DEBRIS.COMgood for a laugh, or possibly an aneurysm

Remember the “counterfeit Oktava microphone” controversy?

Ken Heaton of Oktava USA wrote to point out a misleading advertisement from Guitar Center. In its description of the “MKL2500,” the copy claims the mic is “Hand-built in Russia.” This is almost certainly not true, as anyone familiar with the controversy will tell you — for the Russian mic manufacturer severed its ties with the company selling these mics in the Fall of 2004.

That said, this mic, which was probably manufactured in China, might sound great, and if so $100 is a fantastic price. But it’s not really an Oktava microphone, and in my opinion Guitar Center is doing its customers, not to mention the Oktava company, a great disservice by labeling it as such.

The other misleading thing about the Guitar Center advertisement is more subtle. The picture of the MK-012 shows, but doesn’t label, the 10 decibel “pad” that is shipped with genuine Russian Oktava MK-012 mics. This is misleading because, as of May, 2005, the Chinese versions of this mic sold by Guitar Center did not come with this part. Perhaps the Chinese supply has been updated? As usual, caveat emptor.

Here’s the original ad.

One of the interesting aspects of this story is that, in May, Guitar Center staff had no idea they were buying Chinese rather than Russian mics — because I told them as much, and their buyer’s surprise was genuine. Since then, I’ve personally verified that the news had filtered down to the level of the bag-check guys who stand by the door. Guitar Center can’t claim ignorance any more.

Update: leaked Guitar Center internal memo tells the inside story!