Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

How come no modern manufactured crystal?

3 replies [Last post]
Fri, 09/25/2015 - 14:50
blues38
blues38's picture
Offline
Level 8
Joined: 12/20/2009

Greg,

So how come someone isn't manufacturing (real) crystal elements these days? Seems there is a need. Is it toxic? Explosive? High cost?

But then, I do see them on eBay every so often... 2 for $25.

Top
Fri, 09/25/2015 - 15:43
#1
Greg Heumann
Greg Heumann's picture
Offline
Expert
Joined: 04/29/2010
Hi, BluesThe market for a

Hi, BluesThe market for a harmonica microphone element is prohibitvely small. Growing the crystals in lab condtions is only part of the battle. Tooling up to produce an enclosure and diaphragm to turn that into working product is an extremely expensve proposition. When the crystal elements we know and love were originally produced, they were NOT produced for harmonica players. They were inexpensive, mass produced general purpose mics aimed at a much, much larger market - which justified the  startup costs to make them.

In fact there has never, ever been a single microphone element designed and manufactured for harmonica. All known harp mics use something that was designed for a more general purpose. 

The closest thing there is is my new "The Heumann Element". I start with a pro-class vocal mic element made by someone else. I then make both mechanical and electrical modfiications to it to make it more attractive to harp players. That is the closest you'll come to a purpose-built harp mic element. 

 

Top
Mon, 10/12/2015 - 12:24
#2
blues38
blues38's picture
Offline
Level 8
Joined: 12/20/2009
no modern manufactured crystal

Thanks Greg. BTW the element in the custom wood mic I bought from you still sounds superb.

 

Top
Mon, 10/12/2015 - 12:24
#3
blues38
blues38's picture
Offline
Level 8
Joined: 12/20/2009
no modern manufactured crystal

Thanks Greg. BTW the element in the custom wood mic I bought from you still sounds superb.

 

Top

Sign me up!

The low monthly subscription of $16.95 gives you full access! We accept major credit cards and PayPal.

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2022 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com