Resuscitating a CR element.
I have come upon a black label CR that appears intact, but a little nasty, with some corrosion visible on the base plate. The output is present, but very weak. I don't see any obvious foreign material in any of the gaps that are visible.
It's a 99E86, so I assume it's low-z. But even with a matching transformer, it seems sick.
Is there anything relatively safe and do-able by an amateur to try to bring this thing back to life? I know Fritz talked about an alcohol swishing of the cover/diaphragm to try to remove any debris that might be between them, and using a toothpick or similar tool to remove stuff from the magnetic gap.
I don't want to be that guy that ruins a jewel, but I also don't want to be that guy that spends $100 to get a dead element turned into a $30 element, if you know what I mean.
Also...did you take singing lessons? I want to learn to sing, and I would be very happy to be able to sing like you.
Hi, Marcos
A 99E86 is in fact a "medium impedance" element. Properly working, you'd find it a little weak without a transformer in line, and way too hot with a transformer installed. If it is weak regardless it needs a rebuild. Dirt on the diaphragm is rarely the issue. There's only one guy I know of who rebuilds these elements. His name is Chuck Gurney and his company is "Fat Bottom Mics". Unfortunately Chuck has had some personal issues to deal with and his web site says he is temporarily shut down.
I took music lessons - both for oboe when I was young, and for harp, from Dave, when I was older. But I never took singing lessons. Sort of dipped my toe into the water, liked it, and kept doing it. Gaining confidence and listening intently to singers you like helps.
/Greg