Ask Harp Mic Expert Greg Heumann

Hi Greg!
came across a Shure 99C86 NA element in good shape. I saw an ebay add where someone "boosted" the low z with a "transformer" and it was super hot after that.
Can you share which transformer is the best for this and any needed info?
Thanks
Nick

Hi Greg,

Can you make an Ultimate PE54, low Z, volume controlled mic with a Bulletizer?

Thanks!

Hi Greg,

I've got a NOS in box japanese crystal element. The box says : philmore CM300 crystal mic replacement cartridge.
Are you familiar with those? I have not tested it yet. You might know these elements and know that they are rubbish. If so, then I don't need to bother testing it. Atleast it does not rattle and has no corrosion on the back.

Hi Greg, what is the difference between a MC-151 silverface crystal and a 151 blackface crystal element, is one better than the other. Thanks in advance

Hi Greg, I got an Astatic T3 from a friend.
It's all original and is attached to a stand with base. What do I have to do to make it into a good harpmic?
( without the stand and base and all. Just chop it? )

Thanks for your answer.

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. continue reading...

It has been a while since I've posted a topic of my own in this forum. I don't want to guess - I'd much rather know what you're wondering. If it comes to amplifying your harmonica, I have thoughts! I have ideas! I have opinions!

So go ahead! Ask!

There are NO stupid questions here. They didn't teach you this stuff in high school.

/Greg

.Got it

I picked up an EV re 10 last week that looks to be in very good condition. In adapting from low to high Z I am at a loss though. I currently go wireless most of the time with a Kinder blue box in the mix just in front of going into a bassman. I use either a Turner or (and I really like it) the Electro-Vox set up with the little "pencil" mic and power pac. I also have the option of using my Harp KIng 6x10, but at my advanced age, find it more and more difficult to handle. continue reading...

Happy New Year, everyone!

Today I wanted to answer another very common question (which nobody here asked....) What is the difference between CM and CR elements?

First - "CM" means "Controlled Magnetic" and "CR" means "Controlled Reluctance" and the difference in terminology was simple a marketing decision Shure made.

It turns out there were many evolutions of the element Shure put in its bullet style microphones. Chronologically, it went like this, from mid-forties to today:   continue reading...