|
|
Post by fistman on Nov 2, 2021 12:01:37 GMT -6
So I just purchased a non-functioning Gefell M71 locally. I was hoping the issue was the MV692, but after swapping preamp bodies, I narrowed it down to the capsule. The grille had some minor dents but so do a lot of old mics right? Little did I know how bad it was 🤦‍♂️ I opened up the headbasket to find both membranes torn and even the mount cracked. It must have taken a serious spill…. On the bright side, the MV692 is functional with my other M71 capsule.
Anyway, I’ve emailed Gefell and am awaiting a response for a repair estimate. In the meantime I looked up shipping pricing and now understand why I was reading about these consolidation shipments in old forum posts - UPS wants about $180 and FedEx was nearly $280. I have seen folks mentioning there were not any US repair facilities, but the most recent posts were a few years back. I have also read Thiersch would probably be one of the only other locations suggested for a repair.
Three questions folks:
1. Is anyone still providing consolidation shipments to Gefell for repairs?
2. Are there any other repair facilities who could manage this kind of task? Locations near the US (same continent) might be nice.
3. Anyone else been down this road recently with some cost expectations for me? I may be able to return the mic if it is prohibitively expensive, but I really want the pair!
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 2, 2021 13:00:08 GMT -6
Haven't done any of those but you could do a whole new theirsch pvc capsule and save the old one for repair later.
|
|
|
|
Post by sirthought on Nov 3, 2021 19:15:23 GMT -6
At that cost for shipping, buying a new capsule from Thiersch wouldn't be that much more, so adding repair costs on top of shipping, you might save money in the end.
|
|
|
|
Post by EmRR on Nov 3, 2021 19:44:46 GMT -6
Thiersch was a Gefell capsule person in the first place, no? Good option.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chad on Nov 3, 2021 19:49:30 GMT -6
From reading Klaus H. online, my understanding was that Thiersch was only doing nickel caps for Gefell, not the PVCs or Mylars. I’m totally prepared to be wrong on this. But this is what I’m remembering from reading a few weeks back. ————————— ****EDIT: This is the note about Thiersch being in charge of metal diaphragms at Gefell. So it seems I mistakenly read into Klaus’s words to mean Thiersch was *not* involved with PVC or Mylar: repforums.prosoundweb.com/index.php?topic=35633.0 |
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 3, 2021 22:15:25 GMT -6
From reading Klaus H. online, my understanding was that Thiersch was only doing nickel caps for Gefell, not the PVCs or Mylars. I’m totally prepared to be wrong on this. But this is what I’m remembering from reading a few weeks back. No, theirsch does pvc(M7) and mylar(M9) capsules as well. www.thiersch-mic.de/en/estm_produkte.html |
|
|
|
Post by Omicron9 on Nov 4, 2021 7:11:23 GMT -6
Greetings.
I had to send an M-295 back to Gefell 4-5 years ago for a new capsule. I used USPS and tho I can't recall what I paid for shipping, it was pretty cheap.
Gefell replaced the diaphragm and did a bench test and brought it all back to original specs. I think the total was around $400. This particular mic utilizes a nickel membrane and I have a vague recollection that the diaphragm replacement was a bit more expensive because of this.
Well worth it to get a Gefell diaphragm and all the testing. Workmanship was as you'd expect: perfect. I can highly recommend sending Gefells back to Gefell.
Good luck with it!
-09
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 4, 2021 8:39:12 GMT -6
Thiersch was a Gefell capsule person in the first place, no? Good option. I believe that is correct. That said, my Thiersch M7 was identical in physical appearance to my real M7 capsule. Sounded almost identical too. I have no complaints about going with Thiersch other than their ordering is via email (at least it was at the time) and had to go back and forth a few times to order it. I wish they had a normal online storefront to order from. |
|
|
|
Post by Hudsonic on Nov 5, 2021 10:02:59 GMT -6
I have sent mics directly to Gefell and I had excellent service from them. I used USPS to mail the shipment and it cleared customs in Germany with no charges. Shipping time was about 2 weeks. Put a value of $50 on the shipment.
I abandoned FedEx and UPS for international shipping after they offered me a very high price.
