Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: 1950s vintage microphones

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dramafreak21
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Topic: 1950s vintage microphones
Posted: 2/10/08 at 4:59pm

Hello all!

I'm new to the boards, but have been lurking around reading posts. I love how helpful everyone is! That's the way theatre should be! :)

Now to my question. I am in need of three vintage microphones that look like they are from the 50s. The show I am doing takes place in the Catskills in 1960 and the 1950's "Elvis-style" microphones would be perfect. I am just wondering if anyone has any idea where I could find them. They don't necessarily have to work. They just need to fit onto a modern/standard mic stand.

I have looked on eBay and tried to find other sources online, but it's a bit tricky! Any ideas?

Thanks!

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JoeMc
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 5:44pm

Here is a McCarthy eara Microphone which was made by Kurt Muller a fellow member here & an Aussie - of course!;-

http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2414

[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

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Linda S
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 6:07pm

The Elvis style microphones are still being manufactured: Shure 55SH Series II Vintage style microphone. I have done a number of "Radio Show" type shows set in the 40's and 50's. I only used vintage mics once. It was sound nightmare. I want the old look with the new sound quality and reliability. You should expect to pay around $150 for them. They do have some for sale on ebay occasionally.

Linda

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dramafreak21
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 7:43pm

I may need two that work, but we are most likely hooking up our four backup singers with wireless mics so the need for them to work isn't top priority. The third one doesn't need to work at all as all actors will have wireless mics. I pretty much just want the look of them and that's it. Are there any prop shops that anyone knows of or anything like that?

Thanks for the link, JoeMc, but the picture doesn't show up!

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Topper
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 9:25pm

If you just want to rent them, you can check out http://www.microphonerentals.com/
They have a complete catalogue of vintage microphones and other old-fashioned electronics available.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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DramaMamaStill
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 10:04pm

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=elvis+mic&category0=

I just did a quick ebay search and found these... the key to EBAY is to think like the seller ... I used the term Elvis Mic and got a pretty nice group of listings

I was lucky enough to find a vintage one at our local resale place. Unfortunately it was right after we finished forever plaid :(

Life is Mysterious don't take it too serious

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dramafreak21
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Posted: 2/10/08 at 11:13pm

I thought I would update and say that I've found some Nady PCM-200 that look similar (search Google images). They aren't quite as pretty looking, but they are between 60 and 80 dollars. I think they could pass. I'd love your opinion just in case the few cheaper Shure's from eBay don't pan out.

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Kurt_Klone
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Posted: 2/15/08 at 1:33am

Originally posted by JoeMc

Here is a McCarthy eara Microphone which was made by Kurt Muller a fellow member here & an Aussie - of course!;-

http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2414

Sorry, Joe. I removed that pic a while ago. I only just now saw your post. Thanks for the compliment, by the way. Smile

Kurt

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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup

Topic: 1950s vintage microphones( Topic Closed)