Vintage 1960's Fen-tone FM-18 crystal pill microphone High Z with cable & box Calrad Lafayette Olson

             Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome.

You are looking at an older Fen-tone FM-18 model crystal microphone from the 1960's era. This unique microphone was an earlier model offered by what is now a somewhat obscure Japanese microphone company and was intended as an affordable general purpose microphone set at high impedance. It comes with the original short cable shown in which to operate as well as the original (hard to find) box in which to store.

 Fen-tone like quite a few other Japanese companies is no longer in business but when they were they developed and sold quite a few crystal models and a few dynamic models as well.

 It should be noted right away that while this mic still works with the original element the signal strength is on the stronger side which is quite nice for a crystal model. It would be suitable for using but there is an issue. This mic has a dual operating selection. The front switch can operate in both the "P" & "S" configuration. I honestly don't know which either stands for but the mic sounds perfect in the "P" selection but in the "S" selection there is a grounding issue and the mic makes a buzzing sound thought it does work and makes sound.

 I don't notice any difference in the tone of the mic in either selection but I just wanted that to be known. Works and sounds great in the "P" setting. There is an off selection as well and it turns the mic off. 

 The FM-18 has a classic pill shape design that was very popular back in the 1940's and 50's especially with the older RCA models of that era but the RCA mics were very high quality ribbon mics and very expensive. The design is pretty unique and was copied by many Japanese companies before being phased out around 1970.

 The mic is a partial plastic and metal design. Very light weight and it has the lower chrome swivel mechanism (yoke) so that you can tilt the mic accordingly. This mic is almost physically perfect and it's about as nice as they come and will really pop just about anywhere it's displayed. 

 The mic is free of any dents, scratches or fractures but there is a small spot of corrosion on the front right side of the chrome screen that you may be able to see in the pics provided. I'd rate the true cosmetic condition an 9 on a scale of 1 - 10.

 The cable is just 5 feet long. It's soft, pliable and in excellent shape. Comes with the male 1/4 inch end connector.

 The mic itself will screw onto any desk or floor stand you might be using and I have several older stands for sale in my store. If you need something to compliment the mic just ask and I'll show you what I have. Cheers! 

     MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS NOT PART OF THIS SALE...USED FOR DISPLAYPURPOSES ONLY.

                 As with all my vintage microphones...

 I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and the item will be relisted. Domestic and foreign buyer will get priority shipping.

 If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.