The Greshtronic Harp
Local musician Peter Gresham had a niche business idea - to crate a microphone that would bring back to life the warm and overdriven sounds from the recordings of the harmonica on early American blues records. He approached me to design and 3D print a replica of the original 'Sure 520 Green Bullet' microphone.
Project details
The 'Sure 520 Green Bullet' microphone first appeared in 1939 and was used as a vocal microphone by the military due to it's rugged construction which passed every destructive test for use in battle conditions. It was also immune to the effects of high temperatures, humidity and condensation.
This was the perfect solution for harmonica players who could comfortably cup the microphone in their hand behind the harp with the cable passing between their fingers.
The combination of the harmonica being so close to the mic element, and the mic output level being great enough to overload the typical valve (tube) amplifiers of the time, led to a warm distorted, timbre which became the signature sound of the blues harp.
Gresham was able to secure a number of original elements from the USA, but they didn't include cases or grilles (just the internals). I was able to design and 3D print the required parts (including a 'G for Gresham' debossed in the grille) - and with the addition of volume pots and Switchcraft jack sockets, we had a high quality working product.
The dream had became a reality.
On delivery of the first working unit I presented Peter with a surprise - a period-styled advertisement for his new product.
Project information
- Category Branding and advertising
- Client Peter Gresham