Excerpts from Wikipedia  (page opens in new browser window)

In 1930, two amateur radio operators, Creed M. Chorpening W8WR (later W8MJM) and F.H. Woodworth W8AHW began experimenting with different types of microphones for their stations. Their mutual friend, Charles Semple, worked for Brush Development Company where he had been experimenting with Rochelle salt crystals. Semple demonstrated some crystal pick-ups that Brush was working with, leading Chorpening and Woodworth to found The Astatic Microphone Laboratory, Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio in 1933. Semple was brought into the company as general manager to manufacture and market the company's model D-104 Crystal Microphone as well as other crystal microphones, crystal phonograph pickups and recording heads. In 1944, Astatic moved operations to Conneaut, Ohio and supplied microphones, pickups and crystal cartridges as well as hydrophone and Sonar devices to the military during World War II.

After World War II, Astatic Microphone Laboratory became The Astatic Corporation. Currently, the company is located in Solon, Ohio and offers microphones and audio accessories to various audio industries. The Amateur & CB product division of Astatic was sold to DAS Companies, a major mobile communications product distributor. DAS has since expanded the Astatic name to include many accessories including coaxial cables, meters and antennas. Astatic also currently manufactures bullet style microphones in a partnership with Hohner, which are extremely popular among harmonica players. The original Astatic model JT-30 is one of the most popular microphones for blues harp players. Today, the JT-30 is sold as the Hohner 1490 Blues Blaster

  Popular Microphones

77 A Dynamic 200S Crystal D-104 Crystal DN-500 Dynamic

  The Astatic JT30 is a staple microphone for blues harp players

In case you don't already know, "Blues Harp" is the street name given to any small pocketable single-key harmonica. (example shown below)

            

The JT30 is well suited for cupping in the performers hand while holding the instrument. This action produces a satisfying thick and warm sound that punches through the mix.
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  JT30 (Hohner "Blues Blaster") Video  

  Astatic "World Famous Radio Mics"    (opens in new browser window)


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