Category Archives: Recording

Vintage Guitar Straps

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There’s something about vintage guitar straps that seem just as equally nostalgic as the guitars themselves. Whether its the old worn out leather or straps with your favorite bands of the era imprinted on them or even a custom one that you’ve had made especially for your tastes and likings, there’s something special about it. We often think of the specs of a guitar or if we’re concerned about design focus on the guitar graphics themselves. But you can tell a lot about a person and a guitar by the type of strap they use and how they wear it. (Just spend some time at any guitar forum – you’re likely to see a “so how do you wear your strap” type of post.)

Any guitar strap that has made it and lasted 40+ years is worth mentioning. Anyone who has played guitar regularly for an extended period of time would know that even the highest quality of materials are still prone to wear and tear. It only takes the guitar to fall to the ground once for one to realize the importance of quality and design and making sure it is the right fit for you.
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Neve 1272

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The Neve 1272 is a line amp/summing buss amp made between 1970-76 by Neve. Vintech Audio produced a replica of the Neve 1272 and while it is not exactly the same as the originial Neve, they do run considerably less expensive and offer a decent value for the quality.

The Neve 1272 was never designed to be used a pre mic, however, it was discovered that it could be used as one, since all of the parts necessary where there to rewire it to be used as one. It is not uncommon when looking for an original Neve 1272 to stumble across one that has been rewired to be used as a pre mic or has had various features added and changed to it. It is thought that by rewiring the Neve 1272 you can have the same effects as the Neve 1073 when done properly – however the biggest difference is the Neve 1073 has an additional amp card that can help if the user is seeking to get more than 50 db of gain. Some have also built custom kits that provide a switch so you can change from the Neve 1272 as a pre amp to the pre mic capabilities if desired.

Below is our custom search on eBay for the Neve 1272 – these listings are updated live, so if you don’t see what you want today, check back in a few days to see what’s new.

Vintage Nuemann Microphones

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Nuemann microphones were one of the first microphones to be commercially produced, originally for radio broadcasting before moving into other areas as technology advanced. Nuemann’s CMV3 was the first microphone to be mass produced, which was introduced in 1928. The CMv3a was introduced in 1932 and featured removable interchangeable heads.

In 1947, Nuemann began creating the U47 micriphone, which was a switchable-pattern condenser mic. It featured a VF14 tube and dual diaohragm M7 capsule. The U48 was introduced in 1957 which was a cardioid figure-8 switchable microphone.

Additional “famous” microphones include the M49 and the M50 released in 1951. The first stereo microphone, the Neumann SM2 was introduced in 1956. Also is the Nuemann U87, which is one of the most popular Neumann models (and the one pictured above). Original models were built between 1967 and 1987; The U87 has continued to be innovated electrically to produce a high quality sound.

Nuemann, a company based in Germany, continues to be an innovator in the microphone and recording industry. Vintage Nuemann microphones, especially the U47 and U48 are often sought after today because of their “harsh” effect when used for recording vocals in close range. Other vintage Nuemann microphones have a strong appeal to collectors as well as vocalists looking for a unique sound. Their current models are used in recording studios worldwide.

To locate a dealer, you can visit Nuemann.com for new microphones or if you would like more information on the history and specs of discontinued models.

You can also often find Nuemann microphones on trading sites such as eBay – their most current listings for vintage microphones are below for you to check out:

Neve 1073 Preamp & Equalizer

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The Neve 1073 preamp and equalizer was launched in 1970 and still remains a popular choice today amongst recording artists. It’s well known for its “louder than life” and “big, punchy” sound that continues to make the Neve 1073 an icon.

Finding an original handcrafted and handwired Neve 1073 ‘s is no easy task, though most reviews have suggested that the current models are manufactured to the exact same specifications of the original Neve 1073 modules. Obviously with advances in technology they are not be identical, but the high quality they produce still makes them popular today. Recording artists can use just one single unit, or purchase multiple units to further expand the capabilities of the Neve 1073.

If you’re a statistics person, here are some of the features of the current (modern) classic version of the Neve 1073:

  • Classic transformer microphone preamp amp (Class A design)
  • 3 EQ bands
  • Hand-built and hand-wired to original 1970s design
  • HP filter
  • Neve designed hand-wound transformers
  • Both inputs are transformer balanced and earth free
  • Microphone Input: Gain +80db to +20dB in 5dB steps.
  • Line Input: Input impedance 10k ohms, gain +20dB to -10dB in 5dB steps.
  • Output: Maximum output is >+26dBu into 600 ohms.
  • Output is transformer balanced and earth free
  • Distortion: Not more than 0.07% from 50Hz to 10kHz at +20dBu output
  • (80kHz bandwidth) into 600 ohms.
  • Freq Response: +/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz, -3dB at 40kHz. EQ Out.

Finding Neve Equipment in the U.S. is especially difficult, with there only being 3 authorized AMS-Neve dealers. Fortunately, sites like ebay make it easy to shop all around the world. See some of their current listings for the Neve 1073 and accessories below.

Have something to say about the Neve 1073 preamp & Equalizer? Share it in the comments below.