Crystal Mic Repair Question

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

My Astatic JT-30 has a Crystal Element and has been cutting out the past few times I've played (harmonica) through it. It is now dead, but will make crackly attempts at reproducing sound when I speak loudly into it.

Anyone have experience replacing the elements in these? Is this how an element behaves when it's onthe way out?

Should I open the thing up and see if it's just a connection???

Thanks. OWz

 

[tarnationsauce2]

The diaphragm may have come disconnected from the piezo element.
Or the crystal could be degraded, especially if it's a rochele salt and not ceramic. I'm fairly sure the JT-30 uses ceramic, but don't quote me on that.
Or It's an electrical connection. Depending on the piezo, the connections directly to them can be a pita to solder. With any luck it's just an XLR connection that's loose or disconnected.

Here is a great JT-30 dedicated site, you should find lots of info and replacement parts should you need them: http://www.jt30.com/

 

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

ouch! $150 to replace it. I bet my mic has the replacement grill, though. The serial number of mine dates to the '30s, and I *know* that the grill looks too nice to be original.

Guess I'll open it up and look for a bad solder or connection

 

[Obi-Wan zenabI]

bumpin' ....