SuperBee
6958 posts
May 30, 2021
3:16 AM
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A few years ago, both my thumbs simultaneously developed a painful arthritic condition which had an effect on my mic-holding experience.
I tried a few different shells, including a biscuit and an EV630. These were OK and in fact the 630 was surprisingly good, contrary to expectations. I thought the big switch section would be a problem but it kind of worked to brace against my wrist and stabilised the mic.
Over time I decided none of these alternatives is especially better than the JT30 so I've gone back to using those.
Recently, I tried a Turner Challenger shell.
I'd been dubious about these because the fin looked awkward and I feel like I've heard people say it is. I've definitely known people to shave the fin down.
Recently though, I've heard Dennis Gruenling say he finds the fin is not a problem and actually makes the mic more secure to hold.
So I tried one and I have to say it is the only mic shell I've held since my hands went bung which is actually comfortable. Very glad to have tried this.
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Lou
117 posts
May 30, 2021
9:01 AM
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Nice ! I haven't tried the Turner but struggle with my left hand getting sore from applying a death grip on the mic working on a tight seal. Using a JT-30, Shure bullet brown shell or a Bulletini same problem. I know the mic's aren't the problem.
Maybe I'm focusing too much on cupping or just need too play/practice more with a mic in my hand. I only use a mic when with the band which is at best 2 times a month.
Light bulb just went off after writing this, I need to start practicing with mic & amp !
Thanks Superbee
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jbone
3349 posts
May 30, 2021
11:45 AM
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I use a EV m43u mic, small, dense, solid. I had it modded to hi z and a volume pot installed and it's a good mic, about the diameter of the 630's buy stubby on the end. I also use a Shure 585, which is a ball mic the size of a SM58. But the key thing for me is, I like having my harp mic on a stand. This allows more freedom to cup and do other hand effects.
Just my $.02.
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LFLISBOA
123 posts
May 31, 2021
5:43 AM
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The Turner Challenger and Shure 585 were my main stage mics, and the fin was not an issue to me.
If you like EV630 you may try EV605 too. An Astatic T3 might be comfortable and light too, if you remove the switch
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jpmcbride
280 posts
May 31, 2021
11:35 AM
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@Lou
Depending on your home situation (apartment, wife, kids, roommates, etc.) it may not be practical to practice amplified all the time. But one strategy I use is to play without amplification, but with the mic in my hand. It helps you get used to holding the mic and playing.
Always practicing without the mic is a lot like always practicing the guitar or bass sitting down, then when you have to stand up at a gig it feels different and affects your playing.
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jpmcbride
281 posts
May 31, 2021
11:37 AM
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@SuperBee
That's interesting. I always through the fin would get in the way. Guess you don't know until you try!
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jbone
3350 posts
May 31, 2021
1:43 PM
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In this duo- and probably beyond since I have pretty bad neuropathy in my feet- we sit to play. Either the m43u or the Shure 585 will sit in a dedicated mic stand and always be right there for me.
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Music and travel destroy prejudice.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109912442677135/?ref=bookmarks
Reverbnation
Facebook
https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos
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SuperBee
6959 posts
May 31, 2021
2:21 PM
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LFLISBOA, T3 might be OK. They don't come up for sale very often and tend to be a bit pricey when they do.
605 is one of the very worst shells for me. I had some grief from my 605 even before my thumbs broke down. Something about the shape and the finish encourages my hand to put pressure on the basal thumb joint in the way that it really shouldn't move. The 630 is a different deal.
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BnT
272 posts
Jun 06, 2021
12:58 AM
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Another suggestion, an Astatic 200. Slightly smaller than a JT30, usually cheaper too, and pretty easy to find. There's a 5" handle (which is why people aren't buying them) - cut it off. Then just find the element to get the sound you want (crystal, CR, CM, etc.). I used a JT30 for 40 years before discovering the 200.
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BnT
www.BluesWithAFeelin.com
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