Posted by answerguru on Friday, February 3, 2012
I recently purchased a Gold Tone ABS mic / pickup instead of using an SM57/58 for gigs. (I like the idea of being able too move around stage a little, instead of being fixed in front of a mic)
There was a small problem however - the ABS is meant to be attached to the banjo pot hooks around the rim, which Nechvilles don't have.
I considered several solutions, including making an entirely new bracket for the mic assembly (it's easily removed from the original). However I wanted to preserve the easy mounting ability to any banjo, including my old BG-250F which I sometimes use for alternate tunings.
I came up with a very simple design that I fashioned in the shop in about 15 minutes. There were no diagrams, so I'll describe it in case anyone has the same needs:
2 pieces of 2.5" x 0.5" aluminum plates, ~ .1" thick (it was just scrap, as long as it's reasonably strong)
2 M3 screws, 12mm long, flat head for countersinking
(I know, I'm mixing metric and standard units...plenty of metric screws at work, and a set of analog, standard calipers on my desk!)
After shearing the 2 pieces of aluminum, drill two holes in each plate, ~ .75" apart, centered on the plates. Tap the holes on one of the plates. On the other, use a chamfer bit to countersink the holes.
I then wrapped ends of the plates with some black grip tape. This not only covers the aluminum and protects the banjo, but disguises the shiny aluminum.
Slip the threaded plate behind the cast helimount frame, place the other one on the outside and tighten down them together with the two screws.
Voila! Seems to work like a champ, but I'll know better after the gig tonight.
5 comments on “Gold Tone ABS adapter for a Nechville helimount”
alprice Says:
Friday, February 3, 2012 @11:11:55 AM
Jonny, We applaud your ingenuity! Can you post pictures of this?
answerguru Says:
Sunday, February 5, 2012 @12:52:25 PM
Sure thing, Al. I'll get a couple of pics sometime this week...
Andy Campbell Says:
Monday, February 6, 2012 @5:09:05 AM
And how did you get on at the gig?
nechville Says:
Monday, February 6, 2012 @4:23:12 PM
Good idea. I await the photo. I am now using a schatten pickup with a preamp that is attached to the frame in a similar way. I can help you if interested
kirbonite Says:
Friday, January 31, 2014 @3:54:46 PM
I'm sad that the pictures have not materialized.. I have a schatten but have not tried it.. I like the gold tone mic, Micing is my preference for banjo amplification.. I wish I had a 3d printer.. I plastic bracket would probably be nice for protecting the teflon finish..
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