Vintage 1960 Shure 55S dynamic cardioid microphone w S-36 stand & cable Elvis 55 55SW 556S Super 55
Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome.
You are looking at a classic 1960 Shure 55S model dynamic cardioid microphone which was also sold under license with the Stromberg Carlson, DuKane and Demambro badges but they were all the actual Shure 55S microphones at the end of the day. This is the Shure model mic and it comes with the period Shure S-36 model desk model stand as well as the cable in which to operate.
It should be noted that this microphone is 100% complete with the original element and it's a very healthy example with great tone and strong output. This mic was very taken care of over the past 70 years. The 55S can be very hit and miss but this example is spot on for every day use.
Pic # 2 shows this very model in an old Shure catalog I have and it's basic characteristics.
This is one of the most iconic mics in the history of music and broadcasting. An elegant all metal design with high quality build and components. While the Super 55 is being sold today with a slightly revised design and newer element, this actual design goes back to 1950 and was used by just about every musician, politician and broadcaster you can think of.
1960 was the very last year that Shure built the 55S with the rounded early lower pistol grip and blue silk screens. 1960 was a transitional year where the new 55S model had a new lower pistol grip and came with black silk screens. This 1960 model was a the last of an era.
This mic was originally intended for singing and broadcasting and was a high quality studio mic. A healthy sounding 55S is still a top quality mic and they sound fantastic. This Shure 55S has the adjustable impedance switch for low, medium and high impedance and the switch on this mic works just fine. There's a bit of bass to the tone but not bass heavy like a Shure SM-58. These mics are brighter in nature and sound lovely.
I take the time to secure the inner element as it's held in place with 3 shock mounts that wear out with age. The mic needs to be properly grounded to do so as the element is very sensitive to static shock and you can ruin the mic if that's not done. I come a cross a lot of these mics where somebody attempted to do so and ruined the element. If you don't have any experience let somebody do it that does.
As you can see in the photos provided the satin chrome body shows a minimum of wear with just tiny scuff marks and tiny pitting. Despite the cosmetic wear there are no fractures, dents or engravings anywhere. The ribs are completely straight as well. No issues on that end. This is one of the nicer 55S mics you could ask for. Not perfect but very nice overall.
The Royal Blue silk screens shows no rips in any of the screens. There is very subtle fading and a very small pin sized hole in the front right side of the screen. Often these old 55 series mics are stained with tobacco as smoking was quite popular back in the day. You won't find any of that on this mic. Zero stains or odors. The joint mechanism works perfectly with plenty of tension and a wide degree of tilt. The label is slightly faded but completely legible.
This mic is a very nice example overall and I would rate it an conservative 8 + cosmetically on a scale of 1 - 10. Worthy of any vintage mic collection.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The 55S comes with a period Shure S-36 desk stand that makes for a very stable platform and compliments the mic nicely. The Shure S-36 was built between 1939 and 1960 before being discontinued. The S36 was a very modern design that was sleek and had a strong deco influence. It's made of aluminum and lite weight.
This stand has almost no wear as you can see. It has a nice dark silver painted finish, original front Shure insignia (though the logo is worn), 5 original rubber pads, cable clamp and brass bolt for attaching the microphone. Mic with stand is appx 9 inches tall X 5 inches wide X 7 inches deep.
It's a beautiful combination and it comes with the short 10 inch cable in which to operate the mic. The cable is soft, pliable and works perfectly. No issues. The cable is well secured and has the quality Switchcraft male XLR end connector so that you may simply attach any longer XLT cable of choice as an extension to your audio equipment.
Mic will screw onto any desk or floor stand you have if you don't like the desk stand provided.
A great conversation piece anywhere it sits in the home, studio or office nut don't feel like you can't use this for any situation either. She's ready for another 70 years.
As with all my vintage microphones for sale...
I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The return shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. BUYER MUST PAY WITHIN 24 HOURS or will lose rights to this item, unpaid item report will be filed and will be relisted. If you don't intend on buying this...do not commit to buy please. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.
If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.
| Listed | 25 days ago |
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| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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