Astatic Corporation

Lore & Background

The Astatic Microphone Laboratory, Inc. was founded in 1933 by two amateur radio operators, Creed M. Chorpening and F.H. Woodworth, after their friend Charles Semple demonstrated crystal pick-ups from Brush Development Company. Semple became general manager to manufacture the model D-104 Crystal Microphone, along with other crystal microphones, phonograph pickups, and recording heads. In early 1944, the company moved to Conneaut, Ohio, and supplied microphones, pickups, crystal cartridges, hydrophone, and sonar devices to the military during World War II. After the war, the company became The Astatic Corporation.

The Astatic model D-104, introduced in 1933, became known for its high frequency response that improved communications audio quality. Early versions used a 1-inch thick case and large ID tag; the design was modified in April 1937. A black 'grip' switch stand with a metal ID tag appeared in January 1938, and a solid-state amplifier was added to the stand in the 1960s. Special editions included the 1976 Bicentennial Golden Eagle (18k gold plated) and Silver Eagle (chrome with a press-to-talk bar). The Silver Eagle remained in constant production and was one of Astatic's most popular D-104 microphones until production ceased in 2001.

The Astatic model JT-30, introduced in late 1939, was a bullet-style microphone that became extremely popular among harmonica players. It was lightweight, cupped easily in the hands, and distorted sound when run through a tube amplifier. Many variations existed, including the JT-30-C, W-30, 31, JT-31, JT-40, JT-50, and Model A. Production continued in versions such as the JT-30VC and CAD HM-50 until 1999. In 1999, Hohner bought the JT-30 shell molds and Astatic's last batch of crystal elements, selling it as the Hohner 1490 Blues Blaster. The JT-30 Roadhouse was identical except for a different connector. Both were discontinued in 2013, ending 74 years of JT-30 production.

Reader's Guide

The Astatic Corporation's significance lies in its enduring contributions to both communications and musical instrument audio. The D-104 microphone, introduced in 1933, became a staple for amateur radio and citizens band radio operators due to its high frequency response, which enhanced voice clarity. Its various iterations, including the long-running Silver Eagle, kept the model relevant for decades until production ended in 2001. The JT-30 bullet microphone, introduced in 1939, achieved iconic status among blues harmonica players. Its lightweight design and ability to distort when paired with tube amplifiers made it the preferred microphone for legendary players such as Little Walter, James Cotton, and Junior Wells. The JT-30's legacy continued through Hohner's Blues Blaster and the Astatic JT-30 Roadhouse, with production spanning 74 years until 2013. Many players modify original JT-30s by replacing failed crystal elements with Shure Controlled Magnetic Transducers. Astatic also formed CAD Professional Microphones in 1988, reorganized as Omnitronics LLC in 2000, and later combined all brands under CAD Audio. The CB product division was sold to Barjan LLC in 2006, then to DAS Companies in 2012, which expanded the Astatic name to non-microphone accessories such as coaxial cables, meters, and antennas.

Did You Know?

• The Astatic model D-104 was introduced in 1933 and became known for its high frequency response.
• The JT-30 bullet microphone was introduced in late 1939 and was used by Little Walter, James Cotton, and many other blues harmonica players.
• The JT-30 was produced for 74 years, ending in 2013.