AKG 451/CK-1 question

[Gantt Mann Kushner]

I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
needed new capsules.
The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
share any experience
w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?

Thanks,

Gantt

[david]

In article <3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>, Gantt Mann Kushner
<gizmo@his.com> wrote:

> I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> needed new capsules.
> The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> share any experience
> w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gantt


Is this true? I thought they still sent back a CK-1?



David Correia
Celebration Sound
Warren, Rhode Island

CelebrationSound@aol.com
www.CelebrationSound.com

[Richard Morrow]

Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message news:<3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>...
> I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> needed new capsules.
> The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> share any experience
> w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gantt

>Hi.
I don't know much about the new capsule, but if you are unhappy with
the result, get a B.L.U.E. lollipop to replace the capsule and you
will have a tuned c-12 capsule sitting on top of your mike giving it
quite a sound. Comes close to my U-87i MT in cardioid pattern.
Regards,
R. Morrow
Purely Analog

[Gantt Mann Kushner]

Is this a true fact? How much do they cost?

gantt

Richard Morrow wrote:

> Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message news:<3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>...
> > I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> > needed new capsules.
> > The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> > share any experience
> > w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Gantt
>
> >Hi.
> I don't know much about the new capsule, but if you are unhappy with
> the result, get a B.L.U.E. lollipop to replace the capsule and you
> will have a tuned c-12 capsule sitting on top of your mike giving it
> quite a sound. Comes close to my U-87i MT in cardioid pattern.
> Regards,
> R. Morrow
> Purely Analog

[Charles Robertson, Psy.D.]

Do you know of a good source for the B6 capsule only?
chuck robertson

"Richard Morrow" <rbmrocket@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13bb29a2.0308210310.36e58732@posting.google.c om...
> Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message
news:<3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>...
> > I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> > needed new capsules.
> > The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> > share any experience
> > w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Gantt
>
> >Hi.
> I don't know much about the new capsule, but if you are unhappy with
> the result, get a B.L.U.E. lollipop to replace the capsule and you
> will have a tuned c-12 capsule sitting on top of your mike giving it
> quite a sound. Comes close to my U-87i MT in cardioid pattern.
> Regards,
> R. Morrow
> Purely Analog

[Gantt Mann Kushner]

It's too late. They did the repair and shipped it.

Gantt

see12mic@hotmail.com wrote:

> They should repair your cap to spec. Accept nothing less, or move on
> to a dozen repairmen who'll do ya right.
>
> Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message news:<3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>...
> > I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> > needed new capsules.
> > The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> > share any experience
> > w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Gantt

[Mike Rivers]

In article <3F44BC00.B346D806@his.com> gizmo@his.com writes:

> Is this a true fact? How much do they cost?

Quite a bit more than having your C451 capsule replaced. This is
pretty much getting a whole new mic, quite unlike the C451. I was
willing to do this to one of my three Beyer M260s that needed a new
ribbon when Stephen Sank suggested putting in an RCA 77 ribbon. This
completely changed the mic and now I have two M260s and almost a 77DX.
But if you need a C451, you won't get it with the C12-like BLUE
capsule. I'm told that this is an excellent combination if you're
ready to give up a C451, or supplement it by changing the capsule.


> > I don't know much about the new capsule, but if you are unhappy with
> > the result, get a B.L.U.E. lollipop to replace the capsule




--
I'm really Mike Rivers - (mrivers@d-and-d.com)

[Kurt Albershardt]

Charles Robertson, Psy.D. wrote:
>
>> I don't know much about the new capsule, but if you are unhappy with
>> the result, get a B.L.U.E. lollipop to replace the capsule and you
>> will have a tuned c-12 capsule sitting on top of your mike giving it
>> quite a sound. Comes close to my U-87i MT in cardioid pattern.
>
>
> Do you know of a good source for the B6 capsule only?
> chuck robertson

http://www.bluerestorationstore.com/lollipop_larg_dia.html

[David Satz]

Gantt Mann Kushner wrote:

> I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville.
> They both needed new capsules. The CK-1 is no longer available so
> they used CK-66 capsules.

