Recommendations on bullet mics with removeable cable
Greg:
I am currently using a "green bullet" mic. However I am interested in finding a new bullet mic where I can actually remove the cable from the mic. It will make it much easier to pack up and tranport to jam sessions, reduce risk of damage, and eventually I would like to get a wireless unit ( I saw some nice stuff on your site). The regular music store where I buy most of my stuff is generic and really doesn't get that deep as far as choices. I do want to make sure I maintain the volume knob feature on the mic as I found it useful at my last jam session when switching the volume on the fly between playing with the group and playing a solo. Don't need anything too overly fancy, but should be good sounding and good quality. I wanted to get some recomendations on new bullet mics that might fit the bill and also where to look.
Thanks
Brian
Greg,
Certainly some options to investigate. When shopping for my first mic, I had looked at some options but was not quite as knowlegdable. Also since it started as a hobby I did not want to blow a lot of cash. While it still is kind of a side thing, I performed solo last year, and then shortly after teamed up with a guitar guy and have been doing a jam night and open mic night with him. So been thinking of upping my gear to be more suited for performances, most specifically the microphone. So I may have to seriously consider a refurbished vintage mic or one of your custom wood ones or modifying my green bullet. Probably spend some more time over the weekend researching the internet on these options. I want to make sure I make the right choice for the long term.
Thanks
Brian
Hi Greg,
I would be interested to know the long story for the volume extension on the 520DX and why that would be desirable.
Hi - The retaining ring that screws the cable onto the mic's connector will interfere with the existing volume knob. Also because that ring is about 3/4" in diameter it is much harder to get your thumb and forefinger around the connector to grasp the knob to turn it. The Extension Knob moves the grasping surface down to a narrower portion of the cable where it is easier to grab.
/Greg
Greg:
I checked out the conversion kit on the "Green Bullet". That certainly looks like a viable option. One concern is how long I would be without my microphone as this is the only one I have right now. I don't know what may be available at the jam sessions to borrow if anything.
I was looking at your Ultimate Mics (SM57 in particular). This may make for a good additional mic as it is more practical (lightweight, detachable cable, wireless ready, etc.). I may consider this first and then could send in my bullet later at my leisure.
Thanks
Brian
For what it's worth Brian - I've got an SM57 Ultimate and absolutely love it for many reasons. Even when I use my 'woodie' at jams, it goes along as my spare (just in case) I'd also recommend you consider the 545 but either way would definitely recommend getting it wired so you have both mics able to use the same cables. I really like my high impedance screw on connection. EIther way, Greg's recomendations are gold!!
Hi, BrianIn general I turn orders like that around in under a week; an order for a new Ultimate mic in a day or two. You'll never be sorry to have an Ultimate 57 in your arsenal. They're very versatile and when not in use as a harp mic can be pressed into service as a vocal mic, instrument mic, amp mic - you'll see SM57's on practically every stage in the world used this way.
Cheers
/Greg
Thanks guys for the recommendations. I was playing at a blues jam last night with my guitar guy. I had mentioned to him my interest in an Ultimate SM57. Just so happens he owns one and recommended it. So I am seriously thinking about getting one. I'll use the regular channels some time this week to communicate my specific needs and get advice on a set up.
Thanks
Brian
I just ordered an SM57 and high-Z cable. Looking foward to putting it through the paces at my next jam session.
Thanks guys for all the advice.
Brian
You'll love it!! Let us know how it goes for you. Think about Greg's "Ultimization" - more balanced, lighter, volume control!! Maybe down the road.
He did actually order an Ultimate 57, Hank. Thanks!
Yes it is an "Ultimate SM57".
If it shows up before next Monday evening, I'll bring it to the jam session that night to try it on stage, unless something comes up.
Brian
You'll love it - I certain;ly love mine!!
You'll love it - I certain;ly love mine!!
Just received my microphone and hooked it up to my tube amp at home. Nice strong sound. Won't be able to bring it to the blues jam tonight due to illness. Maybe next week. I had three questions on using this microphone.
1. Due to the smaller diameter as compared to a bullet style, is there a prefered way to hold the mic?
2. In the same vein as the first question, is there a good cup method, especially if I am trying to grab the higher holes?
3. I am concerned with inadvertantly twisting the head while playing. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Brian
Hi, BrianThe best cup method is what works for you. I curl the last two fingers of my left hand around the grill (and just below it) to leave the biggest possible chamber inside my cup between harp and mic. Then seal the rest with the right hand. I find it more difficult to get a good cup when playing the high holes with my grip, which is "left thumb down.". Some folks use a "two thumbs up" grip - and that might be better for the high holes - however I can't get an airtight cup on the lower holes with that grip. It depends on your facial shape and hand size as well as the size of the mic.Do not worry about twisting the head. Shure designed it to "float" over the actual element which is suspended in rubber to reduce handling noise. As long as it spins freely and doesn't try to rotate the element within, it causes no harm for it to spin.
Greg:
Thanks for the advice. I have had a chance to work with the microphone at home trying various holds and have found a grip and cup that seems to work well. I also discovered that when I cover tight around the side grilles of the head I get a really nice strong focused sound out of my tube amp. I just want to make sure I don't damage the head. The blues jam last Monday got cancelled due to weather (snow storm) so still haven't been able to try it on stage yet. Hoping next Monday will work out. All in all still pleased with the microphone.
Brian
Hi Brian.
I watched a Jason Ricci youtube video where he demonstrates how he holds the Ultimate 57 without the bulletizer. Probably worth a watch.
I myself purchased the bulletizer from Greg and like it better then just the stick mic. Less cramping in my hand for sure.
Cheers.
J.D.
Thanks J.D.
I'll check out Jason's video.
I had thought about a bulletizer, but I like to be able to cover and uncover the side grilles. Also I wanted a smaller, more compact microphone for the jam sessions.
Thanks for the link
Brian
Finally got to use the new mic at the jam session last night. Worked out great.
Thanks
Brian
Hi, Brian
I agree with you - built-in cables are a pain - they not only make it harder to store but the strain relief where the cable enters the mic is only a false sense of security and the cable will fail inside the mic sooner or later.
One solution is to simply remove the cable and install a screw-on connector in its place. That's a soluition I offer. For the 520DX it is as follows:
$35 install screw-on connector where cable was
$15 convert cable that came out of it with female screw-on connector
$19 extension volume knob (long story but required on 520DX)
You might also look at the Hohner Roadhouse JT30 - it has a removeable screw-on cable. Warnig in advance 0- the cable is very poorly made and will fail quickly. Moreoever the screw-on connectors they're maknig are slightly oversize and 50% of the time won't fit standard switchcraft connectors. Tht can be solved too - and the mic is very inexpensive to start with - but expect you'll have to put some money into it over time. The element isn't too bad but ain't the cat's meow either.Ultimately the best mics with detachable cables will be restored vintage mics with good elements available from many harp-specific vendors, or a new custom hardwood mic from me. See Custom Wood Mics for more info.
Cheers/Greg