Description: Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome. They just don't come any nicer than this. You are looking at a classic late 1950's era Shure Brothers 556S model dynamic super cardioid microphone based on the more common 55S. This 1st generation 556S series model came with the gorgeous Royal blue colored silk screens and Royal blue Shure badge. Shure Brothers changed the design of the 556S in 1961 to have black silk screens but this earlier version had blue. This example was made in Evanston Illinois sometime between 1956 and 1960. Pic # 2 shows both the 55S and 556S models. The two mics utilized the same dynamic cardioid element but the 556S had some nice upgrades making the 556S quite a bit more expensive and the 556S was a super cardioid mic as where the 55s was a basic cardioid mic. The 556S was a perfect choice for broadcasting and singing purposes being one of the very best sounding mics available. Pic # 4 shows a 556S on a stand that was used by Johnny Cash during the Folsom Prison concert he gave back in 1968. Pic # 5 is of the original data sheet you'll be receiving for the 556S. it's in great condition and has a ton of technical info on the mic that will really come in handy. Pic # 6 is of the newer XLR cable that is also included. It's appx 28 feet long giving you tons of room to work with for any stage or studio setting. The cable is in excellent working and physical condition being soft, pliable and free of damage. Pic # 7 is of the original red felt mic pouch that was designed to fit over the mic to protect it from scratches, dirt and other unwanted wear. It's in excellent condition and is a nice accessory to have for the 556S. The 556S models came with the beefier lower built in shock mounts to reduce unwanted feedback while live and the 556S had the revolutionary XLR cable attachment where the 55S still used the older 3 pin screw on type cable. I personally think the 556S is much more aggressive and masculine design while retaining that classic 55S look. This is a high quality studio mic. Because of the extra expense of buying a 556S back in the day you don't see too many around and this model was considered to be a quality studio mic. This legendary microphone was used by many famous artists and politicians over the years. It should be noted that this mic sounds great with 100% output and the original element is still present. The mic has a nice, warm tone that's a bit more mid range. Not bass heavy like an SM58 but the 556S does have the adjustable impedance switch to control the overall sound of the mic and the switch works perfectly. As seen in the pictures provided this mic shows virtually no cosmetic wear. It's the nicest example I have probably ever seen. The satin chrome has a beautiful luster on both the head of the mic as well as the lower shock mount. The lower shock mount is virtually perfect. The head has no scratches or pitting. No broken or bent ribs either. The Royal blue silk screens are original and show no discoloration, rips or holes which is always a bonus. It came from a smoke free environment as well. Mic is solid...no loose parts inside or out. I take the time to secure the element inside as they always come loose with age. Critical at keeping unwanted feedback when the mic is live. The threads for the stand are excellent and the joint mechanism holds strong. The Shure label looks very nice as well. Overall this mic is a conservative 9 +++ on a scale of 1 - 10 physically speaking. The vintage period box is also part of this package deal. A Great place to keep the mic while not in actual mic as it keeps dust, dirt and scratches away. This case shows virtually no wear and probably the nicest I have ever seen as well. Case is an easy 8 on a scale of 1 - 10. This would make a very special gift for anyone you know (yourself included) and these mics hold up very well when taken care of. No reason it won't still work excellent in 50 years. A high quality Shure product. A 556S this nice will only go up in value. MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS NOT PART OF THIS SALE...FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY. As with all my vintage microphones... I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The 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 an unpaid case will be open and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping. If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.
Price: 605 USD
Location: Park Rapids, Minnesota
End Time: 2024-10-10T22:33:53.000Z
Shipping Cost: 35.99 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Shure
Type: Vintage Microphone
Model: 556S
Country of Manufacture: United States