kasroc
Junior Member
Posts: 70
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Post by kasroc on Jan 11, 2019 12:35:18 GMT -6
What’s a fair market value on an original C37a? I’ve done some intermittent research over the years. Looks like prices keep inflating.
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Post by spock on Jan 11, 2019 13:50:56 GMT -6
What’s a fair market value on an original C37a? I’ve done some intermittent research over the years. Looks like prices keep inflating. For a nice one...$4-4.5K.
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kasroc
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Posts: 70
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Post by kasroc on Jan 11, 2019 14:23:02 GMT -6
Seems to be the going rate. They aren’t as easy to come by these days. I’m in the market for a great vocal mic. I’ve looked at those Stams which I discovered from this site, but positive reviews are so inconsistent. You don’t know what to believe anymore when it comes to new “clones.” Why not buy the real deal.
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Post by spock on Jan 11, 2019 15:03:14 GMT -6
Seems to be the going rate. They aren’t as easy to come by these days. I’m in the market for a great vocal mic. I’ve looked at those Stams which I discovered from this site, but positive reviews are so inconsistent. You don’t know what to believe anymore when it comes to new “clones.” Why not buy the real deal. I have REDDs of course, however, I also have a beautiful sounding C37A, for which I know the history since it was installed new back in the day, same with a great original RCA 44 BX. It’s nice to know where the vintage mic has been and what it’s been through...peace of mind.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 11, 2019 15:31:41 GMT -6
You’ve got to be careful with the C37’s if you can’t test them. They have a problem with permiable capsules, and once that happens kiss using it as a vocal mic goodbye.
When you have one in top shape however, they are absolutely fantastic.
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kasroc
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Post by kasroc on Jan 11, 2019 16:02:45 GMT -6
Yes, history is always great to know. I usually ask a ton of questions before buying vintage. I own two matching Schoeps M221b’s, km84’s, etc.
I have not heard that about the C37a, Jeremy. I’m also not sure what that exactly means either. All capsules should be protected when in use. I’ve seen what “dirty” caps look like after windscreens aren’t used. Thanks for the heads up.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 11, 2019 16:29:30 GMT -6
Yes, history is always great to know. I usually ask a ton of questions before buying vintage. I own two matching Schoeps M221b’s, km84’s, etc. I have not heard that about the C37a, Jeremy. I’m also not sure what that exactly means either. All capsules should be protected when in use. I’ve seen what “dirty” caps look like after windscreens aren’t used. Thanks for the heads up. Basically, they can get tiny pin holes in the capsule. I’m not exactly sure what causes it but it does happen. Moisture from your breath when you sing can get into the pinhole and it shorts out the capsule and it stops working. After it dries out it works again. There are several C37’s in NYC that have white tape on the box saying “not for vocal use”. On the other hand they are also killer drum room mics
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Post by EmRR on Jan 11, 2019 17:33:06 GMT -6
I don't think I've ever seen a comparison of 37/38/48. Anyone used them all?
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Post by spock on Jan 11, 2019 17:59:01 GMT -6
I’ve never had any issues, though, as I’d mentioned I know the history of mine, and have had it about 15 years, and since I’ve owned it, it was only ever used on my wife’s voice. Incredible mic! I’ve toyed with giving it up with the 44 BX and some vintage comps as I want to get some really nice cinema lenses and they are stupid $$$; It’s another kind of gas I guess.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Jan 11, 2019 23:19:50 GMT -6
I don't think I've ever seen a comparison of 37/38/48. Anyone used them all? I’d say going from a 37 to a 48 is like going from an M49 to an 87ai. Okay... maybe not that drastic but you get the idea. Never heard a 38 or the non tube 37.
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Post by chessparov on Jan 12, 2019 4:23:21 GMT -6
I've haven't been fortunate enough (yet) to sing through an original Sony C37a. But...
I tried out the Tonelux J37 (both tube and FET, and thought they were great on my voice. IIRC target street price was around $1500 FET, and $2500 tube. This was at last year's Anaheim NAMM. FWIW my other LDC "wow-sers", included the REDD/Neumann U47 FET reissue/Bock iFET/Bock 67/Flea 12.
I've learned to appreciate the manufacturers who are coming from the "inspired by" perspective. I even liked the Bock 67, over the U67 reissue I tried (gasp!). Chris
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Post by roundbadge on Jan 12, 2019 5:40:15 GMT -6
I had a gorgeous pair of C37a's purchased with a buddy until recently. the last one I sold for $3800 on reverb about 3 months ago.it sold almost the day I posted.shoulda asked for 4k. absolutely mint condition with the desirable power supplies and original boxes/paperwork.1 original owner purchased the pair in the early 60's and had passed away.. I just loved those mics.but ack we both needed the mula. still wish I kept the last one.
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kasroc
Junior Member
Posts: 70
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Post by kasroc on Jan 12, 2019 8:19:09 GMT -6
All the Bocks look amazing. Haven’t tried one yet either. I like the ideas of David Bock plus they are all American made.
The Sony is a dream mic for me. I love the design and simplicity of it. Also like the “darker” sound some say it evokes. They come up for sale every now and then. I just think 5k is really pushing it. $3500-3800 sounds fair. Considering what a vintage U47 goes for and the fact that these mics were direct competition with that model it’s a steal. I know they both sound very different it’s just cool they are in the same general league.
