When the site first went online we published Jetphase's great series of articles on funky and uncommon recording gear. I also call it the black box series.

http://www.mojopie.com/blackbox.html

My first foray into forgotten recording gear was the purchase of an Electro Voice 635a. Jetphase said of the mic: Eletro-Voice Model 635A: Here's a mic that used to be quite popular, but seems to have been forgotten over the years. Use it anywhere you'd normally use a Shure SM-57.The thing that makes the 635A interesting is that it's an omni-directional dynamic mic, so it really doesn't exhibit the proximity effect that most cardoid mics have. I like them on guitar amps, and even on the snare drum.

I forget who said it but the 635a has a certain "Exile on Main Street" sort of sound.

I then acquired a Beyerdynamic Soundstar MKII. Jesus, Mary and Joseph this is a mic. I paid around $30 for mine. I shudder when I see the asking prices for these anymore on eBay. It's a lot, lot more.

We've also created the cult of the DBX 242 here at Mojo Pie.

I am an old gear addict. First, the quality is fairly high. And, second, there are still bargains here and there that make this gear worth owning.

So, let us now come together and admit our addiction to old gear.

I think the "Exile on Main Street" comment might have been mine, referring specifically to acoustic guitars. Tough, dry sort of sound, not too sparkly or extended.

God, there are so many things out there that people have jumped on because they were forgotten and they had gotten really cheap. This had happened to a lot of the true classic gear as well, but I can't see it going quite so far with prices, though if I can ever turn my Ashly SC-50 for a grand, I'd be pretty damn happy about it.

It all comes down to what's a useful tool at a great price. Some new stuff will fit the criteria, too - you just have to know what's what and do your homework.

Not so vintage, still available cheap, are the Fostex MN series (mine is the 50) passive mixers w/ built in compressors. Little 9 volt powered things, mix RCA inputs down to mono, all ho hum, but the compressor is one of the coolest smash/slam/nuke sort of things for drums, and you shouldn't have to put up more than $25 for one. If I had a Distressor and an Alan Smart, I might be less impressed, but the little piece of junk does a really sweet trick.

Bear

I'm not really into old gear...but stuff that sounds cool that works right is always cool. I do dig the hell out of the dbx242 eq's...real bargain if you ask me. A Reamp device and a boatload of guitar stomp boxes could make a good effects rack for a lot of people...pros do it too at times!

I bought my dbx242's because they sound good and are priced right on eBay when available. They're maybe 12 years old...and lightly used. The problem with old is, you either need to know how to fix it or someone who does...and be prepared to shell out for it.

How can you go wrong with a $25 compressor though?

War

I am seriously considering playing an upcoming gig with my Harmony Rebel.

I am on perminent look out for good tubes for my ALtec 1598B.

I use Tascam M series boards. (20 channels and 8 busses for $365!!!!!! sign me up.)

I need help.

im an old gear addict myself. my drum set is a 1968 14 piece Rogers. its worth a buttload of money, special the goodies i added.