That is odd--six or eight months ago I had a C 451 / CK 1 repaired
by AKG in Nashville, and they definitely worked on (repaired) the
capsule for me, at very reasonable cost.

--best regards

[see12mic@hotmail.com]

Just a few notes from my experience: I've had four 451/CK1's all were
sent to AKG Nashville for servicing, I kept the 2 that were close
sonicly. The caps were recorded before and after the work, the
character remained the same on 3 of them, those had output (amp)
issues mostly, the 4th was dull, and was made to sound like the
others.
If they are using a new capsule design, it's really, really close to
the CK1, and I would forget worrying about it, unless you just don't
like it. I have had some good friends in the ranks of AKG and it
strikes me that these guys would not reinvent the wheel without good
reason. The exceptions are the new "tube" line. And their reason was
to make a lot of money on history. But the 451 is not a tube mic.
It's capsule was introduced "after" AKG became a mass production
oriented company. They have also "reissued" the 451, presumably to
those wishing that sound. (I know it's a fixed head model). So
switching doesn't make sense.
If you sent in a C12 for a replacement capsule, well, you'd get the
teflon version and you'd be pissed, but you wouldn't because you read
rec.audio. They did a really nice job on my 451's, and worked hard to
match them up.

Next, I own the B6 lolli, go to the BLUE site and see if they are
still on sale at $450. Worth every penny. These are really cool mics.
Terrific on background vocals, perfect lead for the right voice. Great
on acoustic guitar. I used to have access to an early 414 which had
the C12 brass capsule. And this combo comes closer to that sound that
any 414's that came later. I a/b'd with a pal's 414TL, which I thought
was a pretty good mic, and we both prefered the 451/Blue on vocal and
guitar. Similar sound, but the 414 was "boxier".

Anyone out there get a lolli with the "M7" soundalike capsule? I was
curious how that would sound...

see12mic

Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message news:<3F44DE3E.7BFE93F1@his.com>...
> It's too late. They did the repair and shipped it.
>
> Gantt
>
> see12mic@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> > They should repair your cap to spec. Accept nothing less, or move on
> > to a dozen repairmen who'll do ya right.
> >
> > Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote in message news:<3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>...
> > > I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> > > needed new capsules.
> > > The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> > > share any experience
> > > w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > >
> > > Gantt

[Kurt Albershardt]

see12mic@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> I have had some good friends in the ranks of AKG and it
> strikes me that these guys would not reinvent the wheel without good
> reason. The exceptions are the new "tube" line. And their reason was
> to make a lot of money on history. But the 451 is not a tube mic.
> It's capsule was introduced "after" AKG became a mass production
> oriented company.

AFAIR the 451 used hand-finished capsules and the serious automation
didn't set in until the C460B era.



> Next, I own the B6 lolli, go to the BLUE site and see if they are
> still on sale at $450. Worth every penny. These are really cool mics.
> Terrific on background vocals, perfect lead for the right voice. Great
> on acoustic guitar. I used to have access to an early 414 which had
> the C12 brass capsule. And this combo comes closer to that sound that
> any 414's that came later. I a/b'd with a pal's 414TL, which I thought
> was a pretty good mic, and we both prefered the 451/Blue on vocal and
> guitar. Similar sound, but the 414 was "boxier".

I'm hoping to try Hank Alrich's B.L.U.E. lollipop capsule on one of my
modified C460B bodies this Fall.



> Anyone out there get a lolli with the "M7" soundalike capsule? I was
> curious how that would sound...

I'm also interested in the differences between these.

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Gantt Mann Kushner <gizmo@his.com> wrote:

> Is this a true fact? How much do they cost?

I think he's referring to the Blue B6 and B7 capsules, which are said to
mimic, respectively, the C-12 and the M-7 caps. I have the B6; I think
it's mighty fun and fine with a C451 amp. One of these days Kurt
Albershardt will bring over a Jim Williams' modded 460 for comparison.