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Post by roundbadge on Jan 14, 2019 5:13:22 GMT -6
All the Bocks look amazing. Haven’t tried one yet either. I like the ideas of David Bock plus they are all American made. The Sony is a dream mic for me. I love the design and simplicity of it. Also like the “darker” sound some say it evokes. They come up for sale every now and then. I just think 5k is really pushing it. $3500-3800 sounds fair. Considering what a vintage U47 goes for and the fact that these mics were direct competition with that model it’s a steal. I know they both sound very different it’s just cool they are in the same general league. I never thought they sounded dark. Just natural and balanced. My favorite percussion mic.
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kasroc
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Posts: 70
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Post by kasroc on Jan 14, 2019 6:25:13 GMT -6
All the Bocks look amazing. Haven’t tried one yet either. I like the ideas of David Bock plus they are all American made. The Sony is a dream mic for me. I love the design and simplicity of it. Also like the “darker” sound some say it evokes. They come up for sale every now and then. I just think 5k is really pushing it. $3500-3800 sounds fair. Considering what a vintage U47 goes for and the fact that these mics were direct competition with that model it’s a steal. I know they both sound very different it’s just cool they are in the same general league. I never thought they sounded dark. Just natural and balanced. My favorite percussion mic. Thats just what I’ve heard. I guess the way they roll off the higher frequencies. It is not a harsh sounding mic from what I gather. Have you ever recorded bass drum with one?
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Post by Ward on Jan 14, 2019 7:20:09 GMT -6
I don't think I've ever seen a comparison of 37/38/48. Anyone used them all? I’d say going from a 37 to a 48 is like going from an M49 to an 87ai. Okay... maybe not that drastic but you get the idea. Never heard a 38 or the non tube 37. You're on to something there. I've never done side by side comparisons but general impressions are U67 to U87 to U87ai SNIP . I just think 5k is really pushing it. $3500-3800 sounds fair. That's more of what I've seen too . . . and I wish I had jumped on a few of them when they were $750-900
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jan 14, 2019 7:27:43 GMT -6
C37a very natural, as RB says excellent percussion mic, great fit in many voices, but better at a distance rather than up close. The FET37/38 always sounded some where between a vintage 87 and a Gefell UM70, C48 was a great alternative to a U87 didn’t sound quite as modern.
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Sony C37a
Jan 14, 2019 12:51:47 GMT -6
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Post by chessparov on Jan 14, 2019 12:51:47 GMT -6
Yes Eric. I remember the J37 FET sounded a bit U87-ish. Without the upper mid bite, of an AI. Chris
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Post by nudwig on Jan 14, 2019 12:55:49 GMT -6
I have a c38 and a c37 clone with the Sony capsule. My clone likely doesn't sound just like a real 37 as the headbasket is way more open but I like it as it's a smoother, more open version of the 38. I like the 37 clone on acoustic guitars when I want something with less authority than an 84. I switch back and forth between the 37 clone and a 409 on guitar cabs. Both are nice in a pseudo Glyn Johns setup on a dry tuned kit. As mentioned, great on percussion. I'd still like to get a real 37 some day or the Manley silver as I love mics with a natural sound.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jan 14, 2019 13:00:18 GMT -6
Yes Eric. I remember the J37 FET sounded a bit U87-ish. Without the upper mid bite, of an AI. Chris Yeah, though it’s getting harder and harder to find a good one though. The FET 37/38 has more demention than an 87 as well. Still wondering if and when we will see the Tonelux Clones. If anybody has the itch for Sony FETs watch the market carefully prices go up and down, and make sure the capsule is in good shape! Avoid the temptation to buy any Sony ECM series mics these electorate lose charge and level over time.
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Sony C37a
Jan 14, 2019 14:55:16 GMT -6
via mobile
Post by chessparov on Jan 14, 2019 14:55:16 GMT -6
I'm confident the Tonelux J37's will eventually be sold. Also I'd get a J37 FET (more affordable for me), WAY before something like a Sony 38B...
Because of Sony's "Customer Service/Support"- Or lack thereof! Chris
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jan 14, 2019 15:16:26 GMT -6
I'm confident the Tonelux J37's will eventually be sold. Also I'd get a J37 FET (more affordable for me), WAY before something like a Sony 38B... Because of Sony's "Customer Service/Support"- Or lack thereof! Chris Hey if you think Sony support for mics is bad imagine you had bought an Oxford!
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kasroc
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Post by kasroc on Jan 14, 2019 18:15:57 GMT -6
Hopefully we will hear something soon from this years upcoming NAMM on that Tonelux. I am also very interested. If it finally sees the light of day there might also be an influx of vintage C37a’s. Who knows? Would be a good time to sell if this thing is as good as they say.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jan 15, 2019 12:17:47 GMT -6
Hopefully we will hear something soon from this years upcoming NAMM on that Tonelux. I am also very interested. If it finally sees the light of day there might also be an influx of vintage C37a’s. Who knows? Would be a good time to sell if this thing is as good as they say. It’s going to all come down to the capsule.
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Post by hadaja on Jan 31, 2019 2:42:07 GMT -6
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