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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Repair of CM elements
Repair of CM elements
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easyreeder
251 posts
Mar 18, 2012
3:49 PM
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Are CM elements worthwhile to try to repair?
A friend has a 520D with a 99S556 element. If you start playing softly the output level is low, but increases quite suddenly as you increase the volume of your playing, almost like throwing a switch. The internal solder connections look sound. I'm guessing there may be mechanical interference inside the element.
The element is a 99S556, "assembled" in Mexico.
Last Edited by on Mar 18, 2012 3:50 PM
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tmf714
1047 posts
Mar 18, 2012
4:30 PM
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The 520D model ,99S556 is NOT a crystal element-it is a controlled magnetic element.
The only person I trust to repair these is Chuck Gurney at Fatbottom Mics-
http://fatbottom-mics.com/
That particular element is actually worth repairing-
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MP
2104 posts
Mar 18, 2012
4:33 PM
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well, it is not a crystal. CM means controlled magnetic.
have you tried the 520D w/ other amps? it's possible the amp is the problem.
you could re-solder your connections too. i don't suppose someone installed a volume control in the mic like the 520DX, did they?
CMs are pretty indestructible. i rarely run across dead ones.
EDIT:well tmf got here first. like he said, they are worth repairing. i like mexican CMs.
MP
doctor of semiotics and reed replacement.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
Last Edited by on Mar 18, 2012 4:35 PM
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easyreeder
252 posts
Mar 18, 2012
4:50 PM
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@tmf714, thanks. I'll pass that along.
@MP, yes, tried it with multiple amps. He brought it to me because it was happening with his amp. It behaves the same on mine. No volume control, it's stock. He'd never opened it. I suspected the soldering at first, and inspected it with my optivisor, they actually look to be good so I thought I'd see if this is known problem. I've read that these elements are easy to damage when soldering because of the plastic bobbin, so I'm avoiding it for the moment (not my mic).
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rharley5652
620 posts
Mar 19, 2012
11:36 PM
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@easyreeder,..check the magnet to make sure it's strong,..may be week ,. also could be the transformer going/
The Mexico CM's are good but for what it may cost to repair,.your better off findin a 99A or a 99B off ebay that's made in the good ol' USA.
Also Any time ya take one apart ,.they are never as good as the factory Build .that's if it needs a new bobbin / transformer assy,.
------------click Link Below -----------
Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
Last Edited by on Mar 19, 2012 11:41 PM
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Greg Heumann
1538 posts
Mar 20, 2012
9:44 AM
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When an element jumps between output levels based on draw or blow strenght, it IS mechanical - usually corrosion related.
Chuck is the go to guy on this and is great to do business with.
And I agree with RHarley: the 99S556 is the least desirable of all the CMs, the most recently manufactured and the most readily available - hence new ones are cheap. I've got good ones for $85 and I'm sure you can get them for less if you are willing to take some risk on the seller's reputation. Chuck is going to need to charge you a fair price for going through the element, the same amount of labor and overhead he has when going through a single impedance CM or a CR - both of which are better elements. If I were you I'd consider if this is money well spent.
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/Greg
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easyreeder
261 posts
Mar 21, 2012
5:24 PM
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Thanks gang.
Greg, are you saying you have the 99S556 elements, or the older units?
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rharley5652
621 posts
Mar 22, 2012
2:10 PM
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@ easyreeder,.
I have the U.S & Mexican 99S556 $75 ,.also have the US & Mexican 99A & 99 B's for $85,.
I rate the US 99A & B's the best for overall tone,
IMO the 60/70's CM's are the best,have better bass, mids, and highs, and have a darker tone compared to the newer US models, and the Mexican CM's.
Mexican cm's are brighter, and edgier than U.S 60/70's CM's, and don't have the bottom end like the 60/70's CM's.
I do have all 3 cm elements 60/70/80's
Mexican an USA 99S556's
e-me if interested ><
------------click Link Below -----------
Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
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Greg Heumann
1545 posts
Mar 22, 2012
9:31 PM
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@easy - I have 'em, as well as 99A, 99B, 99G, 99H - all vintages, black label, white label, CR, CM - AND crystals. Email me for info
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/Greg
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