Trust Gefell and no one else with your great MG mics.
|
|
|
|
Post by fistman on Nov 8, 2021 9:38:53 GMT -6
Thanks everyone for the help! Still waiting on Gefell to reply, I think I may need to follow up again. Looks like Thiersch is backed up on repairs til after the new year, but a new capsule could work out well especially if this one is totally destroyed. I'm hoping the backplate isn't damaged with how bad the membranes look. I checked out USPS for shipping and it was definitely cheaper by far. I was wondering about the whole shipment value scenario and whether duties would apply if I marked the mic at actual estimated value. It would be upsetting to have something happen in transit and not have the proper insurance on the item. Hudsonic weren't you a little concerned about your mics in transit? Anyone else have experience with international customs (Germany) and related costs/duties relative to a ~$1000 value item? Obviously not worth that much with the damaged capsule but just to find another M71 at a reasonable price would probably be in this ballpark (or more) if I didn't want to wait around for a deal. |
|
|
|
Post by EmRR on Nov 8, 2021 10:53:28 GMT -6
You designate that it's being sent for repair, and they designate the same when it's sent back to you. Should avoid customs. There's a particular way to do it.
USPS is always vastly cheaper and much less red tape. AND. The top level USPS is actually delivered by FedEx internationally, but without the fees and red tape.
|
|
|
|
Post by fistman on Nov 8, 2021 11:47:30 GMT -6
You designate that it's being sent for repair, and they designate the same when it's sent back to you. Should avoid customs. There's a particular way to do it. USPS is always vastly cheaper and much less red tape. AND. The top level USPS is actually delivered by FedEx internationally, but without the fees and red tape. I assume I will be able to provide a proper value on the shipment so I can insure appropriately without the duties applied then. I hadn't seen anything on the USPS postage calculator in reference to a repair, so I'm interested where I should have my eyes turned to do it right. Maybe just do it at the post office itself? Sometimes those guys don't know/care what's going on though heh... This is great info - I was unaware of the repair classification. Perhaps Gefell will have more detailed shipping information once they reply. |
|
|
|
Post by fistman on Nov 15, 2021 10:48:30 GMT -6
Gefell came back with a guess-timate of just under 700. Even with using USPS to ship, I'm probably looking at close to 850-900 for the repair all-in. I realize now I probably made a big mistake with what I paid for the non working mic. The guy had told me it was working intermittently, but would cut out after a bit which initially led me to believe it was probably an electronics problem. So I guess the question is, is it worth fixing up this mic with Gefell just to have the pair of vintage M71, when I could have basically bought a new MT71s for the same price after shipping etc? I'm struggling a bit swallowing this pill. Thiersch would be a more reasonable option at this point, but I feel like there may be something to be said for having the manufacturer take care of it - as others here have stated. Finally got some pics uploaded - its ugly  Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by EmRR on Nov 15, 2021 11:11:01 GMT -6
I might really lean Thiersch here.
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 15, 2021 11:47:02 GMT -6
Gefell came back with a guess-timate of just under 700. Even with using USPS to ship, I'm probably looking at close to 850-900 for the repair all-in. I realize now I probably made a big mistake with what I paid for the non working mic. The guy had told me it was working intermittently, but would cut out after a bit which initially led me to believe it was probably an electronics problem. So I guess the question is, is it worth fixing up this mic with Gefell just to have the pair of vintage M71, when I could have basically bought a new MT71s for the same price after shipping etc? I'm struggling a bit swallowing this pill. Thiersch would be a more reasonable option at this point, but I feel like there may be something to be said for having the manufacturer take care of it - as others here have stated. Finally got some pics uploaded - its ugly Wow, that's a trashed capsule. I have never seen one that bad before. Total reskin needed. I don't know what would even do that to a capsule either. It's like it got super hot or something. That skin has split. Usually the metal coating flakes off. Theirsch is a perfectly fine alternative. You can keep the trashed capsule and whenever the economy calms down you can send it in for repair. |
|
|
|
Post by fistman on Nov 15, 2021 12:18:18 GMT -6
Wow, that's a trashed capsule. I have never seen one that bad before. Total reskin needed. I don't know what would even do that to a capsule either. It's like it got super hot or something. That skin has split. Usually the metal coating flakes off. Theirsch is a perfectly fine alternative. You can keep the trashed capsule and whenever the economy calms down you can send it in for repair. No joke... I saw the headbasket was a little off kilter like it took a drop, but somebody did something horrible to this poor capsule. I'm a little concerned the brass could be damaged, but I don't want to go pulling off the membrane since I'm no expert there. The clear mount appears to be cracked as well. Do the Thiersch capsules just screw on from the base? I haven't dealt with that before. Almost looked like this capsule was glued in place or something, but I didn't inspect that particularly thoroughly while I had it disassembled, as I was dejected enough by the state of things haha... |
|
|
|
Post by Omicron9 on Nov 15, 2021 12:35:19 GMT -6
Just my opinion following....
