefer a screw-on connector in the cable exit hole. I'm not a fan of volume controls directly under the mic - you can't see them and you can adjust them too easily by accident. An inline volume control is nicer to work with - or, if you don't mind a less severe hack job, you can mount a VC inside the shell so the knob is angled back about 2/3 of the way back in the shell - most people like them on top or at about a 45 degree angle to one side or the other - then you can see it and adjust it easily with your pinkie without losing your cup.
Of course, you could just bite the bullet..... and get a BlowsMeAway wood mic with a stealth volume control. Half the weight (or less), warmer tone..... Did I just engage in shameless self promotion?
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/Greg
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HawkeyeKane
1071 posts
Jul 16, 2012
12:18 PM
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"I'm not a fan of volume controls directly under the mic - you can't see them and you can adjust them too easily by accident."
I half agree with you on this. Bullets with the GB design, like the 520DX, H5-C, and Red Howler are a pain to adjust while playing because the knob is so little and you always have to take one hand away from your cup to turn it. Although, the H5 is a little easier to work with because of its catch in the middle, which I assume is at the 0 db mark.
But the BB, JT30RH, and several T3's I've seen are much easier for me because the knob is bigger (albeit stiffer to turn), and is behind the connection jack, and I can adjust it by turning it with the heels of my hands while playing, and thereby not requiring me to take one hand away from my cup posture.
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Hawkeye Kane
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didjcripey
337 posts
Jul 18, 2012
2:36 AM
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Like I said, I haven't tried with a shure bullet, but this is what my ideal arrangement looks like. Maybe a mini vc will fit?
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Lucky Lester
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Johncn
12 posts
Jul 18, 2012
5:33 AM
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Hey Rick,
That same 99B86 element was original to a Shure 440 SL I have that I posted about earlier this week. It's a great element, in my opinion, in its historically accurate shell. ;-)
I add the screw on adapter Greg mentioned to all my Shure shells so that I can swap any of my mics quickly and easily when playing.
I personally prefer an inline volume control because it stays with the screw on Hi-Z cable and works with any mic I attach...and it is not in the way.
Finally, if you do use a 440 SL shell from eBay or someplace, make sure you plug the little hole on the bottom just below the label with something to avoid feedback.
Here is what mine looks like with the plug in place and screw on adapter.:
Let us know how your project goes!
Regards,
Johncn
Last Edited by on Jul 18, 2012 5:34 AM
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Rick Davis
554 posts
Jul 23, 2012
1:10 PM
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John, I found the same 440SL Shure silver bullet shell on eBay and decided to go that direction. It arrived today. I've ordered the gasket and Switchcraft 2501MP connector.
The shell is already machined and threaded for the Swithcraft connector, it has a grounding lug on the inside of the shell, and the hole in the bottom of the shell has been filled with epoxy. It's ready to go.
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-Rick Davis
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Rick Davis
572 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:03 PM
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Today I received the Switchcraft 2501MP connector and the mic gasket. I ordered both from Greg Heumann at blowsmeaway.com. Greg, many thanks for the lightning fast shipping, and for having both items in stock. It makes it all so easy.
Later I need to make a run to Radio Shack for a bit of wire and to look over their on/off switches. I still have not decided between an in-line VC or a simple switch.
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-Rick Davis
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MP
2367 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:33 PM
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that ground washer makes soldering a piece of cake. the 'set screw', which was for the hard wired cord helps secure the 2501 MP that i invented:-).
the only real work is drilling/reaming the cable hole wider to accept the connector.
JB Weld is great for helping secure the connector too.
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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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Rick Davis
573 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:56 PM
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The shell is already machined and threaded for the Switchcraft connector. It screws right in.
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-Rick Davis
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Rick Davis
576 posts
Jul 25, 2012
8:52 PM
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Assembled and tested. Sounds great.
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-Rick Davis
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Noodles
157 posts
Jul 25, 2012
9:04 PM
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Very nice, Rick
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Libertad
111 posts
Jul 26, 2012
3:21 AM
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I am suffering from a bad case of mic envy!
A quick question on the back of this thread. How big is the mic compared to a JT30. I have smallish hands. At the moment my bullett mic is a Superlux, which I think is quite small? I wouldn't want anything much bigger. Any feedback on relative sizes would be gratefully received.
Martin
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