U47-style bodies - who can make one?

[Peps]

The next logical train-of-thought would be to have the headbasket milled from solid brass rod-stock on a lathe.
Because of the required geometry (and the fact that you're now hollowing out a solid rod) the cost would be much more.
Also, it will take a sophisticated machine to make the part in this manner.

But I am extremely glad that you guys brought this up again!
Because, now that I think about it, the extra cost of this one-piece design surely won't be much more (maybe even less) than the cost of assembly of the 4-piece design.

As stated before I obviously know nothing about metalwork - but how about a TWO-piece design? The lower ring as is and the siderails as a part of the upper ring? Just an idea from a feeble hearted A-crowd non-fundamentalist ...

Peps

 

[MATTI]

I´m for option A, I don´t have the means for welding and finishing

Matti

 

[Skylar]

tommypiper,

Even with a one-piece, you will still be able to experiment with mesh options.

Aside from the fact that it's not technically made from several pieces, the one-piece would be no different than the 4-piece.

The dimensions are still identical.

 

[Davo]

I don't mind putting the thing together..... but I'd prefer option A, specifically because I'd
rather have the headbasket plated, rather than brass.  The one piece looks great too.

In any case, kick ass job as usual Skylar!!!! ;D

 

[plumsolly]

I am in the option A camp as well - no good at metal work. Even with the setbacks, this project is still super exciting - thanks Skyler, for all your hard work.
Best, Ben

 

[Skylar]

Hey, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you to everyone for all of the compliments.

It really does mean a lot to me!

I sincerely appreciate everyone's support, feedback, and discussion.

 

[1954U1]

Skylar, you're incredible.
Millions of thanks for your continuous work, support and documentation on this project.

About the one-piece vs more-pieces issue..
my first thought was "lets do it like the original".
Moreover, I fear that  the one-piece option would not be echonomically acceptable..
shouldnt be the one-piece of brass carved from solid?
But dont know, I'm not expert, and also maybe this [1 piece - more pieces] is a sonically unsubstantial difference,

All that said, I'm fine with both A and B options.
I'm really curious also on how it would look a not-finished body 

 

[Skylar]

Regarding sonics,

I think the things that make the biggest impact on how the headbasket influences sound are:

1) mesh specs/configuration

2) inner geometry of headbasket chamber

3) overall headbasket dimensions (diameters, lengths, widths, depths of all sections)

4) materials (metals vs plastics vs rubbers vs etc., etc.)


You can put a check mark next to all of those with either the 4-piece or 1-piece designs.



one-piece on the left. four-piece on the right.

 

[tommypiper]

OK, well, if it's exactly the same dimensions and design... I can live with it.  :  Thanks for explaining.

I would prefer something like the real deal, if you could assemble some kits and parts for the few of us who will try building them...  that would be the coolest.

At this point... fatigue is setting in... 

And we all just bought shock mounts from Rimshot without mics to put in them...

...so far... 

Thanks for perservering...

 

[stitch-o]

At this point... fatigue is setting in... 

Patience is the pearl, good brothers.

Skylar:
Firstly, I'm an option A looser. Too many other projects to add this to the list.
Secondly, This project is still freakin' amazing!! Million thanks!!


Cheers!

 

[riggler]

Skylar,

I am in for option B, as I want an M-50 style headbasket for my sphere-mounted KK-83 capsules. This would be perfect for me, to have the mesh to form on my own. I would mod the stock headbasket support rails for what I need.

Would the mesh pieces come cut or whole? (Whole is better for me but I'd venture most here probably would like it already cut to fit, which I understand 100%).

Also, there is a wire cloth company out of NJ that may be able to supply you if things go south. Found them on the net.
http://www.njwirecloth.com/index.shtml

Thanks!

 

[buschfsu]

option A here.  i want this thing to look great.  dont trust my metal work skills.  i enjoy diy electronics.  i cant stand the casework/metalwork part

 

[azander]

im in the option A boat. dont have the confidence for the other. the one piece design looks nice as well! gets the job done.

 

[fazeka]

If it means anything, I fall into the option A category as well. This project still has plenty of DIY even with that option.

 

[Nora]

I wouldn't mind diy'ing the headbasket. I would like it to be finished though, not plain brass. And I have no idea where to that around here. Plus finishing one mic is really expensive I guess ...

either way, keep up the good work 

 

[jdbakker]

Stupid question: how do you get the mesh into the one-piece headbasket? I don't see any way that doesn't require folding the (layered) mesh, which may not be a good idea.

Am I missing something here?

JDB.

 

[matta]

Hey Skylar,

Sorry to read of your hick-ups, and thank you for sticking it all out! I'm also in the Group A camp, me and metal work spells certain disaster and to spend the money I have on the project thus far (electronics/capsule/mount etc) I'm happy having to pay more for you or someone of your fabricating stature to make it look great 

Matt

 

[riggler]

Do you guys think that the headbasket shape is critical for an M-50 type mic? I might as well move to the option A group if it's not a big deal. I researched the original M50 and it used a 3 layer mesh just like Skylar, however it's slanted, not round. BUT, the TLM50 uses a U47 type head with what looks like no fine mesh at all. Now, I don't have the luxury of hearing them both but I'd like to get your opinions on the matter. Sorry to go a little off-topic Skylar!

The best for me would be to get the parts (the mesh is tough to get at a decent price), but I realize that it will be a pain in the butt to do this 2 ways. I'll be happy either way.

This has probably been mentioned before but How Its Made did an episode you can see on Youtube of Neumann making U87s. Very good detail shown on how they make headbaskets.

 

[desol]

Putting the grill headbasket together doesn't look too complicated? Looks easier than a snap together model?  

So, i'm assuming after all the solder paste/parts are in place....it goes into an oven? Hmm..

Lining up the 3 layer mesh holes as per the original might be tricky. Hmm..

Are the parts finished already? How was the original finished? At first we were discussing a polished headbasket...but is the wired mesh finished with something the same thing...different? I'm confused...

  Maybe it isn't that easy?  ;D

 

[JW]

I'm in feeble hearted camp "A" also.