I've owned several Gefells and still have my M930. Gefells are stupendous mics. Were it me, I'd want the actual Gefell capsule with the work performed by Gefell. When my M-295 went back for a new diaphragm, they did a bench test and ensured that it was operating up to new specifications at no charge. You'll want them to do that with your mic, too.
I know the burn of purchasing a mic that instantly needs an investment (an AKG C-460-B that was sold as mint, but the capsule end had been crushed prior to shipping; very dishonest seller. Sent to Richard Land in Nashville; now it really is like new). But don't let that feeling prevent you from letting this mic be all it can be. I suspect you'll love it when you get it back from Gefell.
If you plan on keeping it, this is certainly the option you want. On the other hand, if you plan on selling it, you'll likely get a better price for it with the new Gefell cap and all work performed by Gefell, including a bench test.
No disrespect intended to Mr. Thiersch.
Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best with it. Keep us posted, please.
Regards,
-09
|
|
|
|
Post by svart on Nov 15, 2021 13:25:20 GMT -6
No joke... I saw the headbasket was a little off kilter like it took a drop, but somebody did something horrible to this poor capsule. I'm a little concerned the brass could be damaged, but I don't want to go pulling off the membrane since I'm no expert there. The clear mount appears to be cracked as well. Do the Thiersch capsules just screw on from the base? I haven't dealt with that before. Almost looked like this capsule was glued in place or something, but I didn't inspect that particularly thoroughly while I had it disassembled, as I was dejected enough by the state of things haha... I haven't opened mine up in years, but I believe there is a screw up through the clear plastic on these types of M7 capsules. You might be able to see it if you look up through the base. The clear base on Gefells typically have a lot of bubbles that look like cracks. Probably nothing to worry about but I'd be careful nonetheless. I can't remember if my Theirsch capsule had screw holes or not. I used a ring holder for my Theirsch in my U47. |
|
|
|
Post by fistman on Oct 27, 2022 16:05:10 GMT -6
Not that anyone was expecting an update here nearly a year later, but I did go ahead and send off my M71 pair to Gefell for a refurb… in February. They have finally quoted me and are working on them 🤣. Unfortunately the report came back both of my capsules were damaged, even the working one, so I’m getting completely new capsules installed (albeit at a higher price tag than I would’ve liked).
From a recent email, it seems as though I *may* have the option to exchange them for UM70’s, though I am unsure of the cost there. Any thoughts on if this would be worth doing? I have read they sound slightly less full than M71 over on the purple site (I believe via dr. bill) but I have no personal experience. My initial inquiry was to see if I could purchase one additional UM70 capsule/headbasket so I could have polar patterns to swap out when not using the two mics as a pair, but it seems that the switch ring which connects to the mv692 is no longer produced, so if I go that route I suppose I’d have to upgrade both mics if that is indeed an option (playing Chinese telephone through a middleman currently).
|
|
|
|
Post by paulcheeba on Nov 6, 2022 17:34:04 GMT -6
Thiersch is old and a year behind schedule apparently. German mic techs are actually using 3U M7 which are supposed to be great.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ward on Nov 7, 2022 17:16:57 GMT -6
Not that anyone was expecting an update here nearly a year later, but I did go ahead and send off my M71 pair to Gefell for a refurb… in February. They have finally quoted me and are working on them 🤣. Unfortunately the report came back both of my capsules were damaged, even the working one, so I’m getting completely new capsules installed (albeit at a higher price tag than I would’ve liked). WORTH IT! The Gefell's may not have the heavily inflated inflated value of the other Neumanns but they are incredible mics and their value is without question in the results they deliver! |
|
|
|
Post by drbill on Nov 7, 2022 17:40:47 GMT -6
Not that anyone was expecting an update here nearly a year later, but I did go ahead and send off my M71 pair to Gefell for a refurb… in February. They have finally quoted me and are working on them 🤣. Unfortunately the report came back both of my capsules were damaged, even the working one, so I’m getting completely new capsules installed (albeit at a higher price tag than I would’ve liked). WORTH IT! The Gefell's may not have the heavily inflated inflated value of the other Neumanns but they are incredible mics and their value is without question in the results they deliver! Abso-FREAKING-lutely!! |
|
