I personally don't think that the Sennheisers are worth that price. I am in the States, and a NEW 421II goes for $349.00....about 180pounds (?). I was in London a long time ago and remember seeing those mics new selling for substantially less than in the States. You have to be careful about buying used 421's....they can look OK, but not sound right. They can easily be smacked by an errant drumstick one too many times and sound "nasally", like out of phase. As far as the U87s go, that looks like a great deal, but I would defer to someone here who is more knowledgeable about the vintage Neumanns (like Davedog)...

Thanks for the reply.
Looking around, the 421s are about £280-400(!) new over here, so I thought the price was ok if they are functioning right. I'll make sure I keep an option on returning them if they've taken a beating!

Anyone here from UK buy in the US? It might be an option to take a holiday and stockup on preamps too... not sure of the import duty implications or apes in baggage-handling.
Cheers,

Pete

Dear drowning ducky,

U87s are wonderful microphones but are frequently more used in cardioid pattern than any other. The front diaphragms, after considerable time in the studio, can get rather corroded from people using it more than the back capsule. Plus because it is an electrostatic device, it works as an air cleaner trapping many airborne particles on the diaphragms that are active most of the time.

If you have the ability to check and/or listen to the microphones, put them in Omni mode and with a pair of headphones on start talking into the front capsule and then rotate the microphones so that you are speaking into the back capsule. There should be little change in the sound. If you hear a substantial change in sound, offer them less! Then went you purchase them, carefully remove the microphones Grill and then carefully remove and rotate the capsules 180°. Do not attempt to clean the diaphragms with anything other than a very soft camel hair small paint brush and distilled water. Nothing else.

Used U87s, U67s, KM86s, KM56s owner
Ms. Remy Ann David

Thanks Remy, a very helpful post! I shall try that test.

Can you (or anyone) recommend a good reference book on maintenance/care of microphones? Or a general book with a good technical section on care/maintenance.

Trying not to drown...

Pete