Mojokane
319 posts
Mar 14, 2011
1:48 AM
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greetings! here's some ideas on how to do an Astatic 200 chop/mod harp mic. Some folks like these. They are light and easy in the hands. They have lots of room, gaskets are available through the new owner of Tims Gaskets...???He can help with that. The right fitting gasket is primo importanto. Or you'll rob yourself of the necessary essentials. And they are a hip lookin Harp mic.
If you like the feel of these, it might be good to try and make one for yourself. Here's how I do it.
[URL=http://s1023.photobucket.com/albums/af360/mojokane/?action=view¤t=Astatic200chopprep3bluetape4JBweld2partplugjpg.jpg][IMG]http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af360/mojokane/th_Astatic200chopprep3bluetape4JBweld2partplugjpg.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
I add a metal washer in the hole now, then JB weld it with masking tape. And the washer fortifies the structural integrity of the patch.
border="0" alt="Photobucket">
The rest is hardware and paint.
'Bluesace' does a fantastic job of powder coating his. Which is something I don't do....yet. The acrylic urethane auto paint is good enough protection. And allows me more room for mixing and creating interesting finishes.
Here's one of my favorite mistakes.
Then add some sacred herb, and play til your hearts content!
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 14, 2011 3:03 PM
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rpoe
245 posts
Mar 14, 2011
7:14 AM
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It's beautiful........the mic work is nice too... (-:
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Rob
Rob's Tube
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Ray
317 posts
Mar 14, 2011
7:36 AM
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At todays prices..............which is worth more? LOL
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ridge
206 posts
Mar 14, 2011
8:18 AM
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Now I know where you get all your Mojo from!
This makes me want to start a whole new thread, but I'll abstain since I don't know how the forum creed covers it.
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toddlgreene
2713 posts
Mar 14, 2011
8:25 AM
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Well, the cash crop's not my thing(military discipline dies hard, and I eat too much food as it is already), but I like your step-by-step of the mic chop. JB Weld-of course! I saw several stick shells on ebay recently and was turned away by the fact they were sticks. This makes it look easy-probably easier than it actually is. Nice paint, too. I might have to drop you an email offline and discuss a new housing for my 151/127 element.
How is the diameter of that shell in comparison to a JT30?
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 14, 2011 8:26 AM
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Ant138
832 posts
Mar 14, 2011
10:56 AM
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@Mojokane, Sweet mic. I have a chopped Astatic 200 with a rainbow metal flake paint job which i love.
It was modded when i bought it though, i'm not good with modding things.
I'm lovin the Bud too, that looks sweet:o)
@Todd, i think the Astatic 200 is about 5mm bigger in diameter than the JT30.
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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toddlgreene
2718 posts
Mar 14, 2011
11:38 AM
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Actually, Ant, I found something online(I think on a Dave Barrett page) that featured MojoKane's handiwork and stated that the 200 shell is actually a smaller diameter than a JT30, plus lighter...I'm starting to lean towards these shells to house a few good elements of mine...I like the JT shell's size, but i think I'd like this even better. Smoother edges around the grille, too-no lugs like a JT.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 14, 2011 1:01 PM
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9000
65 posts
Mar 14, 2011
11:43 AM
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I've got two Astatic 200 choppers and love them both. Jeremy Snell built one for me recently. He's a great guy to work with and builds great mics at a reasonable price. I think there's something about that shell that makes a good element sound even better. Maybe the size and shape simply helps my cupping technique....
All the best,
Jay
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Music speaks where words fail.
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Pluto
131 posts
Mar 14, 2011
11:56 AM
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Thanks Mojo. That is too cool. This is really the main reason I log into this forum. Gear. I like gear discussion more than anything else.
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chromaticblues
694 posts
Mar 14, 2011
12:23 PM
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Yes it is smaller than the JT-30, but both use the same element. Anyway I have one that I'll never use. If someone wants it I'd sell it for $20.
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toddlgreene
2719 posts
Mar 14, 2011
12:24 PM
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i'LL TAKE IT!
I just dropped you an email.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
Last Edited by on Mar 14, 2011 12:27 PM
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rharley5652
423 posts
Mar 14, 2011
12:36 PM
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@ mojo ,.Nice job !
When I chop the 200's,.same way as ya doin here ,.I drill my hole for the Swichcraft 5/8" Connector or 1/4" female jack ,.180 degree away from the filled area,.that way I'm in solid Aluminum,.
