Yeah, yeah, I know….it’s that other bullet that’s supposed to be green….but when I acquired this super nice metal badge JT30 Green Label Ceramic model, something just clicked in my head…and I went with it. I truly love the Ceramic version of the JT, and they fortunately are less fragile to some degree than the crystals. A bit brassier tone, breaks up a bit differently to my ear. This particular mic I went full bore on, including matching custom original stand. Tried some new finishing techniques with a “crackle” clear coat, looking to enhance the vintage appearance and appeal. Sweet Green Hammertone on mic and base. The finish on the mic is super glossy, deep and rich, you almost have to hold and feel it to appreciate the texture. Held in a particular way, you can see the crackle effect, much like what is referred to as “checking” in the finish of many vintage guitars. The chrome is close to perfect, no pitting, buffed out beautifully, and topped it off with a new screamin’ Metallic Lime Green grill cloth. The wooden stand handle, originally black, was stripped, sanded, then stained and sealed a dark ebony. All new wiring and fresh gasket. One really fine and very unique looking mic that, with custom stand, will look as great on display as it will sound onstage.

Customs are great…..but sometimes I run across a real vintage jewel like this one, and it’s just too nice to mess with. If you’re looking for the “real deal”, a true untouched vintage JT30 with the highly desired MC 151 crystal element, look no further. I would peg the age of this one as late ’50s – early ’60s, Astatic mics are really hard to pin down date – wise. This one features the full Hammertone finish, on a 10 scale I would peg the output at about 8.5 – 9. A few minor nicks in the grill paint, but all in all a great looking and sounding vintage mic. I always offer to replace the black grill cloth if purchaser desires, this one in particular could use it….or take it as – is. Super nice, gnarly breakup when tightly cupped….sure to please.

Back when I started Tone Pharm, I pretty much customized everything I got my hands on. As I got to know some other builders and had the experience of interacting with more customers I realized that what some folks are seeking is the real deal, a great harp mic but one that is absolutely genuine when it comes to appearance. Here’s one that qualifies for that distinction, ready for your choice of element. This is a Model W80, metal badge, with matching original stand, very nice shape considering it’s age. Even the grill screen is fairly clean and shows no holes or rips. I always offer to replace the grill cloth on every JT that I sell, this one is good enough to keep if you wish. Badge is beautiful “B” series, stand badge equally nice. Any element choice would make this a fantastic sounding mic with an absolutely genuine look and patina. I personally would go with the original hard-wired with-spring cable, no volume control…. keeping the originality, but if you prefer I can add the VC and install a standard 2501 connector. Numerous element choices….including a NOS / NIB vintage Shure R7 crystal element that would make this an impressive true vintage powerhouse. If you “like ’em like they wuz”….you will surely love this one. Give us a call to discuss options and prices on this fine relic.

If Spock had played Blues Harp….I’ll bet he woulda used one of these….what a way cool post – Machine Age / Modernist design. Super quality product from the Golden Age of Electro Voice, this is a kickin’ little crystal harp mic, a great addition to any player’s arsenal. Got that Butterfield vibe with it’s “pistol grip” stand mount design…which houses the on/off switch. Strong Hi-Z output, easy to cup and “crush”, you can really vary response working the ports at the rear side of the mic head. Quite compact, not nearly like some of the big chrome EV dynamics…body above swivel is 5.25 in., screen diameter is 1.5 in., “head” part of shaft is 2.0 in. Standard 2501 screw connector for quick easy mic swaps. Several of these in stock at the moment, price commensurate with condition….CALL FOR PRICE ON THESE!

While it’s not a ’49 Shure “Green Bullet” 520….I still go bonkers when I run across little treasures like this. Like right out of a time capsule, in virtually new condition, box and all, packaging, desiccant, and original sales receipt. What a find!! Fantastic item for the serious collector, perfect like-new condition candidate for harp modification. There were a number of different brands put on this basic Japanese design, with a few variations of grill design as well. The most famous being the Argonne AR 54, sometimes referred to as the “Big Walter” mic. Crystal elements set deep in the housing, also a variety of name stamps…Argonne, Crown, Primo, some simply stamped JAPAN. I usually chop these, but not always, as I can also replace the cable with a standard 2501 connector. Hammertone grey finish, nice blue cloth behind the perfect chrome grill. Tested and approved, strong output and that snarlin’ Chicago tone that these mics are famous for. If you’ve wanted one of these and were waiting for the “cherry” one….what can I say? This is it. Take it as is, or give us a call to discuss modification.

My favorite “pistol grip” dynamic Harp mic….and an easy mic to modify for dedicated harp use. Of course Paul Butterfield was the premier Harp player in the ’60s who favored the Shure mics of this style, and although I don’t believe he used this one, I personally find it hard to beat. Great output and tone, and due to it’s “stubby” shaft and larger diameter head, has excellent balance and is very easy to grip. I like to modify these with volume control in place of the switch, and I can also replace the 3-pin connector with either a 1/4″ standard guitar jack, or the 2501 screw – type connector common on many “bullet” harp mics. See the pix in TPC Harpmics for details, really makes this an awesome harp mic….the 3-pin connectors are scarce and complete cables can be quite expensive. Several of these in stock right now, from nice to near mint….. CALL FOR PRICE ON THESE!

A very rare find from my last expedition….my favorite dynamic Harp mic, the Shure 540S….never sold, In it’s original box with cable, pouch bag and hangtags…in absolutely pristine condition. For the serious collector, or as a dedicated Harp mic….this little beauty is most likely from the late ’50s – early ’60s, and is gorgeous, I didn’t even want to thread it onto a stand for pictures. Pouch has a slight rip on the inside, cable has never been unwound. If you ever wanted one of these fine dynamic mics, this one is like buying it new 60 years ago.

For those who might prefer the “stick” style of harp mic to the bullet variety, here is one which should be considered. Turner Model 566, a Hi-Z dynamic, has a nice gnarly breakup when you really cup it tight and let ‘er rip. It features an on / off switch and the same 2501 connector as found on numerous other mics used as dedicated harp mics, making quick changes too easy. An extremely well built, high quality product, Turner was a huge player in the microphone manufacturing business from 1925 through the late ’60s, swallowed up by Telex in 1979. This particular 566 is in good ++ condition, clean switch, no overt damage. Shape of mic head makes it easy to grip and hold on to. Comes with new 18 ft. cable. Full refund of purchase price if it doesn’t float yer boat!