Inexpensive ribbon mic?

[macros4]

Whats the lowest price out there for a decent ribbon mic? The royers are out of my pricerange - are the Beyers perchance cheaper? Is a ribbon a good idea for classical strings and woodwinds or should i go with SD condensor instead?
Thanks
Macros4

 

[knownuttin]

I'll let someone else tell you what they're good for, but yes, the Beyers can be had for less than the Royers, generally. I'm getting a hypercardioid, the M260, modded by the same guy that did Harvey's, for like $365 used. That's $225 for the mic, $125 for the mod. If you're interested, go to stephensank.com and email or call him.

Having said that, I'd probably reach for a small diaphram condenser, possibly an omni depending on the space, for the applications you're talking about that. Still, seek more educated opinions than mine. Perhaps Mr. Gerst will respond to this.
-kent

 

[h kuhn]

try to find them on ebay.de, i saw a pair of m260 going for less than 200 euro recently, I got one in good condition for 150.

 

[petimar]

Ribbons

I have recorded on many types of ribbons in studios, 44bx, Coles, 77's, B and O's, Sures. Currently, I own the Royer R121 and the Beyer M160 ribbon mics. The Royer is grand, the Beyer decent. I haven't had it re ribboned, but will send it soon.

I am a fiddler, not a violinist, but my experience and many others in the fiddling world is ribbons are made for fiddles. Tend to smooth out the sometimes harsh sounds the bow noise makes.

Try different positions with ribbon mics. often you cant get much gain with them, so you need to mic fairly close. The position I've found that works best for my instrument is over the headstock at the level of my forehead, pointed at my chin. I get very clear sound with very little bow noise.

Also, anybody tried the new phantom powered Royers? did you like them?

Pete