J-B weld best stuff on the planet> next to Aluminum welding ><
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Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
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Mojokane
321 posts
Mar 14, 2011
1:48 PM
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thanks for the props, this is my favorite shell over all. Next to the 920 Greg and I designed together.
You can do the same thing with the grill, too. Which is to gasket the element inside the grill. If you have a crystal, 101, 151, R7, etc, this may not be possible. ut the CR and CM's fit nicely in the grill. Which allows you to be right up against the element for maximum output!
in this photo you can see the white one up front. The grill is switched a quarter turn for novelty cosmetics only.
I'm doing a few more since I sold my only one to a guy in Spain. They are simply cool to look at.
as you may know, fellow modders...the final step above is a long way away. When I get em done, I'll post a couple for sale. And who knows? by THAT time, you'all might have made one for yourselves! ha!
Thanks again for the compliments!
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 17, 2011 1:48 AM
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MP
1503 posts
Mar 14, 2011
2:00 PM
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i like the look of the horizontal grille(white 200)
i have a canary yellow 200 mojo built. awesome work! flawless finish. serious attention to detail. of course it sounds awesome too w/ a CR in there.
i've seen everybodys mics, and i mean everybodys, and his are just as good or better.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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Mojokane
323 posts
Mar 14, 2011
3:02 PM
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Some more pix showing the washer addition. Then, my handsome mug with a shot of the vc hole vrs the finished product. And then the gasket in the grill. It's always nice to see it being done. For me, the hardest part is sanding the edges to hide the patch. It may take a couple of attempts. Then if you mess up a good finish paint job, starting all over is a must.
The powder coat has it's advantages, too. My question...
...can JB weld be powder coated over?
..and the JB Weld doesn't stop yet...you still need to do the outside...the 'hardest part'.
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 14, 2011 3:13 PM
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Mojokane
326 posts
Mar 15, 2011
1:48 AM
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wanted to make sure all of you saw the new additions so I'm attempting to bump it back to the top...
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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Matzen
76 posts
Mar 15, 2011
5:37 AM
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Great work! I was also watching a bunch of those stick mic housings on ebay... I should have picked some up! Makes me want to go and dig out some of my old Harley directionals and have a go at them!
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Last Edited by on Mar 15, 2011 5:50 AM
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chromaticblues
695 posts
Mar 15, 2011
6:46 AM
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Toddl do you want that mic. I just saw you said you sent me an Email, but I never recieved it.
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toddlgreene
2724 posts
Mar 15, 2011
6:53 AM
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Yeah, i did...let me try it again...It's the CrescentCityHarmonicaClub at gmail dot com one, in case I get spaminated.
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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chromaticblues
698 posts
Mar 15, 2011
7:04 AM
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OK todd I'll look for it!
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bonedog569
253 posts
Mar 15, 2011
5:36 PM
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Very NIce Mojo - Can you give us some detail on how you do the paint jobs? Which paint specifically - how do you apply , finish etc. thanks.
- I'm headed down to the studio for a vape toke - I can resist anything but temptation-
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Mojokane
327 posts
Mar 16, 2011
1:48 AM
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Lol!
thanks,Bonedog569..and everybody! It keeps me out of trouble. Here's the skinny on customizing a vintage 200 shell. It's no powder coat or chrome job...but it is fun and easy and does a great job as far as durability and cosmetics.
The mics you see, are after I primed and painted em. I also spray some regular satin or semi-gloss lacquer to build up coats before the final urethane coats.
The stuff I use is good quality, considering it's from a spray can.
I am more concerned with what type of clear coat finish to use.
My favorite, and easiest to work with, is PPG's auto acrylic urethane.
The lacquer undercoat, lacquer color coats, and glitter coats, are all out of a can. I have had good results with color and durability.
First shot is before the clear coats. I weed out the dull and not so good colored shells, in this stage. And simply repeat attempts, by washing them off quickly with lacquer, or strip them later.
Have a can of lacquer (gal) and stripper (quart)handy, too.
Hey, it's what's inside that counts, eh?
If you want to take the time, and money, to coordinate 'coating systems' from primer on up...have at it.
Perhaps, my cavalier approach is slightly inferior to more advanced high quality coatings.
Though, 30+ yrs in the Painting and Coatings Industry, has taught me different.
As long as you stick with general same same paint 'vehicles' (lacquer/lacquer)...read labels, and you should be fine....
