Another Cool Flea Market Find

[Amp360]

A few weeks back I posted about a big haul of cool gear I bought at the flea market. I had found a pair of NOS 12AX7s, a Conn Strobe Tuner, EVH Flanger, 80s Hendrix Fuzz and a Four Track for about $60 or something. All of that stuff has been sold (aside from the tubes and tuner) for about $450.

Today I went to the flea market again. I worked last night for Alice & Chains so I was pretty tired but my alarm went off at 5:30am and I toughed it out. Today I scored this really cool Shure 55SW. They reissue this mic and the new ones are pretty cheap looking/feeling. This one is circa 1955 and weighs a ton. I paid $35 for it with the cable. The cable is either not done right (wrong pins) or broken so I'm going to make a new one, as the connector is good.

I don't know if I'll ever record with this but it would be cool for a video or a live thing. I buy a lot of old things and love yard sales/flea markets. There's tons of things out there to be discovered!

Scotty Moore - The Shure 55S ("Elvis Mic")

 

[J T]

Nice find!

Put it in front of a nice mic pre, should be a nice addition to your mic locker.

(Just keep it away from Phantom Power ?)

 

[rialcnis]

No doubt it's that same, specific mic Elvis was using.

 

[corpse]

I love junk shops. Never had a score like yours though. Just tubes.

 

[Amp360]

I love junk shops. Never had a score like yours though. Just tubes.

The trick is to go often. This was my best find ever - bought as a set from a consignment shop:

 

[Sgrady41]

Nice

 

[Wilko]

Fun mic.

What makes you think 1955? The SW model was introduced in 1961.

Yours doesn't show the amphenol connector making it 1978 or later.

What's your serial number?

 

[Amp360]

If you let me know where the serial number is I'll post it. It has an amphenol connector. I have an adapter that now goes to XLR.

 

[Wilko]

I was thinking they had a number on the outside. They don’t. If you did find a number inside it would be four digits. First two the year. Next two the week.

 

[Amp360]

I didn't see any numbers in there when I took it apart. Just the capsule and transformer.

 

[Wilko]

I have the same mic. I just looked and didn't find a number. Anyway, 1961 to 1978 is what we have.

 

[Elen_Den]

you are very lucky!

 

[TomJohnson]

Finding vintage gear at flea markets is like a treasure hunt, isn't it? I recently visited a flea market in Sacramento myself and stumbled upon some hidden gems. It's amazing what you can uncover if you're willing to dig a little. Here's the link to this place: sacfleamarkets.com
That Shure 55SW sounds like a real find, especially with its retro charm and solid build quality. Even if you don't end up recording with it, it'll make a great addition to your collection. I love how you're into old things and enjoy the thrill of yard sales and flea markets. It's a hobby that's full of surprises and unique finds.