Mics

[Thomas Hinkle <hinkl_th@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have a couple of basic questions about mics.  I have tried out several
mics in stores now, at spread apart times, so I don't remember much.  I
remember that the ball mic felt really akward, so I don't want to use one
of those.  I tried out a strange shaped one (is this what you call
bullet-shaped?) that is somewhat triangular, and it fit my hand well. 
Somebody was talking about a pick-up they had for their harp a while back
on this here list.  Are these common?  Can they be baught, or did he
fashion it himself?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of these?  What
is the best mic for getting a consistent volume throughout the harp, (I
love to switch from little low riffs to a wailing on 9 and 10 blow) 
Finally, is it practical to just play as SBWII did, that is, to play
without cupping the mic and to simply stand back a bit from the mic and
play as you would acoustically?  Thanks in advance for any input.  Oh, one
last thing, what are favored brands in the cheap category(I don't exactly
have a steady income to fund my musical endeavors.:)

			-Tom-