If I built mics would anyone buy?

I just read the title and will reply, yes. Now I'll go read the thread.

Yes u could sell many, I've been asked to build, and I'm pretty reluctant for one reason, liability, if anything were to go wrong at any point, it's coming back to me, I just don't have the time to handle that possibility, let alone if someone's kid sticks their tongue inside a tube mic cable and decides to get sue happy.

I would be one of you customers if the cost performance ratio is OK.
I just simple do not have the time to build such a clone I read the websites of so called "kits".

If you offer to build such a KIT I am one of your future customers....

...as you may already know, I've bought 5 GroupDIY mics from 4 different builders (Poctop, Matador, Tskguy and Teacat)...after hearing my first (Matador's C12) there was no turning back...I sold almost my entire collection of over a dozen good quality (Pearlman, BeesNeez, Advanced Audio, Royer, Rode, etc) tube mics to help finance these DIY clones...I bought my MK-47 from the classifieds on this very site...part of the attraction to me of course was buying the actual prototypes that were used in thread building pictorials by the designer/builder (Dany "Poctop")...but these mics are clearly world-class...BTW, Poctop's M269c is absolutely gorgeous sounding (my #1 recommendation along with the MK-47)...

...so to answer your question, yes!...from a respected member of the GroupDIY mic forum, I would have no reservation to purchase a pre-assembled clone...I would recommend starting with one or two of the most popular kits that you know best...this way you could create a small assembly-line table as some of the boutique builders do...build a 3-6 of each kit at a time to minimize hours dedicated to each individual build...that's how Dave Pearlman, Ben Sneesby and others do it...

...systematize your build process and keep your build fees affordable...when I posted a WTB thread on the DIY Black Market forum, the quotes I got from various members to build the same mic were actually very much in line with each other, so I knew what to expect to pay for a particular kit with the same set of components...some of the builders told me that if I didn't mind waiting for the mic, they could do a better price because they were building 2-3 of the same kit for other friends, so they could systematize the build process...so better to make a plan rather than play it by ear...be realistic in your lead times and you may be surprised by the response...Good Luck!

Lmao! Classic, especially after reading the profile.

Shoot , this thread makes me want to start building gear and selling them !!

But Tony brings out the only reason I fear doing it , a kid thinking the tube mic is a Popsicle.....or burning down someone's house .

...The only issue I've experienced after purchasing 5 DIY tube mics from 4 different builders is the variance in tone between 2 different C12 PSUs, which seems to be commonplace as per the postings of other experienced builders with multiples of this same mic...but then 3 of my mics were built by the same guy that actually designed the PCB/kit and another was built by one of the most respected capsule builders in the forum...only my MK-47 was a bit of a gamble having been built by a less experienced, albeit very meticulous DIY member, but the price was so inexpensive (the cost of components) I took the shot, and the mic sounds terrific!...of course, living a couple of miles away from Shane (Cat5) is also very comforting...


...oddly enough, the only 2 mics that were hand-built (non-DIY) that I can recall gave me problems came from two of the most reputable boutique mic-builders in the biz (who shall remain nameless)...one was returned for a complete refund (Paypal protected) and the other was sold as "needs repair" but at a profit nonetheless...sh*t happens...

(Best darth vader voice) "resistance is futile" lol, there was some resistance even here at RGO, but it looks like it's waning? i'm happy to see guys starting to enjoy the incredible bang for the buck, and deeper understanding of gear function the diy world can bring 8)

Love the idea but,
If you think this is going to be profitable, it won't your looking a huge time sink.
If are going to do this get permission from all the DIY guys first, the understanding in Dy is your building for your self and freinds , putting a web store would not be received well.

If it was me, I would offer a 1 yr warranty. You need to give people some peace of mind that you have enough confidence in your own building skills to warrant the build. I doubt you'll sell many 'as is' to strangers on the internet. Have you seen stuff on ebay that's sold as is? SB4001 sold recently 'as is' for $400. A warranty can add immensely to the perceived value.

And that isn't going to happen quickly. There have always been cheap condenser mikes but you'll only hear about the so-called "classics" because people found they could count on them to capture an important performance that probably couldn't be repeated every single time.

I would say that if there's a nut to be cracked, it's why old LDCs still sound markedly better. Whether it's an old transformer SS mic like a 414eb, U87i, or Gefell UM70--they sound FAR better than the modern manufacture ones. Then, it gets even moreso when you talk about the elderly tube MICS, but those, at this point, have had SUCH mods and repairs and age on them--too much variance to really say they're "universally" better....they are, but now they're all so different....

My point here being is that following a schematic is WHY so many new MICS suck. The schematics are available all over. But, if you, as a manufacturer, don't understand why the old ones are better, and how to tweak the circuits and capsules of the new ones to create such a sound, you're just adding to the noise.

Tracy Korby can make some wonderful MICS. It would be interesting to see if Shannon wants to discuss the method....the why....he is able to do what many, many mic builders are not--which is to make MICS that are new production parts, but are every bit as good--through maybe not 1 to 1 same as their vintage counterparts. Not in maybe the detail needed to replicate it, thus lose them business....but, I can PROMISE you guys if it was about assembling old circuits using nice parts, we wouldn't have a market of 99% garbage microphones. There are mic makers who have dedicated their LIVES to the study of mic design...,and can't exactly crack certain nuts...,and when they come close, the MICS cost what they did then--a u67 was $6000 adjusted for inflation when released. For that, you can still buy good MICS.

But, in the 80s, you could pay $1500 for a U87 that sounds great still today....now, they're roughly the same price and a for action as good.same with Gefell and AKG. It's not the corporate aspect--Neumann still makes good MICS--better than most of this boutique clone....um stuff. An M149 is a beautiful mic. Perfect? NA....it's a little modern brightest for my taste--but, married to a nice round preamp, you hear it all over the radio to GREAT ends.

I'm just saying, a preamp? Absolutely--wire it up well following the schematic with good parts.....done. You're at the close enough level. But, a mic is a little Microsystem of design....it would be like I can mix--but, I you can't take my "settings" and somehow move that to another mix and expect it to sound anything like mine...,or anything good. I mean, you might get lucky, but as a rule...? Nope.