Here's the final 3 clear coats.
Something about making a dozen at a time, but that's what I do. The more the merrier!
The mic stands are perfect for spraying and curing, too.
I use a scuba tank (super quiet)for air & pressure, and a handy auto touch-up spray gun. Nothing fancy.
All material must be screened and properly thinned. Exact measurements are critical when mixing 2 part urethane's. Follow directions to the letter.
It is super important. Because your spray-ability, drying time, and coating integrity, depends on it.
And three coats is plenty. Any more and you will fog the clarity..
Especially, when applying lacquer clear coats too fast, back to back. Lacquer is great. Acrylic urethanes are unreal.
And don't fool yourself about needing a respirator. Get one for sure.
If I was asked to say, which coating I thought would be most attractive and durable. I would have to say powder coating is King.
A fellow mic builder who powder coats is Bluesace.
The powder coat finishes he does are really impressive.
He sells on Ebay now and then. I'll leave that up to him, and many others who powder coat theirs, too..
That's pretty much it. Thanks for staying with me this long...
oh..
The volume control pot, screw-on connector, grounding post, and element installation wiring is the next step. Which could very well be the part 3, of this 200 mod series. Maybe we can get someone else out there to do a powder coating vid....?..
I would love to learn...
Is it hard to manipulate colors?
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 17, 2011 1:51 AM
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Deluxe8765
20 posts
Mar 16, 2011
1:52 PM
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Mojokane is one bad MF. Thanks, Kevin, for the fascinating look into your process. I totally agree that there is something special about the 200 shell and the tone it produces. From reading this thread, I realized that it could be that the shape of the shell when you cup it causes your hands to form a tone chamber of a certain beneficial shape. Very interesting. That makes more sense to me than the internal tone chamber of the shell altering the tone, but I don't know. Could be either one. I have a great 200 chop that may just be the work of Mojokane, although I got it from a previous owner. Really great looking and sounding mic. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to sharing a bowl with you one of these days. I will most likely be visiting Hawaii this year, as my sister has moved there again.
And, BTW, Jeffrey Spoor of HarpMicGaskets.com also does fantastic powder coating work. He could give you a solid answer, but I'm guessing there is no problem powder coating over JB Weld. From what I hear, manipulating colors is pretty easy. You can reach Jeff through that web site, and he can tell you all about it. That is who does my powder coating. Oops, gotta run.
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toddlgreene
2736 posts
Mar 16, 2011
2:30 PM
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Wow...this has been a seriously informational and inspirational thread. Thanks to all who have contributed so far!
Let me throw in another question about the 200 shell in particular:
Do you think a Shure CM/CR or Astatic 151/127 would sound better due to this shell's construction and chamber? Or would both be done justice with proper gaskets and volume pots in this shell?
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Todd
Eudora and Deep Soul
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BAG
51 posts
Mar 16, 2011
5:18 PM
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Excellent stuff! Love all the pictures. The Astatic 200 is the only vintage harp mic that I own. For anyone interested, I got my gasket at
http://harpmicgaskets.com/
They took good care of me.
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chromaticblues
706 posts
Mar 16, 2011
5:30 PM
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Nice stuff Mojo Man! I don't even like looking at that stuff. That shit is like crack for me!
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MP
1511 posts
Mar 16, 2011
6:13 PM
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i think that's my yellow one drying up there.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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MP
1512 posts
Mar 16, 2011
6:36 PM
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i remember the day i accepted the yellow 200 from Mojo in my greedy ham fisted manner. I was sore amazed. Stunned, in fact. It was a sight to mark down for rememberance in old age, one to cheer a mind otherwise falling to despond.
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MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
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Silvertone
101 posts
Mar 16, 2011
6:52 PM
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Very very nice work!!! and excellent looking bud :).
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bonedog569
261 posts
Mar 16, 2011
8:31 PM
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Thanks for sharing all the details Mojo. I have too many hobbies already but you never know. They sure are purty. I will be keeping my eye out for 200's now though, that's for sure.
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Mojokane
328 posts
Mar 16, 2011
9:54 PM
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Thanks for all the great response! everybody...
it's a candy store!!
Deluxe8765, really like your description.. 'tone chamber', ...cool
We sure can agree, they are a special mic when the details are done well.
toddlgreene,
I see what you mean. There are subtle, and not so subtle factors, involved with pots and gaskets.
Chromaticblues...you 'crack' me up!
