KCBLUES
1 post
Mar 29, 2010
5:45 AM
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Just curious...
Does anyone own -or- have they played a Front & Center Mic?
http://www.frontandcentermics.com/
I am intrigued by their improved (or so claimed) feedback control... I usually use an old bullet shell with a MC-151 element... Never hurts to have a backup mic...
If you have tried one of these mics how does it compare to a CM/CR or CRYSTAL (MC-151) element? Is it warm? Gritty? Harsh?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer...
Kurt
www.kurtcrandall.com
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toddlgreene
1107 posts
Mar 29, 2010
5:58 AM
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Rick Davis has one, and posted a glowing review on his blog.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
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KCBLUES
2 posts
Mar 29, 2010
6:04 AM
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Thanks TODD... Will check it out...
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toddlgreene
1108 posts
Mar 29, 2010
6:04 AM
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Here's a link to it:
http://bluesharpamps.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-front-center-harp-microphone.html
p.s.-Nice tunes on your site! Are you a Crandall from the midwest? If so, we might be related.
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Todd L Greene. V.P.
Last Edited by on Mar 29, 2010 6:04 AM
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KCBLUES
3 posts
Mar 29, 2010
6:18 AM
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Thanks Todd... I lived in the MIDWEST (5 years in Kansas City and 2 years in Chicago) however I am actually from MAINE...
Although the Midwest has great music.. Maine is the unsung mecca of the blues! HA!
KURT
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KURTCRANDALL
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Bluzdude46
552 posts
Mar 29, 2010
8:11 AM
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I think I would stick with Greg H and am considering getting one of his Wood shell mics after I recover from this years early expenditures and salary cuts.
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The Original Downtown Philadelphia Fatman... Accept No substitutes!
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GermanHarpist
1322 posts
Mar 30, 2010
2:38 AM
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Welcome to the forum KCBLUES. If you didn't already, have a look at the forum how-to. You may want to have a signature... this forum also allows all kind of neat html stuff to experiment with. GH
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germanharpist on YT. =;-) - Resonance is KEY!
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Hondo
17 posts
Mar 30, 2010
3:44 AM
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Ronnie Shellist has two videos on Youtube demonstrating them.
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mrdon46
35 posts
Mar 30, 2010
9:22 PM
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I've had a F&C mic for a few weeks now. Overall, I think it's a very decent mic, I find that I'm using it quite a bit. I'd characterize it as being toward the gritty end of the spectrum. It's a beautiful piece of work, and overall I'd give it a B or B+, and I definitely think it's worth the price being asked ($165 for the basic mic), esp since a new 520DX or BluesBlaster will run you $100. Also, Scott at F&C is helpful and easy to deal with.
That being said, I can't say that the mic will provide a magic bullet for any feedback problems you're having--it's certainly one of the more feedback-resistant mics I have, but I honestly don't think I'm able to get noticably more volume with it before feedback, leastways not enough to make a difference. It (or at least mine) is a very bright mic, also with a VERY hot signal--when I first plugged it in it howled like a banshee until I turned both the volume and treble way down. Because of this it's pretty particular about the amps I use it with, and sounds way best played through my Superish homebrew, which is a pretty dark amp w/ grid leak input (being a crystal you'll want an amp w/ 5M or more load, or run it through an impedance buffer such as a Jayphat or one of the Lone Wolf pedals) and treble bleed tone control that lets me dial the highs back a lot. I should say that I ordered mine without a volume control (I'm in a minimalist phase)--I'd recommend to anyone getting this mic to consider the volume control, this will let you cut the signal back and also will cut some of the highs. The only other comment I'd make is that the mouthpiece is glued to the mic shell, so you're unable to access the element for replacement or modifications if you were ever to want/need to do that. Hope this helps.
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Ev630
204 posts
Mar 30, 2010
11:58 PM
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To me, the Blowsmeaway mics appear to have a higher standard of craftsmanship. They just look elegant. I may get one eventually and I never thought I'd say that about a wooden mic. If it doesn't work out I can use it as a driver on the links.
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Blueharper
105 posts
Mar 31, 2010
11:26 AM
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"the mouthpiece is glued to the mic shell, so you're unable to access the element for replacement or modifications"
Man, I really don't like this part.
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KCBLUES
5 posts
Apr 01, 2010
6:21 AM
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Thanks to everyone for their input.... I spent a lot of time on the phone with the owner of FRONT & CENTER MICS... REally great guy and willing to customize mics to suit a player's needs... I placed an order and can't wait to receive my mic in a couple of weeks...
I settled on a mic with a volume control...
I love my modified bullet with MC-151 element but wanted another crystal backup mic (who knos it may become my first choice mic to gig with!)
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