Recommendations for a good vocal mic under $400

[zoetrope]

thanks for the tip

I got Scott at ext. 242 and he gave me a great price on their last C1! Hee haw. Guess I'll stop complaining now.

 

[alanhyatt]

zoetrope

First of all, your post is very demanding, and you won't get information out of me by demanding it.

MAP is "mininum advertised price". That is legal and I can enforce what any dealer advertises my mics for on this group, or in print based on the co-op programs we offer and pay for advertising. I can even cut them off it they violate it, MAP. I can't tell any dealer what to sell it for, and from your post you paid $199.99, so what's your beef?

I am not a store, and store's do not tell you their profit margin, even on milk, and I won't tell you either. I put more on the line on these groups than any other manufacturer, but no, you can't have my P&L...that is reserved for my accountant.

I intentionally put a low price on the C1 in order to sell a great mic at a low price in hopes that if customers like the C1, they will look into the C3, and T3. The C3 and T3, are better mics and I have already admitted I make more profit on them, so what's wrong with that?

You sound like a Shark "Lawyer" at a trial the way you demand me to answer your questions about alleged pressure on dealers?
Did you buy your mic for $199.99? Did others on this post buy it for the same, or maybe a bit more or less? If this is the case, what's your problem?

You and others bought a mic for a good price that you could not duplicate if you spent $1,000.00. The dealers seem to have established a street price, and the mic is worth it, or do you disagree with that statement?

Hey, if the dealers we have now seem to be complaining about prices, then I can always just open up Guitar Center, MARS, and Sam Ash. Then I can be just like all the other mics...couldn't I?

 

[zoetrope]

um, right

Well, I said I'd stop complaining, but since you want to draw me back into this, here goes.

First of all, I AM an attorney, though not a shark, and if I really were cross examining you you'd know it by the pee stain on your pants. I'm just asking questions that you are free to answer or not answer, how is that demanding. I've read your replies to people on a lot of posts and you are very defensive. You use the same lines over and over. That tells me a lot, but let's not get into that. You don't like people questioning your tactics, that's for sure. You avoid my question about pressuring dealers to sell at the same price. If this is in fact what you are doing I would be very careful. The DOJ doesn't like that sort of thing. That's Department of Justice to you and me. So far I've talked to 2 sales people who told me there was pressure not to sell below $229. I didn't buy from them. I bought from the one who gave me a fair price. Are you going to call them up and put some pressure on Alan?

Don't answer my demanding questions. Just sit and think about it all. Life is short my friend.

 

[alanhyatt]

Zoetrope,

For the record, this is not about tactics or legal issues. This site is about microphones. You don't have to like me, and I don't have to like you.

My business is none of yours, and how dare you think it is. They are my microphones, and I will distribute them any way I wish to, just as you may practice law anyway you choose. Hey, don't lawyers charge a fixed amount based on the quality of their work?

If I want to set large quantity discounts to squeeze out the smaller dealers if all they want to do is gripe about price, than I can do it. I can change the price right now to $599.99 if I want to, and do special deals with Guitar Center to squeeze out every independent storeowner in the USA. If I choose to GC will sell it for 60% the new list for $239.99. If I do this, then who wins?

What I did is I give the independent music retailers an opportunity to have a product the big chains don't have, and you want to hassle me about it. They should kiss my feet for marketing it the way I elected to. Are you some self righteous guy that want's to be responsible for this happening, or do you think the public is better off getting a good mic at a good deal like you did, regardless of the price they paid for it.

You suggested I call up these dealers, or was that just a leading question? Maybe I will call them up and tell them as a courtesy of you, we have now changed the way we distribute our products and now they can't compete anymore because the small order discount will be the same price GC sells them for.

Do you think I can't find out who you are from the dealer that sold you the mic? That is not a threat, but maybe they would like to know that you're the one that blew it for the rest of the independents in the country. DOJ my ass!

I suggest you re-read your post and view it from the other side. Your questions were very demanding, but perhaps you no longer recognize that. If your intention was otherwise, you would have placed a at the end of it.

I am defensive of my mics. I am defensive of everyone who has never used them that have said unkind things. Do you not defend your clients as vigorously as I defend my mics? If you don’t, I would not want you as my lawyer...thank god for my brothers being attorney's!

