Re: Hohner 1490 Blues Blaster Harmonica Mic

["david j. brown" <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with Richard that testing each mic with whatever amp(s) it will be
used with is crucial, especially if you are looking at a 1490. The crystal
elements vary (sometimes greatly) from one to another. A good one has clear
cut with nice crunch depending on the amp. Someone else's response mentioned
that Hohner took these out of production but I believe they have brought
them back ( I think I saw a press release from July 2003 on it). If this is
true I cannot say whether Hohner changed the element on the new ones or not.
It wouldn't surprise me if they switched it to a dynamic element like they
did for the Shure 520DX. I don't want to jump on somebody else's thread here
but has anybody heard about any of this 1490 reissue story? It might be
helpful for Jude to know.

> From: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Organization: Turtle Hill Productions
> Reply-To: Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2003 11:09:09 -0400
> To: PL500@xxxxxxx, Harp-L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: Hohner 1490 Blues Blaster Harmonica Mic
> 
> 
> Andrew wrote:
> "For the money you can get a a much better harp mic (than the Blues
> Blaster) at a better price. Look around for a Shure 57 used or an old
> Shure 545SD or Shure 545S.  Any of these three is a much better
> microphone than the Blues Blaster. Try the Shure 57 first..."
> 
> I agree that these are all good mics, and the Shure 57 at a current new
> price of about $80 (used at $50 and down) is a good deal for a mic that
> will last a lifetime and be useful for all sorts of projects.  Entire
> bands have been recorded for commercial projects with this mic.  It's
> popular with pros from Rob Paparozzi to Clint Hoover to Toots
> Thielemans, too, as the Pro Pages at my website (see the URL below)
> demonstrate.
> 
> However, I'm very much aware lately that different mics intereact with
> specific amps in very different ways.  A mic that sounds wonderful with
> one amp may sound terrible with another.  Further, a given player's idea
> of a "great sound" may vary dramatically from that of another player's,
> and ultimately what matters most is whether the sound inspires the
> player. 
> 
> Therefore, my advice is that anyone considering a mic should try that
> mic in combination with the amp (and any other outboard gear) that will
> be used with the mic. The best way to do that is to go to the local
> store with money in one hand and amp in the other, plug in, and check it
> out.    
> 
> If you get an incredible deal, of course, just buy the mic.  I picked up
> one mic at a yard sale for $1.  Not a lot of downside risk there.
> 
> Thanks and regards, Richard Hunter
> htttp://www.hunterharp.com
> 
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