Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

The JT-30 I've been using for quite some time now is a little strange, because the screw-on-output and the volume control are switched so that the volume control is in the back instead of in the front, and the output is in the front. From seeing many other JT-30 bodies where the output is positioned behind the volume control, I've wondered if my mic was just customized in that way or if there was a time period where they produced JT-30s in this fashion. Could you clarify this for me? I'm positive the body is not one of the new Blues Blaster models.

Greg, got the mic today (JT30RH) sounds terrific! thanks for the foam filter thing too. So i got a few mics now and was wondering, is putting the unused ones in a ziplock bag good for storage? I live on a island and the salt air is super corrosive.

Hi, Greg

Is there a trick to removing the 3-pin connector from a BL JT-30 without wrecking the shell, so I can replace it with a screw-on?

Thanks,

Mark H.

I recently picked up a JT-30 and when I opened it up to look inside the element was stamped with the number MC 101. What type of element is that? Is it a good element?

Greg, when I install a shure CM, do I have to ground the negative side to the shell as wel? I read that that's a good idea with crystal elements to cancel hum. Or is it also done against getting shocked when something shortens out?
And another question : how should a switchcraft 2501F be soldered to a miccable? I've tried to find a walkthrough-description on the web but could not find one. As you might have guessed, I'm not really a whizzkid when it comes to electronics ;-)

I stripped an ald Shure 444 desktop microphone from it's element, a 99B86. On top of the element there's this little disc with a hole in the middle. I believe I read somewhere on the net, Greg, that you allways remove these little discs? Ehm, how can I remove it, it seems to be glued in place? Or is there no sonic difference with or without this little disc? And another thing, would you happen to know if a Shure CM element will fit into an Astatic T3 shell with the swivel intact? Or is this element to deep to go inside the T3 shell with the original swivel in it? continue reading...

Hi Greg,

I just got my Kalamazoo Model 2 in the mail. I love it. It sounds great. I'll be sending it to you within the next few weeks for a line out and the basic work. Everybody says to be careful with these old amps. Besides taking a bath with it, how would I go about killing myself with one of these things?

-Taylor

Hi Greg. I asked the same question in another post but thought it might be wise to start a new topic so you'd might notice it better. continue reading...

Hi Greg,

I know you're not the "amp guy" but you seem to be the Kalamazoo King. I just got a Model 2 off eBay in decent condition for $240. This will be my first vintage amp (I have a Bassman and Super Chamo XD). Anything I should know or be aware/careful of? Will I need to put different tubes in it like I did with my Bassman?

-Taylor

Hi Greg. I hope I've posted this in the correct place, but if not please accept my apologies. I'm just starting down the road of amplified harmonica playing, and thanks to you and other helpful experts I have been able to gather a whole heap of information on microphones. What I'm looking for is some guidance on the quality of cable to buy in order to get the best out of the set up. I really don't know what price point to buy in at, and also wondered if there were some names to look out for. continue reading...