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

universal mike

3 replies [Last post]
Fri, 05/06/2011 - 07:31
J.A.
J.A.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 03/21/2010

Recently I saw a Universal Microphone, serialnumber 5465.

What are your thoughts about this mike? And what would be a reasonable price?

Top
Tue, 05/10/2011 - 18:30
#1
Mic Expert Frit...
Mic Expert Fritz Hasenpusch's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/16/2010
UNIVERSAL MICROPHONE

Hello S.H.,
Can't say I'm familiar with the numerical designation. Most of the mics from UNIVERSAL of Inglewood, California (which claimed to be the first "independent" microphone builder in America) were designated by a two letter code. I'm familiar with several of these. If possible, send a picture. That should solve the mystery.

Top
Sat, 05/21/2011 - 09:08
#2
J.A.
J.A.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 03/21/2010
photo's and letter-code

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7638/image201105210005.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6585/image201105210001.jpg

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6351/image201105090001.jpg

It says KD at the back of the microphone.

I had to tell hi from Joe Powers. He visited me last week. ;)

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Joost from Amsterdam

Top
Thu, 05/26/2011 - 14:48
#3
Mic Expert Frit...
Mic Expert Fritz Hasenpusch's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/16/2010
UNIVERSAL MICROPHONE

Thanks for the additional info, Joost. UNIVERSAL produced a handful of mic designs for 'communications and amateur radio applications', some with crystal elements and some with early dynamic elements -like your KD, which does indeed seem to have its original dynamic element. There were two sizes of this shell style as I recall, the larger were the 'KD' dynamic and 'KC' crystal, the smaller were the 308 dynamic and the 312 crystal. They don't often surface and few people seem to know about them. There are a couple examples pictured on David's website, one of which is an example of the smaller bodied model of mine that once belonged to my great-uncle, Jack Arbuckle.
As for current market value? I've honestly never seen one for sale. Search the make and model and you might get lucky...

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