|
Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Astatic 200 shell & gasket seal
Astatic 200 shell & gasket seal
Page:
1
Harp Study
56 posts
Dec 20, 2014
5:45 PM
|
I was wondering if anyone can help me figure out how to get a good seal between the shell and gasket on an astatic 200 shell. The only place for the gasket to seal against is (4) small tabs. Here is a picture of a shell with the same (4) tabs:
I have a new gasket from the harp mic shop, but with hardly any surface to seal against it doesn't get a tight seal and I think my element's tone suffers from this. I tried adding a washer that I made from hard plastic, but it had too much flex. I have thought about adding some intermediate tabs between the existing ones with some JB weld, but wasn't sure if that would work or not. A metal washer might work, but I haven't found one to start from and even then you’d have to do a fair amount of cutting to make it the right size.
I imagine there has to be a better way or maybe I am just missing something.
|
Greg Heumann
2918 posts
Dec 20, 2014
8:17 PM
|
On a 200, the gasket should primarily seal inside the grill - the bosses in the shell (and the gasket's seating on them) is just to keep the gasket from falling into the shell. I believe the harpmicshop one was in fact made by harpmicgaskets.com so I know what they look like because - I now have the molds.
----------
***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
Bluestate on iTunes
|
Harp Study
57 posts
Dec 21, 2014
11:12 AM
|
Thanks Greg. I wondered if the gasket was supposed to fit inside the grill, but it seemed to large. After seeing your post above I decided to give it another shot. After some serious persuasion; I was able to get it inside the grill and it has a much better seal now. The mic sounds much much better now. Thanks again. Also glad to hear that you will now have gaskets as they can be hard to find at times. Good news indeed.
|
Mojokane
774 posts
Dec 22, 2014
11:19 PM
|
yeah, nice photo...hee hee...it's mine.
The four tabs you see are for the original crystal (primarily the 101's). And it was actually a little too far away from the harp, than I prefered. And the old crystal gasket wouldn't fit the CM/CR element.
So when I modified the shell, I chose to install a CR/CM.
I needed a gasket that would fit in the grill.
Alot of us builders were fortunate to be at the right place at the right time years ago when harpmic gaskets first entered the market(RIP). He soon made one for me.
Well, and everybody else, too. I'm sure I wasn't the first..they're among the best shells to modify, if you want to put the time in. Easy on the hands and lightweight, too. Plus the element is RIGHT THERE!
And ofcourse, my other favorite shell to modify, with the help of Greg and his amazing skills in turning idea's in to reality...the Electro Voice Spherex 920. It turned out really well. The grill was made by Greg.I chrome plated his grill. The cost profit ratio was never a winning combination. Though, novelty factor, and ergonomics, were awesome!
----------
Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by Mojokane on Dec 22, 2014 11:32 PM
|
Harp Study
58 posts
Dec 24, 2014
6:56 AM
|
Mojokane- I think it was your pictures/thread which I followed for chopping my 200. The mic shell is the perfect size in my opinion. My chop job isn't as nice as the ones you've done, but it works. I have a turner ceramic element that I put in my. The gasket that I have just barely fit in the grill, but I was able to get it in there. If that element ever goes I might see if Greg could put in THE or a CR/CM element; but hopefully that isn't for a while. Thanks for posting the chop tips and other information. It was very informative and helpful.
|
Barley Nectar
586 posts
Dec 24, 2014
11:19 AM
|
OK, I see the element can be placed in two or maybe several positions in relation to the grill. What effect do these variations have on tone, if any?
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Dec 24, 2014 11:20 AM
|
Mojokane
775 posts
Dec 25, 2014
2:57 PM
|
H.S. & B.N., Merry Christmas!
Here's my 3 cents.
I was always attracted to the size and weight of the 200. And I am always looking for something to improve on.
Electro Voice 630's, Astatic 30's (Biscuit) are very cool(vc won't fit).
Turner shells, for some reason...never got into.
JT 30's always had a problem, stand hole/v/c pot positions.
I prefer the pot in back.
Easier to control vc with my pinky, too.
Alot of players don't care either way.
I am a painter/refinisher by trade,so it was no problem cutting, patching, and installing the essentials. Basic electronics. Not EASY, but doable for the weekend warrior gear heads. Plenty knowledge online.
I kinda learned as I went...good therapy, too.(cut into my marriage, and I eventually divorced (05).
ie; good therapy...
Enough about me...now some more about me...ha!
The final cosmetics were a snap. I was more interested in tone and ergonomics.
And ofcourse, learning how to play.
Modifying shells are basic arts n crafts stuff. Although, the spraying of auto acrylic urethane was not. And frustrating.
I still haven't figured how to buff out the finish like the pros' do. So I relied on making it awesome without the need to buff. (turned my bathroom into a spray booth). Dust free, and a place to cure, very important.
Auto acrylic(PPG) is plenty durable and beautiful.
Though, if I had a garage/shop i would venture more into powder coating. That's killer!
My one bedroom apt keeps me away.
As for tone in relation to the element..
Tone comes mostly from a good cup, breath attack, pucker/tongue, vibrato, and mouth cavity manipulation.
I'm curious about the Heuman element. (Bout time, eh?
Bbecause many players often use the pa, and get great tone. Once this is acheived form within, the element only enhances what is already there.
It turned out to be a good move getting closer to the element for me. go figure.
Soo..after I finally got some decent chops. I now have sevaral mics to choose from. A back up for my back up for my back up..
----------
Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by Mojokane on Dec 25, 2014 3:00 PM
|
Post a Message
|
