Vintage 1951 Neumann/Telefunken U47 (Serial #486) — Complete Historical Kit, Amazing Condition.
Up for sale is a historic, ultra-low serial number Telefunken-badged Neumann U47 (SN 486).
I reached out to Neumann for details on the year and they requested more pictures as they said they don't see the early ones often in this great of shape. Have emails saved if wanted.
In the early years of production, Telefunken was the exclusive world distributor for Neumann, making these early units the most historically significant and highly sought-after variants in existence. This investment-grade microphone package is 100% complete, meticulously preserved, and fully optimized for top-tier studio production.
This specific microphone is a beloved fixture of the Twin Cities recording history. It has been exceptionally well taken care of and housed in the climate-controlled environment of Winterland Studios in Minneapolis for over 20 years. Its exceptional sonic track record is proven, trusted, and documented across decades of professional sessions.The Holy Grail Component Stack:

• Original VF14 Steel Tube: The heart and soul of the authentic 1950s U47 sound. It has been thoroughly tested, showing excellent output, low noise, and that legendary, beautifully saturated midrange.
• Thiersch M7 "Red Line" Capsule: The original capsule was professionally reskinned by Siegfried Thiersch using his celebrated Red Line (gold-sputtered Mylar/PE) process. This preserves the iconic low-mid authority of the M7 while offering a pristine, extended top end and flawless stability against humidity.
• Mint Cosmetics: The original chrome basket and body tube are in radiant, mint condition. The historic Telefunken logo badge is perfectly intact. The mic has no heavy pitting or dents and looks spectacular on a stand.

Complete Turnkey Package Includes:

• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Fully calibrated to supply the exact, delicate voltages required to keep the VF14 tube healthy and stable.
• Premium Cabling: High-grade, low-noise interconnect cable included.
• Swivel Mount: Classic, reliable mounting hardware for secure stand placement.
• Original Vintage Storage Case: The historic original box is included, providing excellent protection and completing this collector-grade package.

Recent Master-Class Tech Service:
This entire system was just fully gone over, bench-tested, and sonically verified by master microphone technician Eddie Ciletti in Minneapolis. It needs absolutely nothing and is ready for immediate deployment in a high-end commercial tracking room or private archive.
Auditioning & Local Verification:
Vocal audio files recorded with this exact microphone are in the Youtube video below.
I can send waves upon request. These multi-track demonstration files include soloed raw vocals, vocals tracked with effects, and full "in the mix" context versions so you can fully appreciate its spectacular tone, transient response, and incredibly low noise floor.
Shipping. For qualified buyers, local inspection, acoustic testing, and in-person pickup can be arranged in the Minneapolis area. Serious inquiries only.
Possibly willing to outside the USA.
Please reach out to discuss shipping, insurance, payment terms, or any other questions.