[Harp-L] RE: Stick mic of choice

[John Kally <jkally3@xxxxxxx>]

Hi guys,
For what it's worth, I use a 540S Shure almost all the time.  It  
doesn't get mentioned much, but it's much like the 545s although  
different cartidge, but with less mass due to a shorter barrel so a  
little lighter to handle.  Pretty good at keeping down feedback and  
lots of bottom.  It also has some interesting features,  they  
originally came with a couple of different  discs that fit under the  
mic grille to take off highs or emphasise them, and a screw on the  
back that when removed is a bass rolloff (I don't suggest doing that  
for harp).   This is still a bargain compared to some other mics; I  
got one for around $60 and then a backup for about half of that.    
Only real issue I've ever had is having to replace the switch,  
something I've also run into on the 545s; you can find them without  
switches but this is a handy feature. These usually have old 4-pin  
connectors like early 545s, and both of mine came with the cords but  
adapters are available.   To see one, go to Dave Barrett's vintage  
harp mic museum  at www.harmonicamasterclass.com  and see his  
comments also.
I do have an  EV  RE 10 that gets mentioned some and of course that  
is also a fine mic, I just prefer the feel of the 540s (and it looks  
cooler, besides)..