You are looking at a classic mid to late 1960's Shure Brothers 55SW dynamic cardioid microphone with a smooth warm tone making this one of the best dynamic cardioid mics of it's time and it still sounds incredible even today as it still works excellent. This particular model came with the black foam screens, rectangular silver Shure badge and practical on / off switch. It comes with a short XLR cable in which to operate, red felt mic sleeve and original mic box in which to store the contents.

 Pic # 2 shows this very model as well as the 556S from that era and it's basic characteristics.

 Shure Brothers changed the design of the 55S in 1961. Previously it had blue silk screens and a royal blue Shure badge but they gave it the black silk screen to change the look of the mic and Shure swapped out the black silk screens for black foam screens around 1964. The 55SW was only different from the 55S in that Shure finally included the on / off switch once this 2nd generation design was introduced. 

 Shure Brothers was trying to go with a an edgier mid century look while still retaining the infamous look of the mic when the 55S model changed slightly in 1960. The actual head of the mic never changed over the 30 year run...just the lower pistol grip. It should be noted that the 55S with black foam screens has not been replaced. These black foam inner screens are usually toast but this mic was so well stored over the decades that the screens are still in excellent condition and I'm leaving them be. 

 You can see just how beautiful the mic is. The previous owner really took great care of this example.

 This legendary microphone was used by many famous artists and politicians over the years including Elvis Presley and even the young revolutionary Fidel Castro. Those clean lines and deco styling make this mic stand out from all the others produced over the last century. Made in Evanston, IL U.S.A. This mic is a nice piece of midcentury Americana.

 It should be noted that this mic has an excellent working dynamic cardioid element with strong output and works perfectly on low and medium and setting. Many of these older mics barely work at all or lack the bass associated with a good working 55S. This one was very well taken care of over the decades. Perfect for singing and broadcasting. 100% signal. This mic will not disappoint and you'll be very hard pressed to find a nicer example. The uni-directional characteristics on these mics are outstanding drowning out most background noise. 

 As seen in the pictures provided the the satin chrome shows virtually no cosmetic wear. The finish has a very nice luster too. Zero scratches or pitting. Just a few very lite scuff marks. There are zero bent or fractured ribs on this mic and was very well taken care of. The Shure label looks very nice as well. Overall, this 55SW mic is a very conservative 9 on a scale of 1 - 10. This mic is solid...no loose parts inside or out.

 I take the time to secure the inner element as it's held in place with 3 shock mounts that wear out with age. Once the element becomes loose it's almost impossible to use these live as they create too much unwanted feedback from banging around. This one is good to go. Nice and snug...no worries for decades to come.

 The threads for the cable are excellent and the joint mechanism holds strong. The threading for the stand is perfect as well and this will screw onto any desk or floor stand you wish to use.

 The mic also comes with a vintage 4 foot cable. Soft, pliable and free of damage. It comes with a quality Switchcraft male XLR end connector so you can use this mic with all modern XLR cables. It should be noted that the short cable provided will take any longer XLR cable you will want to use as an extension.

 You got everything you need and this 55SW is ready to go!

 An original Shure 55SW mic case / box is included and comes with original foam inner padding / liners. A Great place to keep the mic while not in actual mic as it keeps dust, dirt and scratches away. This case shows typical lite wear but still works just as it should.

 If you want to get your musician a very special gift or simply gift yourself...this classic 55SW will do nicely.

       MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS NOT PART OF THIS SALE...FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY.

         As with all my vintage microphones...