Still have the one I bought in 1985 just before I went on tour. Little worse off for wear, still works 100%.

I've got four of them in my mic case. I use a 545 as a talkback because of the switch, which is easier than remembering to switch it off at the board. That 545 gets used for scratch vocals when tracking basics and it sounds just fine though I generally go for a 421 when taking the lead vocal for real. Hm, I wonder if the 421 is the competitor they mention.

I have 2 of the 545's...and I also have a 585SB with the 2 pin amphenol connector as well.

You could drive over them with a car...or in Donny's case a lawnmower.

I have three ancient SM57's and one Made In The USA 58. Two of the 57's I bought new in 1969.....my first mics. I still have them. They sound better than all other 57's I have encountered. The newer one is from 75 and the 58 is around then too. I do have a 565 but havent gotten it to work yet.

I bought a couple of the anniversary versions, in their presentation box - not sure why, but they're slightly lighter in colour and the label 'celebrates' the anniversary.