Vintage and Coles Microphone Repairs

Due to high demand, we currently have to quote six to eight weeks for vintage microphone repairs.

For in person repair drop-offs please come between the hours of 10AM-3PM.

If rush repair service is requested, please mark the outside of the shipping carton ‘RUSH’ so we know to expedite your repair.

Please send all repairs to 1029 North Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA, 91104

AEA services and repairs vintage and Coles ribbon microphones. Our standard policy is to restore microphones as close as possible to their original operating specifications. See below for full list of microphones AEA repairs.

Repair Order Number

Each Vintage and Coles Product Repair is issued a Repair Order Number. You will receive this number in the confirmation e-mail of your repair. Please include your name and Repair Order Number inside or on the repair package.

Repair Form

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Repair Rates

AEA manufactures all parts for the RCA 44. All parts meet or exceed original factory specifications (e.g. our bright chrome 44 yoke is a bronze investment casting rather than the less robust original zinc casting). We also stock most of the parts for the Coles/STC 4038. We include your original parts with return shipment.

Repair Estimate

Upon request, AEA will provide an estimate for your repair, which will be billed as a 1⁄2 hour labor charge ($75.00). This estimate charge can be applied to any current or future repair work.

The following prices are for Vintage Mic and Coles Mic Repairs.

  • Shop Labor Rate – $150.00/hr.
  • Rush Charge – $100.00
Re-Ribboning
  • Re-ribbon most RCA microphones – $235.00
  • Re-ribbon Coles/STC 4038 – $250.00
  • Re-ribbon Coles/STC 4104 – $250.00
R44
  • R44 grille set. Available in satin or bright chrome. – $325.00
  • R44 yoke. Available in satin chrome. – $325.00
  • R44 yoke. Available in bright chrome (cast bronze). – $325.00
  • R44 yoke hardware pack – $140.00
  • R44 cushion mount. Available in satin or bright Chrome – $260.00
  • Functional R44 one-piece cushion mount in black – $150.00
Cables
  • Standard Cable (black 10’ Accusound MX4 quad captive cable & Switchcraft connector) – $115.00

 

All prices are subject to change.

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Examples of Services Offered

Ribbon microphone re-ribboning is the most common repair service we provide. Nevertheless, we offer spare parts and accessories for the RCA 44 and Coles microphones. Please denote which services you wish to include in your repair order in the form above. Due to high demand, we currently have to quote six to eight weeks for vintage microphone repairs.

Functional Repairs
  • Replace the ribbon (required if ribbon is broken or stretched, or if the gap is restricted).
  • Correct inverted polarity if necessary (to conform to the Pin-2 Hi international standard).
  • Replace output cord and connector (star quad cable with Switchcraft connector). Please denote if you want a Standard length or Custom length cable.
  • Restore as closely as possible to “original factory standards”.
Cosmetic Repairs
  • Re-silk grilles.
  • Remove dents from grilles (Note: this process can damage silk and may require re-silking).
  • Replace any missing small hardware or badges where possible. (Washers, spacers, thumbscrews, logo badges, etc.)
  • Replace degraded rubber parts.

Spare parts for RCA microphones are also sold on our accessories store. Coles Accessories are available for purchase here.

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Products AEA Repairs

We generally only service ribbon microphones and do not repair any condenser microphones, moving-coil transducers, or other manufacturers’ electronics. Below is a list of microphones we repair and refurbish on a regular basis. If you would like to inquire about having a ribbon microphone repaired that is not listed below, contact us at repairs@ribbonmics.com.

 

  • American (Ribbon only)
    • DR330
    • R331
    • DR 332
  • Coles (Vintage and New)
    •  4038
    • 4104
  • RCA
    • All 44 models including the PB 90 etc.
    • 74B
    • 77C, 77D & 77DX
    • BK-5A
    • BK-5B
    • BK-11A
    • KU-2A
    • KU-3A
    • SK-46
    • SK-50
    • MI-6203/SK-50 (Varacoustic)
  • Reslo (ribbon only)

 

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Payment

Our service department will call you when your repair is complete and for final payment. AEA accepts card, cash, Paypal, and check.

Our courier of choice is UPS for return shipments. Please let us know if you require an Adult Signature for delivery and if/how much do you want the return shipment to be insured.

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Repair Status

Due to high demand, we currently have to quote six to eight weeks for vintage microphone repairs.

Rush jobs for functional studio repairs for vintage mics (i.e. re-ribboning, new cables) can be accommodated in three to four weeks for an additional charge of $100 per mic.  If rush repair service is requested, please mark the outside of the shipping carton ‘RUSH’ so we know to expedite your repair.

Please contact us at repairs@ribbonmics.com or call (800) 798-9127 and ask for the Service Department.

Our service department will call you when your repair is complete and for final payment.

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Shipping

Pack Your Products With Care

When shipping, please be sure to pack your microphone carefully, with an ample amount of cushioning. It is especially necessary to support R44 grilles carefully to prevent damage during shipping. AEA is not responsible for damage incurred while shipping to our facility.

Shipping Options

Our courier of choice is UPS for return shipments. Please let us know if you require an Adult Signature for delivery and if/how much do you want the return shipment to be insured.  If rush repair service is requested, please mark the outside of the shipping carton ‘RUSH’ so we know to expedite your repair.

Repairs Coming From Outside of U.S.A.

If you are sending in a repair from outside the United States please fill out and include this certificate of registration form (CBP Form 4455) with the package.

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Spare Parts and Accessories

RCA microphone spare parts are available for purchase on our site here.

New Coles microphones and accessories may be purchased on AEAProAudio.com.