The podcast that profiles great harmonica players and technicians from around the world
Nov. 16, 2023

The Green Bullet interview

The Green Bullet interview

Michael Pettersen And James Waldron join me on episode 98.
In this episode we talk about the iconic Green Bullet microphone, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024. 

Michael is the Director of Corporate History at Shure microphones , and he tells us about the early design of the mic, what it was used for and about how it took years before Shure became aware that it was such an important mic for harmonica players. 

James runs SimpleMics.com, where he rebuilds vintage harmonica microphones, including for some illustrious customers. James provides a harmonica-centric perspective on the Green Bullet and some detail on what is under the hood of the mic.

Both Michael and James help debunk some of the myths about the Green Bullet, as well as sharing their deep knowledge of its element, shell and other inner workings of this most legendary of harmonica microphones.

Links

Green Bullet mics website:
https://greenbulletmics.net/

James’ Simple Mics website:
https://www.simplemics.com/

Versions of the Green Bullet:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/what-are-the-different-versions-of-the-green-bullet?language=en_US

https://service.shure.com/s/article/history-of-the-model-520-green-bullet?language=en_US

Convert Green Bullet to use with XLR cable (low impedance):
https://service.shure.com/s/article/putting-an-xlr-on-the-green-bullet?language=en_US

Add a volume control and on/off switch:
https://service.shure.com/s/article/adding-a-volume-control-to-a-520d-green-bullet?language=en_US

Shure 520DX model:
https://www.shure.com/en-GB/products/microphones/520dx?variant=520DX

Videos:
Shure video on how the Green Bullet became the sound of blues harmonica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlLniCG0lCw

Podcast website:
https://www.harmonicahappyhour.com

Donations:
If you want to make a voluntary donation to help support the running costs of the podcast then please use this link (or visit the podcast website link above):
https://paypal.me/harmonicahappyhour?locale.x=en_GB

or sign-up to a monthly subscription to the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/995536/support

Spotify Playlist:
Also check out the Spotify Playlist, which contains most of the songs discussed in the podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5QC6RF2VTfs4iPuasJBqwT?si=M-j3IkiISeefhR7ybm9qIQ

Podcast sponsors:
This podcast is sponsored by SEYDEL harmonicas - visit the oldest harmonica factory in the world at www.seydel1847.com  or on Facebook or Instagram

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