[magical pig]

Not sure if it's the right place to ask... Worth a shot I suppose.

I'm building some ribbon mics and I'd like to find someone to make me some microphone chassis at a reasonable price.

I could build them myself with some brass railing and make something like this:

However, I'd like a more intricate design more like this one, just a different size and made of aluminum so I can get them anodized and colored.

I don't have the adequate tools or knowledge to build something like this so that's why I'm asking here. As I don't have any experience working with complex machining tools, it may well be too expensive to manufacture just a couple of bodies and caps (maybe 4 or 5 max). In such case, just let me know.

Again, I'm just talking about the chassis and caps. I can take care of the ribbon motor, transformer, connections, wiring, grille and so on...

 

[magical pig]

Seems like I found something. Thanks!

 

[clarnibass]

You said you found something but just a sugestion, maybe you have a microphone maker relatively close to you (at least in the same country), maybe contact them to ask if you can buy just the chassis from them? Then you can probably buy from any model so you might be able to pick the best size one. Maybe some smaller makers (and some are great but not so known) will try to help more, but even the big companies are worth asking.

 

[magical pig]

Well, actually it won't happen, so I am still looking... well, kind of. For now, it's probably best I make a few prototypes with different hand made chassis, different ribbon types (as they sound different depending on size and thickness), as well as experiment with different transformers and electronics.

You're suggestions are good ones but I think the main problem here is I don't intend to make a business out of it. I'll probably make a few mics for myself, and maybe some friends, but that's it. So far, most people I talked to either want to charge ridiculous amounts of money or will not deal at all with small quantities. Anyways, I've sent a few emails to mic manufacturers. We'll see what comes out of it.

Thanks for the help!

Edit: ... and the thing is, honestly, I'd rather make some chassis myself. It's just that the tools involved in such precision machining is really expensive.

 

[clarnibass]

Yes, honestly it can come down to something as basic as the head of the company being a nice person and doesn't mind selling a few at a (small) profit. This can "interupt" the normal assembly line and some companies/people won't think a bit altruistic and outside of that... so worth asking as many as you can. You can also try some Chinese companies, they have almost anything and you can ask to buy some samples.

 

[magical pig]

Yes, honestly it can come down to something as basic as the head of the company being a nice person and doesn't mind selling a few at a (small) profit. This can "interupt" the normal assembly line and some companies/people won't think a bit altruistic and outside of that... so worth asking as many as you can. You can also try some Chinese companies, they have almost anything and you can ask to buy some samples.

The Chinese suggestion is great! I'll definitely try that. I already got a few favorable answers from small dealers, so thanks for the suggestion!

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

SOTW member Mikey B here in England will machine most things --just had a neck tenon from the man.

 

[Sigmund451]

Dont count business out Pig. I started making mouthpieces because I liked to tinker. Now I make them daily. If you come up with something really good it may be worth the pursuit. In the least it may support your saxophone habit.

 

[magical pig]

Dont count business out Pig. I started making mouthpieces because I liked to tinker. Now I make them daily. If you come up with something really good it may be worth the pursuit. In the least it may support your saxophone habit.

Well, you're right, we'll see. Let's just say it's not why I want to do this. So far, I barely have enough time (and money) to do this as a hobby.

SOTW member Mikey B here in England will machine most things --just had a neck tenon from the man.

Thanks! Shipping costs may be a problem though.

 

[BOPITY FUNK]

Dont count business out Pig. I started making mouthpieces because I liked to tinker. Now I make them daily. If you come up with something really good it may be worth the pursuit. In the least it may support your saxophone habit.

Phil's right, you never know maybe there is a 'gap in the market' for this enterprise-- if so run with it.