At least I let people know who I am. You know who I am while you hide behind some mask and make comments about stuff and never let anyone know who you really are. Come on out fo the closet Zoetroup. Tell us who you are!

Your pee stain comment does not scare me, nor do you. You're just another lawyer screwing up the system we have, and I am a manufacturer adding to the market another mic. So do me a favor, enjoy your microphone and keep out of my affairs. Or sell it to someone who appreciates the $199.00 price.

 

[zoetrope]

Calm down

What I did is I give the independent music retailers an opportunity to have a product the big chains don't have, and you want to hassle me about it. They should kiss my feet for marketing it the way I elected to.

Wow.

You're just another lawyer screwing up the system we have,

Wow.

Do you think I can't find out who you are from the dealer that sold you the mic?

Wow.

Look, I don't like or dislike you. I don't even know you. calm the f@#% down. You want to know who I am? I'll tell you. I'm an attorney who helps people with disabilities get Social Security benefits. I'm also a musician who wanted to buy your microphone but when I called the places listed on your website kept getting the same price. I found that frustrating. I was told twice that this was the result of pressure from above, from PMI. I don't know whether that is true or not, but that's what I was told. Finally I found someone that would give me a square deal. So I bought the mic. You made a sale. Be happy. Relax. I also offered to end this exchange but you drew me back into it.

I got the friggin' mic so let it drop already. And DO NOT try to intimidate me with this "Do you think I can't find out who you are" crap. Do not contact me. Do not harrass me. Talk to your brother the lawyer, you might get some good advice.

And for god's sake calm down.

 

[alanhyatt]

OK, its done, but I still don't know your name.

 

[alanhyatt]

C7,

You want the mic...admit it!

 

[zoetrope]

They call me MISTER TIBBS

I can't imagine a reason for you to know my name, other than to invade my privacy or to harass me.

 

[alanhyatt]

Mr. Tibbs

Now you’re being paranoid, I have no intention of invading your privacy, or to harass you. I may be my brother’s best client, but it is only my mouth that gets me into trouble, I have no criminal tendencies.

I wanted to know your name, because I hate arguing with someone that knows my name, but I don't get to know his or hers. There is nothing more to it than that Mr. Tibbs..If that is your name with all due respect

 

[Queue]

I got the friggin' mic

ZoeTibbs,

Tell us what you think about the friggin' mic!!!!

Queue

 

[chessparov]

zoetrope, (or should I call you Virgil?-Mr. Tibbs first name!) now you're
"really in a heap o' trouble boy" with the dreaded WARRANTY CARD.
I suggest using an elaborate corporate veil to protect your identity.
All kidding aside, I hope you enjoy the C1. Somewhat ironic that you
brought up "In The Heat Of The Night", one of the greatest movies
about two guys with different backgrounds who end up respecting
one another, despite their differences. Now if those two can do it.....

 

[zoetrope]

In the Heat of the BBS

Somewhat ironic that you brought up "In The Heat Of The Night"

I'm glad the irony isn't lost on you, Chessparov. The fact of the matter is I do admire what Hyatt has done as far as bringing these mics out at these prices. I think that's great. I never had a bad impression of the guy until he started bashing me here; not a very sensible strategy considering I was about to purchase his product. But I've seen him do it to other people on other threads, so I guess it's some kind of self destructive thing. Anyway, I'm glad you caught the reference.

Queue, I will be posting my opinion of the mic after I've had it for a while, but I don't even have it yet. So for now, I'll have to leave you with this closing scene:

Gillespie: Well, got your ticket? Here you are. (Gillespie hands him his luggage.)
Virgil: Thank you. (Gillespie offers his hand for a handshake.) Bye-bye.
Gillespie: Bye. (Tibbs climbs the stairs of the train as Gillespie walks away a bit.) Virgil? (Tibbs looks back.) You take care, you hear? (A faint smile crosses both their faces.)
Virgil: Yeah. (Tibbs enters the train car.)

 

[MrZekeMan]

Re: um, right

...if I really were cross examining you you'd know it by the pee stain on your pants.

