Well...we're cruisin' right along here re-building the stock. We will be completely restocked again on Tuesday the 20th. I would have liked to have been re-stocked by Friday, but we've been taking our time to make sure we get it right. As I said before, our primary goal is to continue to provide the "gearheads" of the world with the finest mic gaskets available anywhere. I think we've done just that.
There will be a price increase to $10.00 per gasket effective Tuesday May 20, 2008. I deeply regret the increase but it is necessary.
On a happier note, you will be noticing some exciting additions coming in the next few week...they will be happening slowly, nothing drastic so pay close attention. I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet, but you're gonna love it...trust me.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me or call me anytime on the phone.
Thanks for your support and your patience.
Jeff
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To determine which style you have, turn the mic grill upside down and measure the space between the gasket seat and the notch using two quarters. The old style will be approximately the depth of one quarter (1.75 mm), the newer style will be approximately the width of two quarters (3.5 mm). Some really old Astatics like the model A, have no notch at all. Those will take the old-style gasket.

These are vinyl decals for custom painting flames on your mic. They're designed for JT-30's but they should work for other similar bodies. I haven't used them on anything except the JT's though. I have positives and negatives of the flame pattern, plus some negatives of the astatic logo. Click on the image for a larger look. Below is what a painted version of the flames looks like. I haven't done any custom mic jobs in quite a while now, and I have no use for these. Take them off my hands. If you're interested in one or a dozen, pop me an email and I'll make you a deal. Not many left!

Got a 151, 127, or R7 crystal that shakes like a maraca? I need 'em. They make great molds for gaskets. I'll trade you a gasket for two dead elements. Sorry, I don't need any Astatic 101, Argonne or other oddball crystals.
These gaskets have some sort of imperfection in color or shape. Mostly, they have bubbles in the rubber. The imperfections are primarily cosmetic, though there are some that have a major structural defect. Stock varies and they go fast. Most of my blems are for crystals in various mic shells (they're hard to make!) $2 ea.
Some older CR elements have a clear plastic cover over the back of the element. My gaskets are designed to fit WITHOUT this cover. If your element has this plastic cover, you'll have to remove it for the gasket to fit properly. There is some debate about whether the element sounds better with or without the cover. In my opinion, the cover was designed to protect the element from dust and mosture, not to improve the tonal characteristics of the element. I think it's better to have some air space behind the element anyway, kind of like a miniature speaker cabinet.
I'm not sure about this, but I think they only put the cover only on the old CR-80 and CR-81 style mics, which didn't provide an airtight seal between the front and back of the element, so perhaps it was designed as a feedback control thing. Feel free to set me straight if you know different.
Gaskets will be mailed via USPS within one week of payment.
Shipping is $2.95 for the first item, and .50 for each additional item - up to a maximum of $4.95 per order.
Shipping is $4.95 for the first item, and .75 for each additional item - up to a maximum of $7.95 per order.
As long as I have the gaskets in stock, I will mail your order out immediately. If it's been more than 2 weeks, there is something seriously wrong. Occasionally, Paypal doesn't generate an email letting me know you've sent me money. You should receive an email from me within 24 hrs. confirming your purchase. When in doubt, send me an email!
The gaskets are made of a synthetic urethane rubber, not a silicone or latex. It starts as a liquid at room temperature, and hardens when mixed with a chemical catalyst. This material is used for medical prosthetics, theatrical special effects, and mold-making. If the gaskets are fresh out of the molds, they may have a slippery surface (a silicone demolding agent), which can be washed off with soap and water or denatured alcohol. When the rubber is fresh, it's got a pretty pungent odor, but it fades quickly. To help the process along, wash the gasket with soap and water, then dust with a coat of baby powder (straight from the manufacturer - who knew?). Wipe off the excess and you'll be ready to go.
As of this writing, I am experimenting with a new silicone rubber compound. It's more expensive and harder to mix, so we'll see. I should be sending out the first batch within a couple of weeks.
If this product doesn't meet with your satisfaction, I will either replace your gasket(s) or refund your money (minus the shipping charge). Three years and not a single unhappy customer. If it ain't right, I WILL make it right!
I have gotten out of the mic modification business, but there are many reputable mic builders that will do a good job for you. Here are ones that I have personal experience with:
Custom Paint Jobs
Bud Haught
Mic Repair and Modification
Dave Kott
Donnie Mortone
Richard Rotella
Greg Heumann
Chris Richards
Elements and Shells
Oskar Hoessel