Last evening I got an idea about an alternate way to rig
the suspension bands on a shock mount. Most have a pair
of bands, one on top, one below.

I tried re-orienting them, left to right, and it worked!

Now, if one band breaks, the other will continue to support
the mic. The mic will be pulled to one side of the mount,
but it won't fall (unless the second band breaks too!).

Still, a loose zip tie between the inner and outer mount,
is very cheap insurance.

I'll post pics when I get a chance.

BTW, here are some excellent shock mounts, for reasonable
prices. Google will help you find the best source.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/partaccview.cfm?partoraccsID=1617

(above is in silver, next below is same, in black)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/376127-REG/CAD_MZM5_MZM5_Elastic_Suspension_Microphone.html

http://www.samsontech.com/products/partaccview.cfm?partoraccsID=1933

http://www.sterlingaudio.net/products/index.cfm?product=SM4&modId=0

http://www.sterlingaudio.net/products/index.cfm?product=SM7&modId=0

I remove the built in nut for some mics, in order to use
the nuts that come with those mics. Takes about five
minutes, and a little "persuasion" (hint: Vice Grips,
"the wrong tool for every job").

And another type that you might find useful:

http://www.wwbw.com/Musician-s-Gear-Symmetrical-Studio-Microphone-Shock-Mount-271295-i1401049.wwbw


As always, I have no association with the vendors,
my only interest is in sharing info with the Folks.

HTH,
Emmit Sycamore