American Americandr 332 Stephen Sank Re-Ribbon – Rare Stand Mount 1950’s - Purple-black

Rare vintage American Microphone Co. DR332, professionally re-ribboned by Stephen Sank, one of the best-known specialists in vintage ribbon microphone restoration.

This is a particularly attractive example with the original American badge and the scarce lower stand/pivot mount, which is often missing from surviving examples.

The finish is also much more interesting in person than it appears in photos. What initially reads as black is actually a very deep purple-black / plum-black lacquer, especially under brighter light. It is surprisingly difficult to photograph accurately, but the purple undertone is clearly visible in person and gives the microphone a beautiful period look against the gold grille.

My recollection is that Stephen configured this example for ribbon-only operation, bypassing the original dynamic element during the restoration. I am listing it on that basis rather than representing it as a functioning dual-element microphone.

The DR332 is a distinctive 1950s American design and is also recognizable as the same microphone model seen in the famous Enchantment Under the Sea performance scene in Back to the Future. This particular microphone was not used in the film; it is simply the same model.

Cosmetically it presents very well for its age, with attractive patina and normal signs of vintage use. Please review the photos closely for condition.

Highlights include:

• Vintage American Microphone Co. DR332
• Made in Pasadena, California
• Professionally re-ribboned by Stephen Sank
• Configured for ribbon-only operation
• Original American DR332 badge
• Rare original stand/pivot mounting hardware
• Distinctive deep purple-black lacquer finish
• Gold-tone grille with attractive age and patina
• Same microphone model prominently seen in Back to the Future
• Excellent vintage studio mic, display piece, or collector item

I have owned this microphone for several years and had the ribbon work professionally performed rather than leaving it as an unknown-condition vintage example.