Replacement Bands for AT8410a

[mcp6453[_2_]]

The original AT8410a shock mount used four bands. The modern version using a
single band. As I understand it, the four bands are no longer available from AT.
There is a big discussion in a forum somewhere about using hair bands as
replacements. I bought some of the hair bands, and they are not robust enough to
do the job except for the lightest of mics.

The topic of replacement bands pops up all the time, and the recommendations are
to go to an auto parts store or industrial supply house of some sort and find
readily available replacements. I have not been able to find bands that will work.

Has anyone located a source for replacement rubber bands for the original
AT8410a shock mount?

[Frank Stearns]

mcp6453 > writes:

>The original AT8410a shock mount used four bands. The modern version using a
>single band. As I understand it, the four bands are no longer available from AT.
>There is a big discussion in a forum somewhere about using hair bands as
>replacements. I bought some of the hair bands, and they are not robust enough to
>do the job except for the lightest of mics.

>The topic of replacement bands pops up all the time, and the recommendations are
>to go to an auto parts store or industrial supply house of some sort and find
>readily available replacements. I have not been able to find bands that will work.

>Has anyone located a source for replacement rubber bands for the original
>AT8410a shock mount?

The bands on the shockmount for my KSM44 stretched out way too soon, and the
replacements would be the same lousy material (essentially hairbands) and way too
expensive.

Having built several shockmounts, I went back to the comprehensive plumbling section
of my favorite hardware store and purchased medium to medium-lightweight "O"-rings.

You probably won't find large enough rubber O-rings to do single
"all-the-way-around" bands, but in the case of my KSM44 mount the two long original
bands got replaced by eight short O-rings.

The trick is to get the right thickness and size. Too much tension or inflexibility
due to over-thickness and the shock effectiveness is reduced; too loose and rings
might pop off.

Quality O-rings are durable and reasonably stable under varying conditions. (Beware
O rings that are not supple. If they're overly stiff they might be a very
low-quality rubber or even some form of plastic.)

Now, a good plumbing store will have literally hundreds of O-rings, generally in
three thicknesses ranging from 1/8 inch diameter to 3 inch diameter. Forget a big
box store that has maybe some 5-pack assortments; even if the sizes are right the
material is probably poor.

Our local Ace Hardware has 3-layer deep floor-to-ceiling drawer racks devoted to
O-rings. See if you can find a store with that level of selection.

Good luck with it,

Frank
Mobile Audio

--

[Getting Older and Grumpier Gear Minion]

On Jul 15, 9:14*am, mcp6453 > wrote:
> The original AT8410a shock mount used four bands. The modern version using a
> single band. As I understand it, the four bands are no longer available from AT.
> There is a big discussion in a forum somewhere about using hair bands as
> replacements. I bought some of the hair bands, and they are not robust enough to
> do the job except for the lightest of mics.
>
> The topic of replacement bands pops up all the time, and the recommendations are
> to go to an auto parts store or industrial supply house of some sort and find
> readily available replacements. I have not been able to find bands that will work.
>
> Has anyone located a source for replacement rubber bands for the original
> AT8410a shock mount?

You might try an industrial supplier like this
http://www.mcmaster.com/#o-rings/=d7d7mb
and find the appropriate size.
YMMV

[Ty Ford]

From Jim Walker at Audio-Technica US

Ty:

The original AT8410 that used four bands is no longer supportable
because the bands are no longer available from Japan.

About twenty years ago A-T changed over to the current version
AT8410a. We sell replacement band kits for $5 through the ATUS Parts
Department. We also have instructions on how to rebuild the current
version AT8410a at: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/resource_library/files/e450243e03257a47/at8410a_restring.pdf

Sincerely,

JAMES W. WALKER
Service Manager
P 330.686.2600 ext. 2700
F 330.686.6277
Audio-Technica U.S., Inc
1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224