NiteCrawler .
291 posts
May 01, 2014
2:35 PM
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Hey Folks,I just purchased a JT 30 chrome grill/badge #B681566,the element is a R7 99B94 FG.It sounds very strong at the moment.Out of curiousity would any one be able to give me a round about yr and did astatic use shure elements in they,re mics at this time,it seems to be the original,i think?BTW I did check out Dave Kotts site for info.I paid $124. with shipping,I knew it might have been a gamble and the seller did tell me that it was very strong when I asked him about it and the gamble paid off.Thanks for any help,NiteCrawler
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MP
3190 posts
May 01, 2014
3:49 PM
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Aloha Crawler,
certain things are telltale indications so i'll ask a couple/few questions. Is it a grey Hammertone? Astatic had two grey Hammer Tone styles. Wide or small hammer marks. Hammer Tone was popular in the late 40s and into the 50s. It was used on everything from radios to phonographs to JT-30s. Chocolate brown w/ chrome is very rare or doesn't exist. More often early JTs were all brown. I've seen all black wrinkle paint a few times. (American)- Black and chrome is Canadian market.
Is the badge riveted or not? Is there a slotted set screw to secure mic to stand on the side where the mic attaches to the stand.
Astatic never used Shure elements. They used Astatic 101 and 151 crystals mostly save the JT-30-C w/ the 127 ceramic element. That R-7 is a great Shure product that is highly sought after by crystal nuts like me. It's perfect for giving the JT-30 it's original sound. Therefore it sounds vintage. Good for you! I imagine the gasket is modified to fit the Shure R-7 element.
was the cord originally hardwired? If there is a set screw to the rear where the mic wire or 1/4 inch adapter connects it may indicate hard wiring.
Are there threads in the female stand connection?
That is a very long serial number. I'm not sure if it indicates a 60s or not. Whomever sold it to you really wanted it to sound vintage 40s. Shure stopped making crystals long ago. Oooorrrrrr, If it was a replacement done by a Ham radio operator who owned it it is very old.
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Last Edited by MP on May 01, 2014 4:12 PM
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NiteCrawler .
293 posts
May 02, 2014
4:28 AM
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Thanks Mark for the reply,the mic has small hammer marks and the badge is rivited.There is a slotted set screw where the mic stand would go.I tried minimally to take the gasket from the chrome grill to check out the face of the element but it was in very tight so I figured I,d leave well enough alone.It also came with the screw on mic cord although it ratty,but works.I of coarse just put a swithcraft connector on it.I used it last nite at rehearsel and it barks.Thanks Again
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MP
3192 posts
May 02, 2014
9:53 AM
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so far it sounds late 40s or very early 50s. is it cloth insulation on the cord? I'm thinking 50s due to smaller hammer marks and cord not hard wired.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
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Last Edited by MP on May 02, 2014 9:56 AM
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bloozefish
170 posts
May 02, 2014
12:22 PM
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Hiya Crawler,
on the riveted badge, does it say "Youngstown" or "Connaught?" Youngstown dates it to around 1946 or earlier, if I recall correctly. That R7 element in strong shape is a really good 'un!
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NiteCrawler .
295 posts
May 02, 2014
2:31 PM
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Thanks Guys for your help,the cord is rubber coated,the leads inside are cloth and the tag reads Conneaut,Ohio if that helps at all.Thanks Again,NiteCrawler
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1847
1755 posts
May 02, 2014
3:20 PM
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there is nothing like a good crystal mic.
you are now a made member of an elite club.
congratulations, you're in good company
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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MP
3195 posts
May 04, 2014
10:48 AM
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late 40s Conneaut or very early 50s. Sounds like 48 to no later than 56 is my guess. I'd go for late 40s though. As bloozefish points out Astatic mics from Youngstown are earlier. A friend of mine lives in Ohio and sent me photos of the Astatic Conneaut building and some microphones before they demolished the building. Nice gesture as I favor Astatics.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
Last Edited by MP on May 04, 2014 10:50 AM
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