Turner model 99, English version

This Vintage Friday is all about the Turner 99.

The Turner 99 was produced in the 40’s and 50’s. This omnidirectional dynamic microphone is loosely based on the Western Electric 618. Copying models from each other already happened then, and it still does today.

The Turner Microphone Company was founded in 1931 by David Turner and Everett Foster. This was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA. There were take-overs by other companies for several times. Finally Turner disappeared in 1979. That is a pity, because they do have a number of remarkable models to their name.

In the last years of their existence, they only made microphones for CB radio. CB stands for Citizen Band, or amateur radio channel.

The Turner 99 was mainly used for performances. Ella Fitzgerald is one of the many well known users. This model was also made under number 999 and u99. The latter was used by the army in WW2, among other things. Not surprising, because this microphone is then very sturdy built. My copy still works perfectly after about 75-80 years!

Like many microphones, this one had a nickname. She was known as “The Searchlight”. This, obviously, because of its shape.

Feel free to drop a message if you feel like it, or if you have a question to ask. I like to hear from you.

See you next Vintage Friday!