Zoetrope,

What kind of reaction are you expecting to get by accusing someone of price fixing, then posting this kind of condescending trash. You pick a fight then you squall and sling snot everywhere whining about someone "bashing" you.

If you really are a lawyer it should be pretty easy to follow the line of reasoning, that Alan makes the same off of these mics if they sell them for $229 or $9.99. If he decides they are selling them too cheap, it's an easy solution for him, he raises his price.

You are insulting when you bring this kind of tripe in here. And, being a Social Security lawyer doesn't give you a shroud of holiness. I hope you are a good one that really tries to help people. Unfortunately most SS lawyers are like most lawyers in general; bottom dwelling scum suckers. They let a case drag out for months and months while people are suffering, so they will have a larger check in which to take there % from.

Mind you, I'm not saying you are like this, but we don't know you from Adam. So identifying yourself as a SS lawyer as opposed to any other kind of lawyer gains you no points. IMO

 

[zoetrope]

You're a little late to the game, Zeke. Alan and I already kissed and made up. If you're looking for a fight, look somewhere else.

 

[MrZekeMan]

I never fight, I just speak my mind.

 

[chessparov]

O.K. guys, I'm sure that if we were all hanging out in person,
none of this would have gotten this far. The downside of the
internet, versus face to face conversation is that we miss all
the vocal inflections, body language, etc., that help convey
the true nature of intent. If zoetrope will forgive this amateur's
summation , not only should we "convict" alan of being a good
person, I'm sure the rest of us are too! Basing the judgement
of a person's character on the quality of postings is dubious
at best. While alan wouldn't be my first choice to handle diplomacy
if we had a second Cuban missile crisis, he's providing fine products backed up by his personal service to make sure all is
well. Besides, look at all the entertainment value these threads
have provided. The funniest line was by blinddogblues to c7sus,
something like "I bought the C1 just to piss you off", THAT nearly
made me piss in my pants! (In a different thread of course)

P.S. My suggestion is to meet in the Cave for any discussions
like this one, and to expect to be able to "shake hands"
at the end even if we agree to disagree.

P.P.S. zoetrope, alan has promised pro bono repair on a bbs
member's C1 and I'm sure he'd do the same for you
even if you fill out the warranty card with your name.
That should say something about his character.

 

[zoetrope]

Repair? Crap, I don't even have the damned thing yet and now I have to worry about it breaking?

Hey, where was that promise made? Did you get it in writing?

 

[MrZekeMan]

not only should we "convict" alan of being a good
person, I'm sure the rest of us are too!

I applaud your positivity.

The funniest line was by blinddogblues to c7sus,
something like "I bought the C1 just to piss you off", THAT nearly
made me piss in my pants!

Are you certain zoetrope wasn't cross examining you at the time of the near leakage?

 

[alanhyatt]

Hey Guys, Zoetrop and I are fine. We did kiss and make up, but he is a bad kisser...no offence Zoe, but I did hire him to defend me on the next go around, because you know there will be one.

And Chessparov, I thought for sure I would be your first choice to handle diplomacy if we had a second Cuban missile crisis. AT least you know I would get the job done. When it was over, Id be smokin Castro as a cuban cigar. Hmmmm Castro, maybe he needs a C1.

So now we can all play nice again. for a limited engagement!

 

[chessparov]

zoetrope, it was in the thread called "NT1 vs. C1 vs. C3000B" etc.,
where a C1 ended up submerged in a flood. So you could call it
as being in cyberwriting. If you guys are ever curious, I'll relate
a couple of truly amazing (true!) business stories regarding
the groups "The Four Seasons" and "Simply Red" where the
ethics of those involved outweighed the need for paperwork.
Lest I digess more, I'll post it in the Cave if asked to.
Also, zoetrope, when growing up, I had an opportunity to become friends with one of the best trial attorneys in the
country before he passed on so I know firsthand that being a
good person, and being a good (or great) attorney are not
mutually exclusive. You sound as passionate about law in
general as alan is about his products. I thought I was watching
a rerun of L.A. Law. Next week's episode: spunky ex-Chicago
attorney becomes outspoken ex-New York entrepreneur's
"mouthpiece" to turn the music world upside down-stay tuned!

P.S. alan, anyone with good taste in films can't be all bad.