Dating a JT 30 (and price)
Sat, 04/24/2021 - 15:26
Hello all,I've come across someone with multiple mics available ("junk dealer"). From what era are the JT 30's with the screen printed tag? The internets are telling me from the 80's. If so, what would you pay? Assuming it was in good original working and cosmetic condition?
Thank you
Hi, Stal
I don't know the answer off the top of my head. The best resource on dating your JT30 is this page: http://jt30.com/micdates/
There are many ways to buy a JT30. Buying one from an unknown seller is highly risky. MOST (but not all) of the original MC101 and MC151 elements are dead by now. Most of the remainder are dying. SO a lot of people buy the shells, expecting to replace the element and gasket. If you KNOW the element is dead, then a shell in reasonable (but not museum) shape is worth $30-$50.
I highly recommend choosing one old enough that it has a screw-on connector. The very last JT30's had XLR connectors and a built in volume control - and depending on the element you choose to replace it, you may not be able to re-use the voume control. Unfortunately it is a special design with a long shank and so when it is replaced, extra work has to be done. So stick with the screw-on connector to which you can find, from people like me, all kinds of adapters, volume controls and cables - all brand new.
There is ONE "JT30" with a screw-on connector I recommend you avoid - and that is the "JT-30 RH". This is a poor copy Hohner had made in China. It has an inferior element and the screw-on connector is often just enough oversize that you can't attach a cable made with the standard Switchcraft or Amphenol connectors. The cable that comes with it is very poorly made. ALL of that can be fixed but it will end up costing you more. So once again - choose any genuine Astatic JT30 with a screw-on connector. Then send it to me or another mic builder to set it up the way you want - or if you're so inclined - do it yourself!
Now - you can ALSO buy JT30's that some mic builder has already gone through, perhaps painted it, and installed a replacement element so it is ready to blow. Now the price depends on the condtion of the shell and the quality of the element - of which there is a wide range. Those mics are likely to start around $150 and go up to $500 or more.
If you were communicating with me with my BlowsMeAway hat on - I would ask you WHY you want a JT30. There are some perfectly valid reasons including "I just want one" - but there is a lot of mythology out there as well. I've had customers tell me they want a JT30 because they were told that was THE mic to have. And that certainly is NOT the case. Depending on your skill level, your budget, the amp you play through - there may be something that gets you closer to "that tone" sooner. If you DO really want a JT30, you shoud know Dennis Gruenling specializes in them and would be a good place to look. Dennis' site is http://badassharmonica.com
Cheers!