--
hank alrich * secret mountain
audio recording * music production * sound reinforcement
"If laughter is the best medicine let's take a double dose"

[LeBaron & Alrich]

Charles Robertson, Psy.D. <crobertson@cox-internet.com> wrote:

> Do you know of a good source for the B6 capsule only?
> chuck robertson

I bought mine directly from Blue a few years ago.

--
hank alrich * secret mountain
audio recording * music production * sound reinforcement
"If laughter is the best medicine let's take a double dose"

[John]

>> Do you know of a good source for the B6 capsule only?
>> chuck robertson
>
>I bought mine directly from Blue a few years ago.

I just bought one from the Blue Restoration Store (www.bluemic.com) about a
month ago, for $450. I'll agree with Hank's previous posts - a great mic, and
really great for the investment (which for me, included an Ebay-purchased 451e
preamp for $150 or so).

John

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

I've heard horror stories about people sending in their C12a's and
getting them back with new teflon capsules. Apparently the service
department at AKG likes to keep the hard-to-find originals. I wonder
if that's the deal with your CK-1's as well? Maybe they needed a
little work, so AKG gave you some cheap new ones and pocketed the old
CK-1's to refurb and sell. If I were to send an old mike to AKG, I
would insist in advance that all removed parts be returned to me.

ulysses

In article <3F444C67.363B10FE@his.com>, Gantt Mann Kushner
<gizmo@his.com> wrote:

> I just had my beloved AKG 451's repaired by AKG in Nashville. They both
> needed new capsules.
> The CK-1 is no longer available so they used CK-66 capsules. Can anyone
> share any experience
> w/ the CK-66? Am I gonna be bummed when I get these mics back?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gantt
>

[Ty Ford]

In Article <230820030405104472%ulysses@rollmusic.com>, Justin Ulysses Morse
<ulysses@rollmusic.com> wrote:
>I've heard horror stories about people sending in their C12a's and
>getting them back with new teflon capsules. Apparently the service
>department at AKG likes to keep the hard-to-find originals. I wonder
>if that's the deal with your CK-1's as well? Maybe they needed a
>little work, so AKG gave you some cheap new ones and pocketed the old
>CK-1's to refurb and sell. If I were to send an old mike to AKG, I
>would insist in advance that all removed parts be returned to me.
>
>ulysses

Dear U,

I researched this and have contacted AKG about this several years ago. Since
then this "horror story" has come back to haunt this newsgroup on at least
two occasions of which I am aware. There may have been more.

Sarita Stewart and Norbert Sobol at AKG had never heard the story. Sarita
had been there (AKG US) about six years. Norbert has been there almost
forever, albeit in Germany. They were somewhat amazed by the story and we
sat around drinking coffee at NAB discussing the rumor and many other things
microphonic. Their response was "Huh?"

Details of the event are never clear. Did the mic sent in for repair have a
totally crapped out capsule that was unfixable? Was any mention made of any
communication other than fix the mic? In the absence of any other
communication, if the best way to fix a mic with a shot capsule at a certain
price was to replace the capsule, the only course of action would been to
replace the capsule.

To the anticipated thought, "Any capsule is rebuildable", I respond, maybe,
but at what price.

Your sentences, "Apparently the service department at AKG likes to keep the
hard-to-find originals....Maybe they needed a little work, so AKG gave you
some cheap new ones and pocketed the old CK-1's to refurb and sell." are
particularly bothersome because they imply that this "practice" is ongoing.
If the capsules were refurbished to sell, why is it that we haven't heard
about them being sold?

Your efforts to breathe life into what may have happend once (or even
several times) 10 or 15 years ago and without any details regarding the
complete story makes you guilty of being a rumor monger. I've come to expect
so much more from you and will again in the near future.

Regards,

Ty Ford


For Ty Ford V/O demos, audio services and equipment reviews,
click on http://www.jagunet.com/~tford

[Justin Ulysses Morse]

Ty Ford <tford@jagunet.com> wrote:

> Dear U,
>
> Your efforts to breathe life into what may have happend once (or even
> several times) 10 or 15 years ago and without any details regarding the
> complete story makes you guilty of being a rumor monger. I've come to expect
> so much more from you and will again in the near future.


Yeah, okay. My sorry.

ulysses