Charles (Charlie) Gant was RCA's West Coast Photophone Division expert repair technician on Ribbon-Driven Galvanometers and RCA Ribbon Microphones. A few years ago, before he passed away, I was fortunate enough to spend time with Charlie in his workshop. I had just started to repair ribbon microphones and was excited to talk to an experienced professional. It would be a tremendous learning experience. Charlie was delighted that there was someone young and interested who wanted to learn how to repair ribbon mics the Gant way.
We discussed the different aspects of ribbon mic, repair and he was kind enough to teach me the skills and techniques that were necessary to accomplish this. Spending time with Charlie made me realize that Ribbon mics were really functioning works of Art, and that repairing them required a unique blend of technical skill, incredible patience, and a delicate touch needed to cut, crimp and tune a piece of ribbon material only a couple of microns thick. My background in physics and training as a classical musician made me truly appreciate Charlie's talents.
It was a sad loss when Charlie passed away. I was fortunate in acquiring
his tools and limited parts that he had on hand. It has allowed me to carry
on his legacy of fine ribbon repair. Below is a picture of his work desk
that I continue to use to this day.
I offer RCA Microphone repair service specializing in ribbon replacement
and limited cosmetic repair. Re-ribboning of single ribbon RCA mics is
$125.00. Double ribbon mics are $175.00. I use only New Old Ribbon Stock
acquired from RCA's last ribbon material vendor. Cable replacement for the
RCA Broadcast Mic line is drawn from brown NOS MI-43 cable made expressly
for RCA. Windscreen dent removal is performed with the correct forms for
44s and 77s. All repaired mics are tuned and tested to meet optimal performance.
Microphone outputs are strapped for 250 ohms impedance, unless otherwise specified,
and positive pressure on the front face of the ribbon will produce a positive signal on
pin 2 of the microphone output connector per AES standards. Labor, outside
of ribbon replacement, will be billed at an hourly rate. Client will be
responsible for shipping and insurance costs.
If you are interested in having an RCA ribbon microphone repaired, send me an e-mail and mention "microphone repair" in the subject: Kenneth Webb (radarrider@earthlink.net)
This popular poster is now in it's second printing, and is available for
$35.00 U.S. (Prefer Postal Money Orders.) This price includes the Key Index
and Domestic shipping costs via the Post Office. Posters are shipped in a
mailing tube. Please include the EXACT mailing address to which you wish the
poster to be mailed. For Overseas shipping, please include an additional
$5.00 U.S. The poster is a laser print made from an original 8x10 photo
negative. It is printed on high quality durable poster stock, and measures
22 inches high, by 28 inches in width. Poster shows just under 200 rare
vintage microphones and accessories. The handy key index will identify the
items shown on the poster.
Send orders to:
Jim Webb
4918 Sardine Creek Road
Gold Hill OR. 97525.
Here is a miniature b/w picture of the poster:
For further inquiries, contact Jim Webb at: Jim Webb (jwebbmicrophones@earthlink.net)
This page was created by Kenneth M. Webb (radarrider@earthlink.net)
Last updated: December 28, 2004