Blimp suspension bands

[Jason Nicholas]

I’ve pulled out my old RØDE blimp to test something out (an oddball, quite heavy copper body Fostex shotgun mic); however the rubber bands that make up the suspension are getting a little saggy. Are these a specialised item or something I might be able to pick up by the bag at a hardware store if I know what to ask for? Also, I think the original RØDE blimp was a re-imagined Rycote model; if so, are the parts interchangeable?

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

A bit of both - they were specialised in the sense that the 'right' thing was selected and sold as such, but you'll find something suitable enough in a decent hardware store. Take one of the originals with you when shopping - so you don't end up with bands too big (and thus too slack). Also take into account the weight of the microphone - since it's heavier than normal try using six bands rather than the normal four (if you can figure out a way to mount it to the other top holes - the great thing for me about Rycote of old was that you could easily buy all the spare parts you ever wanted to customise any kind of suspension).

 

Jez

[Paul F]

Rubber bands used for braces. They come in different strengths. Here is an example. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Orthodontic-Elastic-Rubber-Ounces-Traction/dp/B0969S9HCQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=33L2N0OIVF1BL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dHbsfuKghLMwlYLapi9JOWyUI86_xnZ35lsT-3Q7nHwhrMGJPg8ycqjuAjHCdv6Etv9QQPYZ1tt6JIpPKvRzoTgCGWoybZ1IiaHiaeifSf-WIUnv4iPoFlbSLlOAW1fEPzzTn1tELrt8zff8mTe1LKTALBNniewXm6Bir2LkGT4vG6XiohgXKVlhvxE-EzzELOzGK1aExci1AT22TyjgMIXBjHje0SCsvzRgWFBwRoQWra1U79ZFG1Uf1ASHDBNm5lFb9RvbmlpoJvFYqFrMPxhaIvHfLzqDa7Jd3LoJZxI.DEXB9ffnyeUlnTcOsOukfgv5Y3mEmpIff9seYBdd3t4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rubber%2Bbands%2Bfor%2Bbraces&qid=1749846126&s=beauty&sprefix=rubber%2Bbands%2Bfor%2Bbraces%2Cbeauty%2C163&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1