bazzzzou
105 posts
Nov 24, 2011
8:20 AM
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Hello,
I aldready have a mic from simply unique custom mics with a 99c86 element in it and it is amazing and dirt!
But I want to put a new element in my old green bullet, something that sounds very STUFFED and NASAL..
wich element would you recommend??
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Greg Heumann
1351 posts
Nov 24, 2011
11:48 PM
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The most nasal/honky sound came from the first crystal elements. Unless you have a lot of money and a lot of time, forget about it. They are all dead, with the exception of very rare cases in collector's hands. I'm talking about old Shure 99A84 and 99-131 elements and their R7 replacement, and Astatic MC-101 crystals.
The Astatic MC-151 crystals in JT30's and early Hohner Blues Blasters can still be had - though they're not cheap. There are still a good number of survivors from the last production runs of those - I have several for example to service my customers - but I'll tell you they do NOT have that "honky/nasal" quality. I know for a fact that top performers like Rick Estrin, Rod Piazza and Kim Wilson who still play crystals some times are a) running out of their personal stashes b) willing to pay very good money for some of those old elements and c) will pick one out of every 50 or so they hear. They are all mourning the disappearance of good working examples of those early elements. The chances your finding a good pre-MC151 crystal are very, very low.
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/Greg
Last Edited by on Nov 25, 2011 12:04 AM
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rharley5652
602 posts
Nov 27, 2011
12:47 PM
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Hohner / Astatic solved the expensive part by buying Japan made crystals,.
An remember the Argonne 54's were Japan made,..That was one hell of a crystal for that nasal / honky sound .
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------------click Link Below -----------
Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
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LSB
94 posts
Nov 27, 2011
1:41 PM
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Anyone care to take a crack at describing the tone and relative output of various crystal/ceramic elements? Say in relation to shure CM's?
Would be quite helpful to those of us who haven't heard many of them.
Thanks in advance
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Greg Heumann
1356 posts
Nov 27, 2011
3:57 PM
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Almost all crystals, when like new, have slightly MORE output than a strong CR or CM.
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/Greg
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dougharps
126 posts
Nov 27, 2011
10:28 PM
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Greg, could you compare the output of Astatic ceramic 127 elements with crystal, CR and CMs? I have a ceramic 127 element in a biscuit and another element I intend to put to use as a replacement in a Turner 22X. I bought them years ago from Angela's Instruments.
The 127 I have seems less bright in tone than crystals I have heard, but it sounds good with the right amp. I am interested in your thoughts. I have heard that ceramics are less fragile than crystals.
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Doug S.
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