FatJesus
35 posts
Apr 25, 2014
12:13 PM
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Been putting this off for a while and had intended to send it to Chuck Gurney, but it seems he's still dealing with some issues.
So... who's our go-to guy these days for old school CR/CM element stuff? Greg, is this one I can send to you (as a former customer, you're the first one I thought of after Chuck)?
The mic: Astatic Model 30 "biscuit" from the early 1940s
The element: Have to check, but I think it's a Shure Black CR 99A86.
The issue: I love this mic, and the sound, balls and crunch--right up until it starts cutting out on me after a song or two, generally. Basically, it seems like it just won't register certain soft notes after louder notes--like it gets stuck. If you hear it (or don't hear it, I guess), you can blow/draw with a hard cup and it will bounce back into life... but after a few more songs, she's usually non-responsive.
Is it a gasket issue? Could it be the element itself (I hope not, because I love it, and it sounds so strong)?
Anyway, just throwing this one out there; probably wouldn't try to fix it myself, but figured we might learn something. Thanks, any/all.
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MP
3179 posts
Apr 25, 2014
1:32 PM
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CRs are fairly indestructible. I think it is a connection problem and the loud or soft playing is coincidental.
If it were a crystal the playing would matter. It would indicate your element is dying. Sometimes it is a cold solder crack you can't see or etc. etc. You should send it to someone to trace down
the faulty connection.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
Last Edited by MP on Apr 25, 2014 1:34 PM
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Barley Nectar
363 posts
Apr 25, 2014
2:21 PM
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Could be the element also. I had a somewhat similar problem after dropping my mic. I found that the diaphragm had unglued itself from the pushrod. One drop of superglue applied to the glue button in the center of the diaphragm was the fix. Mic has worked fine since. If it can be fixed, Greg can fix it!...BN
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Apr 25, 2014 2:21 PM
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FatJesus
36 posts
Apr 25, 2014
4:26 PM
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Thanks, guys. I'll check-in with Greg if I don't hear from him here; he's always my first choice.
Will share my findings/results.
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FatJesus
37 posts
Apr 28, 2014
1:57 PM
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Self-bumping with the hopes Greg sees this... tx.
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Greg Heumann
2693 posts
Apr 28, 2014
4:21 PM
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Sorry for the late reply. It is 98% or more likely that it is the element itself. Sorry - can't help you with the repair. Chuck would be the guy.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
Last Edited by Greg Heumann on Apr 28, 2014 4:22 PM
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FatJesus
38 posts
Apr 29, 2014
7:29 AM
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Argh. But, thanks, GH; very much appreciated.
So, following up... anyone know if Chuck's still doing business (as that notice on his site has been up for a long while now)? And, if not, is there another element guru out there I can send this to?
I can also ask around on Harp-L and such, but figured this issue has to be coming up for folks here from time to time.
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HawkeyeKane
2493 posts
Apr 29, 2014
7:31 AM
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FatJesus, I might know a guy who can help you on the repair. I'll have to see if I can hunt him down though. I'll get back to you on it.
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Hawkeye Kane - Hipbone Sam
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FatJesus
39 posts
Apr 29, 2014
7:37 AM
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Tx, Hawkeye!
I'll email Chuck directly, too, and see if he's taking mics again. Will share what I hear...
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HawkeyeKane
2494 posts
Apr 29, 2014
7:53 AM
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I tried emailing Chuck a couple months ago and got no response. I dunno...
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Hawkeye Kane - Hipbone Sam
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Greg Heumann
2696 posts
Apr 29, 2014
1:07 PM
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Chuck is not yet taking business. He told me a few months ago it was still his intention to resume, but he didn't know when.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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FatJesus
40 posts
Apr 30, 2014
10:08 AM
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Ah, that blows. Greg, stop with the bad news already!
Thanks, everyone. I guess I'm stuck.
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