...makes you wanna chop n mod one too,...huh?
for the all the first timers who's lookin to chop a 200, or any other mics.
Be sure you get the priorities right. And find yourself a good element, gasket, and a good volume pot, too.
Greg uses little green 100k ones. I'm not sure what they're called, or who makes em. I think you can find em on Mouser.com.
Hell, I use to use a 500k pot, like the JT Blaster had used in the 90's.. They're huge, and even they fit.
There's a lot of room in there!
And a gasket with good tight fit in the grill. I believe you can sub a Turner gasket for the same size. Better check with Jeffery. I bought mine from him.
The hard part is soldering all the wiring together. The pots Greg uses are tricky, too. You'll need to be good at it, and very patient..
I'm more partial to the 200. You can make the patch disappear better.
..one more cool thing about doing the..200 chop.
When drilling the new hole (for the screw on jack)...you have the luxury of placing it farther toward the rear of the shell. Away from the hands, giving you a better cup.
By the way...I grab a towel, hold the shell in my gloved hands firmly in my crotch, resting on the chair I'm sitting in, when drilling holes in shells.
Once the drill bit gets through, immediately!!...it will try to yank itself out of your hands. Grip it very tightly and you'll be fine. BE CAREFUL....don't force it, back out and try again with less presure on the drill....but hold very tightly...it will try to yank it out again, if it's not ready to plow through. It may take a few try's
The reason in the lap..
anything that holds it, like a vice, will bend it out of round, and maybe dent it, too. Even a vice with a rag.
good luck!
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by on Mar 17, 2011 8:02 PM
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Rubes
255 posts
Mar 17, 2011
4:22 AM
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Hmmm, they look so tasty! Hope the sacred stuff is after the drilling?
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1847
1208 posts
Oct 17, 2013
10:31 AM
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is it possible to fit a volume control
on the bottom of the shell?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Wendell
19 posts
Oct 17, 2013
12:05 PM
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I have sent many shells to Jeff Spoor for powder coat.
His advice: for best results, avoid JB weld when powder coating.
-=====-
wendell jenkins
my youtube
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Greg Heumann
2420 posts
Oct 17, 2013
4:15 PM
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Great stuff, Mojo!
A great finish is always something to be proud of. Others only see the finished result. They don't see what you might have had to do to get there!
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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Mojokane
719 posts
Oct 17, 2013
9:00 PM
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wow! old thread...eye candy for sure..thanks! whoever resurrected it. It brings back good memories...lke spraying in my bathroom, and totally "wasting" the shower stall. Not something I would do again.
Since these were finished, I now put my spare energy into playing.
My band is doing good, and we are having fun building a pretty decent repertoire. In the hopes of someday getting out to spread the blues "word", and a little chump change. We do it for the love of the blues.
As you can see, I have plenty mics to draw from.
I'll have to get all motivated again, to undertake another batch like these. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
Last Edited by Mojokane on Oct 17, 2013 9:01 PM
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Barley Nectar
136 posts
Oct 18, 2013
6:37 PM
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Mojo, I enjoy building mics also. Problem is, the dam bud is getting too strong. Makes me pass out. It's hard to paint when your on the floor...I guess I'm a One Hit Wonder!
Anyhoo, I use 1/4" Switchcraft jacks in the shells (Turners mostly). These hold up very well and no connector troubles. Also if you step on the cord, it just pulls out of the mic rather then out of your hand. I also use full size 1M audio pots.
I found some translucent burgandy paint in a spray bomb. Want to try this paint over gold leaf. Might be real cool. Nice work brother...BN
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Larrystick
45 posts
Oct 19, 2013
6:32 AM
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Great thread Mojo.
Thanks for sharing the whole process!
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Stickman from walkthatwalk.org
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Mojokane
722 posts
Oct 20, 2013
7:32 AM
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...your very welcome!
and, hey! Barley Nectar...share shots of your next project. The translucent over gold leaf sounds pretty amazing..
I often wish I would of kept a few of my favorites along the way. I sold them over the years...The 1/4" jack idea is a good one. Here's some eye candy...
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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Barley Nectar
139 posts
Oct 20, 2013
9:17 AM
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Wow, where do you get the gold hardware? Are you getting that plated somewhere?
Believe it or not, I fuss over the knob more then anything else. I try to find a knob that flows with the shape of the shell and is not obtrusive. There is a good choice of shells out there if your creative. I have only made a few for myself but it is fun...BN
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