New Mic Builder

gritty · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 1

Hey everyone! I am new to harp playing, but was instantly drawn in to the idea of tinkering with and building my own mics. I don't have much background in electronics, but this looks like something fairly straightforward that can be learned with some time and patience, so I want to dive right in and get going!

So - on to a few questions that I have and hope someone out there will be willing to help me with Very Happy

1) What type of wire do you use? Favorite gauge? Brand?

2) Is the Switchcraft 2501MP the standard 5/8" connector that everyone talks about using?

3) I know there is a guy here that builds wooden harp mics. Wouldn't there be an issue with not having the wiring grounded?

4) When you wire up the components, do you typically solder prior to installing the components in the shell?

5) Of course the vintage Shure/Astatic elements rock...but are there any newer versions that can be used? Is there a good source for these other than finding one here and there on ebay or buying a whole new mic and ripping the element out? As for the older elements, is it basically an ebay hunt, or is there a place that sells them at a reasonable price that you can order from?

These might seem like silly questions, but try and remember back to when you first started out! Very Happy

Thanks for any insight that you can offer up!

isaac · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Phoenix, AZ

gheumann · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:28 pm Post subject: Re: New Mic Builder

1) What type of wire do you use? Favorite gauge? Brand?

stranded, 22 or 26 gauge is all that is needed.

2) Is the Switchcraft 2501MP the standard 5/8" connector that everyone talks about using?

yes.

3) I know there is a guy here that builds wooden harp mics. Wouldn't there be an issue with not having the wiring grounded?

That would be me. No, it isn't an issue. There DOES have to be a path from the connector's ground to the element's ground, of course - and with metal shells, sometimes we use the shell as part of that circuit.

4) When you wire up the components, do you typically solder prior to installing the components in the shell?

Hmm. Pretty tough to solder once its in there - I am not sure I understand your question. However it is good practice to "tin" (apply a little solder to) each piece to be soldered before joining them.

5) Of course the vintage Shure/Astatic elements rock...but are there any newer versions that can be used?

Unfortunately, no. Simply, no.

Is there a good source for these other than finding one here and there on ebay or buying a whole new mic and ripping the element out? As for the older elements, is it basically an ebay hunt, or is there a place that sells them at a reasonable price that you can order from?

It is largely an eBay hunt. You can also haunt ham radio festivals, flea markets, garage sales.....

Cheers

/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions

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