Chevus
13 posts
Feb 09, 2009
9:01 AM
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I'm interested in finding a mic that I can use for practicing with my low watt amp (Pignose 7-100) and will sound great through bigger amps as I progress as a player. I have been researching various products and trying to listen to clips online, but I could use some solid advice to help me narrow my search.
There seem to be a lot of great mics on the market in the $60 to $150 range, and certain brands/models are referenced quite frequently on the forum. My goal is to spend $100 or less on a quality/durable mic that is also comfortable to hold and play...I like some raunch but don't like it too muddy, if that makes sense.
I have been impressed with the Astatic mics and recently saw a clip for the Astatic T3 (out of production?) that nailed the tone in my head (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRzJXiyL_jM).
What other brands/models should I consider? Also, do I need any other components when connecting the harp mic to an amp, or is it as simple as plug-n-play?
Thanks for your help!
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oda
14 posts
Feb 09, 2009
10:17 AM
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I'm not even in the same situation as you yet, but as I was thinking ahead and dreaming of mics and amps -- I decided that the "Shure 520DX Green Bullet Mic" looked and sounded awesome (I haven't heard it live, from sound clips)
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Chevus
15 posts
Feb 09, 2009
11:19 AM
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Thanks for the reply oda!
The Green Bullet mics seem pretty popular and are close to my price point...I'll look for more clips/reviews.
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oda
15 posts
Feb 09, 2009
1:10 PM
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no prob, glad I could help.
As I reread your post, it seems your not exactly a gigging harpist yet, are you? your just looking for something to jam with, and practice with? If you've never used a mic before (like myself) alternatively, you could get the bottle o blues mic from Jim mcbride. It's a great little thing, and sounds great (I have it) and if you read the reviews, lots of pro-players dig it... so I'd imagine until you really progress and become a better player it'd be a good enough mic (very cheap too) check out all yer options!
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gorignak
13 posts
Feb 09, 2009
4:40 PM
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I play through a pignose 7-100 with just the mic I use to record my guitar (sennheiser e838, not recommending this mic. Although it's good, you could get a sm57 for a lot cheaper) and I get a "muddy-ish" sound when at full volume. The pignose has a naturally overdriven tone, so almost any mic will get you that dirty sound.
But if you are going to be upgrading the amp in the future and you don't want to upgrade the mic, I would get a bottle o blues mic or any other know harmonica mic with good reviews.
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Chevus
17 posts
Feb 09, 2009
7:48 PM
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Thanks gorignak,
There are some good videos on YouTube that feature the Pignose with various harp mics...I'll do some more research/listening!
BTW, I'm just getting reacquainted with the Pignose, it has been on the shelf for a while...Never realized it would make such a nice little practice amp for harp until I saw it on YT.
As for my guitar, I usually don't get a chance to play until the family is in bed, so I use my Korg PX4 w/ headphones. It sounds great and has programmable amp modeling and guitar effects…I’m sure the Korg/Pignose would allow me to get some good tones out of my guitar and harmonica as well!
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Miles Dewar
163 posts
Feb 09, 2009
8:15 PM
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Shure SM57 dynamic-----Oh yeah Baby, Oh Yeah----------
---Go Bears!!! (Richard Dent for Hall of Fame)---
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Buddha
39 posts
Feb 09, 2009
8:15 PM
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re10, re15, EV660 are all pretty much the same mic and can be found for around $20 if you know where to look.
Personally, I think the green bullet sucks.
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Chevus
18 posts
Feb 09, 2009
8:39 PM
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Hey Buddha,
I just listened to clips of the re10 and the EV660...wow, they both sound great and look easy to cup. The guy also mentioned the EV 638, which sounded great as well (his personal favorite).
Are these models all vintage and/or out-of-production...Also, what should I be aware of when buying older mics?
Thanks for the suggestions...These are at the top of my list!
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slowblowfuse
2 posts
Feb 10, 2009
1:13 AM
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You might want to have a peek at www.geocities.com/bottle_o_blues/
Affordable, allround mic with good basic sound.
Ruurd
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Chevus
19 posts
Feb 10, 2009
6:11 AM
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Wow that's 2 for the Bottle-o-Blues. It’s very affordable and gets some great sounds on the videos I've seen. Has anyone played one...Does it seem durable?
One reviewer liked the sound quality but questioned the durability over time. In his opinion, he preferred a more solid outer shell for his needs as a touring musician…He added that it would work well for gigs, beginners, or as a back-up mic.
I’ll have to give this one a second look!
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schaef6o
2 posts
Feb 10, 2009
11:47 AM
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I have a green bullet 520d and a astatic jt30 im looking to sale.thought id try here before ebay.
Last Edited by on Feb 10, 2009 12:04 PM
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Maciekdraheim
15 posts
Feb 10, 2009
3:09 PM
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Hi! If you are looking for something not expensive and good sounding, check the Superlux D112. It's a Green Bullet like mic, for about 70$. I've tested it in a local music store along with a Shure 520DX Green Bullet and yes, it sounded a bit different, but any worse to my ears. If you want something vintage, chech Ron's Sunshine mics (youtube nick: GoldenBug). I've got a great Astatic 10C from him, really superb toy!
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Chevus
22 posts
Feb 10, 2009
5:46 PM
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Thanks, I looked at Ron Sunshine's page on eBay, but there were only a few items listed...I really liked the re 10 clips he posted on YouTube...I'll check back periodically to see if he adds new mics.
I appreciate all the comments!
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jbone
13 posts
Feb 11, 2009
4:42 AM
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a high impedance mic will give you a real strong signal in the 7-100. to the point of feedback and fairly low volume. any cheep low impedance mic may be the ticket.
look in some flea markets and junk shops for old recording mics like from cassette players.
i blew harp through a danelectro dirty thirty with a cheap radio shack condenser mic for about a year. even with matching impedance- they are both low-z- i couldn't tuern up real loud it it just squealed, but it worked well for small venues and for practice.
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Bluzdude46
17 posts
Feb 13, 2009
6:03 AM
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I play Bullet mics but most of mine have older CM elements in them that are getting pricey. I have a Sonotone ceramic mic that is real nice all around mic, it's good in a tube amp it's good straight into a sound board as well. Just cut the treble way back to get a nice warm tone. Keep your eye on ebay they come up occasionally. I got mine for $85 USD. It's my dependable back up mic. I just looked and there is one on Ebay right now. You may also want to check into the Shaker mics. basic mics for decent price. Lets you figure out what you like-don't like before you buy a best quality microphone.
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Chevus
24 posts
Feb 13, 2009
9:28 AM
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Hey Buddha,
Where do you typically find the best selection/deals on your EV mics (online, pawn shops, or another source)? I'd love to purchase one or more if the price is right. I'm thinking re-10, 635a, 676, or 623...These models look comfortable to play and all sound similar, at least on the YouTube clips.
BTW, I have zero experience with harp mics...Are most of these ready to use with guitar/harp amps, or do they need special cords and/or connectors? Also, do you prefer certain models over others and why?
Thanks for your help!
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