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Post by anders on May 9, 2024 14:29:15 GMT -6
The last years I've been thinking more seriously about buying an RCA 44BX, as I really like the electric guitar and drums examples I've heard. But they cost serious money, and since I am in Europe, I'll probably not be able to examine it before I buy, so it will be a major leap of faith.
What should I look out for? What should I expect price-wise?
I have a very nice service guy in Stewart from Xaudia, so I'm not so worried about having to change the ribbon or having it re-silked. But I'm hoping to avoid the worst pitfalls. What is your best advice?
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Post by EmRR on May 9, 2024 14:34:22 GMT -6
There's not a ton that can go wrong, the most expensive things are gonna be missing parts, so look carefully at all the little bits on the yoke, the thumbscrews, condition of the grill, etc. If it looks mechanically complete and sound, the rest is pretty easy. Of course, ask Stewart the same question, or have him watch for an available piece coming through his shop.
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Post by hadaja on May 9, 2024 16:18:13 GMT -6
After buying a few myself and also asking EmRR a few guiding questions before buying a few years ago, I think if you look at the condition of the unit itself it will tell a story. It needs to be all there when buying. Would worry about engravings or some grille damage thats all fixable.
BE prepared that you are mostly likely going to have to get it serviced if it hasnt been seen to in a few years.
But to offset that suggestion. Test it out first and if you like what you hear then DONT get it serviced as it will come back different sounding.
Replacing a ribbon with a new one with new tension and tuned, with cleaning of magnets and motor will all have an effect on the sound.
So you might actually like the sound of how you get it.
If it doesnt have an proper XLR cable on it, it will most likely need a service as it will have not been used for many decades. Which should be reflected in price.
44BX do not come cheap, rare to find a bargain and they might be a bargain for a reason you will find out later that may cost you a pretty sum.
Being ALnico magnets they do lose there gauss over time so make sure it still has enough pulling power in the magnets.
If the price of a 44bx scares you, then look at the cheaper Stager SR1a - which is really a nice alternative.
The AEA 44 doesnt sound quite like a 44bx but is also another great alternative.
I actually own RCA engineer John Sanks original one form 1957 and it is in showroom condition. He even signed it internally.
But there will be a great history with every 44bx that is out there.
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Post by Ward on May 9, 2024 17:14:31 GMT -6
Make sure all the parts are there, everything else is just maintenance....including recharging magnets, rewinding transformers and replacing ribbons.
Mine sounds amazing, but isn't in perfect cosmetic shape... How much should you expect to spend for a good one? $5000-$7,000 USD
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Post by smashlord on May 9, 2024 20:24:42 GMT -6
As other's have mentioned, there isn't much that can go wrong... a ribbon mic is a pretty simple device. The AEA is great if you are worried about vintage headaches. I used to use an AEA with an original RCA as a stereo pair (the studio original sold their 2nd RCA in the 2000s when "ribbons weren't cool"!). Sounded close enough to me and the yoke actually held the mic in place.
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