The "Ed Gallagher"Mini-Bullet Harmonica Microphone Review !

"NASA" could not research and build a better Bullet-Mic to fit each individual player's style than Ed Gallagher!

Steve"Big Daddy BluzHarp"Harvell

The "Ed Gallagher"Mini-Bullet Harmonica Microphone is the VERY BEST bullet style mic in the world today and it is because of the extensive research and meticulous care that goes into each one that he builds ! Ed Gallagher is like a mad scientist when it comes to building and matching the right element , ( Shure Black Label Controlled Reluctance, Shure White Label Controlled Reluctance,Shure USA Controlled Magnetic,Astatic MC-151 Crystal,and MC-127 Ceramic elements ) ,as well as the placement of where the volume control goes , (rear or bottom of mic ). Ed also caters to each customer where the mic cable is fitted to the mic as well as if you want the quarter inch plug in type or the traditional screw on type !

Another ALL IMPORTANT factor in amplified harmonica playing is matching the right element to the right amp . For instance , when Ed was sizing me up I told him that I favored low wattage tubes amps that were HOT (high gain ) so instead of sending me a "HOT" element he installed one that was in his words,"sweet and lower output",so as to cut down on feedback,and man did he send me the right prescription ! It is so sweet sounding but with just the right amount of grind/grit and FAT tone that I strive for . If you have something like a 40 watt Bassman or similar amp , then a "HOT" element would be more subtle,but even then you have the different elements you could chose for low-mid and bass preferences .

I will get into my review of the mic he sent me in a minute but I need to point out technically what sets his mini-bullet mics apart from the others . I have gotten other mini-bullet mics to review and they would be so light as to feel as though they were empty inside . But when it comes to the "Ed Gallagher"Mini-Bullet Harmonica Microphone , it is not heavy but you can tell that he has isolated and sheilded every connection to insure LOW feedback . Ed builds his mics to last forever , they feel like a Rolls Royce or fine Italian sports car when you hold them in your hands . The element and the plastic cup that fits on the back is put into a steel shielded cup to cut feedback and then it is totally isolated from the outside shell by rubber and finally covered in the front by open cell foam windscreen material . All electrical leads are soldered and covered with shrinkwrap insulation.The "Ed Gallagher"Mini-Bullet Harmonica Microphones use mil-spec volume pots(100,000turns minimum),switchcraft jacks,stainlesssteel hardware, and they can be taken apart and fixed or modified !

What I like along with the tone about the "Ed Gallagher"Mini-Bullet Harmonica Microphone is the volume pot at the end of the mic . I can turn my amp up past where it should be ( into feedback territy ),have the volume just a little down.As I put my right hand up to grip the mic I turn the volume pot all the way up with my pinky in one stroke. Then when I finish playing , I take my right hand away and as I am doing so , I turn the volume down so it will not feedback,again with my little finger.The volume pot is easy to turn but just tight enough to stay put even when you brush it unintentionaly.You can leave your right hand on gripping the mic and still adjust the volume EASILY.This same technique can be applied if ya need to do it while playing or to cut back from doing a solo and you need to play more softly for backup.

The tone from this mic and element is just the right amount of gritty/fat tone that is not distorted,just nice and fat,that is exactly what I wanted.The mic itself is small enough to grip and make a VERY tight seal so as to give you another dimension in your playing dynamics.Grip this baby tight and she fattens up so sweetly and loosen the grip and she cleans up.(Oh,did I mention that everything technical/mechanical is female to me) Even if your hands are large this mic will still be easy to hold and adjust the volume. "Ed Gallagher" is a custom builder, repairer and modifier of harmonica microphones.He has been playing harp and making, modifying microphones for over 35 years. Ed has made every type of modification and repair to every type of microphone imaginable. The following are the elements that he usually has in stock= Shure Black Label Controlled Reluctance, Shure White Label Controlled Reluctance, Shure USA Controlled Magnetic, Astatic MC-151 Crystal, and MC-127 Ceramic elements.

Get in touch with "Ed Gallagher" and let him custon tailor a harmonica mic to your specific needs,it will be the best investment you will ever make towards your tone quest !



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