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Reviews For: GHD GT504A

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : GHD GT504A
Reviews: 2MSRP: 229.00
Description:
GHD's "standard" straight key with a bent lever for "American-style" sending. Lustrous, deep chrome finish. 5" x 3.25" base. 3lbs.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.ghdkey.com/pp11.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
WA7RBC Rating: 2013-01-06
Excellent Straight Key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My expectations were a little low for the GT504, because I was used to a long-arm key; one with spring mounted, forward contacts. I figured the GT504 would make a good backup, since the long-arm keys are not easy to find anymore.

I've been pleasantly surprised (amazed actually) at how the GT504 feels when sending. It's not exactly the same as a long-arm key, but feels smooth in its own way. Actually now I can't decide which key I like better, and that's a good problem to have!

As I write this the GT504 is $300, but you get what you pay for. It's a well built instrument and I don't think it's overpriced a bit. Also I'm tired of polishing brass, so I appreciate the chrome finish.
K0EX Rating: 2010-02-22
perfection Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
the GT504A is THE best straight key i have ever operated! the arm pivots on silky-smoothe, tight, sealed precision bearings. the spring is on the OTHER side of the pivot from the knob so that it applies resistance thru elongation, not compression (as is the typical method). when "pounding brass", the feeling of the contacts impacting is incredibly solid because of the substantial base on which the mechanics are mounted. even the resulting sound is unlike the hollow-based keys of which we all are so fondly nostalgic (J-38, Nye, etc).

the chrome finish is so nice, you'll hate to get even part of a finger-print on it! the "+" contact is insulated from the base with a machined ceramic insert. wiring from the plug attaches to two really cool binding posts, as seen in the product photo.

if you have a tendency to enjoy using a straight key -- even just occasionally -- then treat yourself to one of these! if not, set it out -- at home or at work -- for others to see. it's guaranteed to strike-up a conversation.

in the USA, Marshall Emm at Milestone Technologies (Denver, CO) is a distributor. i can whole-heartedly recommend this key & i give a thumbs-up for great customer service from Milestone Technologies.

a note about sending with this straight key:
even with its bent arm, the knob is positioned a bit high above the surface on which the key sits. "American-style" sending (ie, with one's arm and wrist resting on the table) might be a bit more tiring than on other keys. on the other hand, sending "European-style" (ie, with the key at the edge of table and one's arm and wrist held in the air) is a trememdous pleasure on this beautiful, well-designed machine!


-Mark K0EX