[Harp-L] Mic for acoustic live playing

["Maurice Thaler" <maurice.thaler@xxxxxxxxx>]

Group,

I play both Chicago style blues harmonica as well as doing some backup work
on a band that does jazz, country and some indie pop. With the more
"driving/louder" songs I use my electric rig (either Fender Princeton or
Bassman depending on the room) or I like to play some acoustic style which
works better for some of the country or jazz stuff. 

I have been using a Shure SM86 which requires phantom power, but it has been
a bit of a pain, I have had issues plugging into different P.A.'s. 
I know sometimes it can be a cable issue, but I keep finding that
simplifying setups has been the right direction for me so I am hoping to
avoid phantom power. 

The question: Is there a mid-range, not too expensive mic that you folks
would recommend for my acoustic work?

I see the Shure 545SD-LC Cardioid Dynamic High or Low Z On-Off Switch on
Amazon for $95 which I think was an update on the mic Paul Butterfield used
to use. It looks like you can use it with a P.A. or plug it into a guitar
amp with the right plug since it has that hi-lo Z thing. The thing is
mostly, I am looking to use the mic without cupping the harp to it, so I
don't know if this is the right one. It is however in about the right price
range. Will it work well with in an acoustic mode? If not, what mic would
you recommend (keeping in mind no phantom power and low maintenance)?
I look forward to the group's advice.
Thanks, 
Maurice Thaler

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