[AMRadio] Crystal microphone element

[Rob Atkinson]

That's going to be a tough one thanks to the Harp blues harmonica
AudioPhools who have this fixation on that mic.  It used to be an
unremarkable low cost Astatic crystal mic that sold for at most, 10 to
20 bucks.  Then, some relatively well known blues harmonica player
started using one around 30 years ago (they cup them up next to the
harmonica for amplification, and think the crystal mic element
provides this desirable distortion--any bullet shaped mic case is
vulnerable to price increase due to this phoolery) and now any mope
who picks up a harmonica and sees himself as being on the way to fame,
has to have one, to look like the real deal in their world.  So,
JT-30s are up there now at least $150 and I have seen them for $250.
A working crystal element may be hard to find for that reason.  I had
one once, about 15 or 20 years ago, and gave it to a guy.  I hope he
still has it.   They are perfect for a rig with a 10 megohm grid
resistor.   Sorry I can't help but at least you know who to blame for
not being able to find a reasonably priced element.  Sadly, when they
turn up at hamfests, they are usually going for phool prices.  I'd
start going to hamfests and looking for inexpensive crystal mics and
try pulling the element out of one for your JT-30.  you can sometimes
find a crystal tape recorder mic with a good element.

73

Rob
K5UJ

On Sat, Sep 7, 2013 at 8:10 PM, JAMES HANLON <knjhanlon at msn.com> wrote:
> Y'all,
>
> I seem to remember a thread running a little while ago about a good crystal microphone replacement element.  I need a suggestion for an element for an Astatic JT-30, that doesn't cost $130 or so like ones on the web are going for.  The original element is round and 1 7/8 inch diameter.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim Hanlon, W8KGI