I'm in the process of searching for a workhorse, multipattern tube mic to fill a sonic hole in my mic cabinet. The "hole" is in the low mids to mostly quality low end. In my search I've been torn between the classic 251, 67 and 47 sound characteristics. The uses will be the full range of male/female vocals, acoustic instruments and room mic. Not asking much right?

For example why get an old AKG C12a when there is a new model AKG C414B XLII out there?

Actually it's my first time that I get the occasion to get an old classic mic and I was wondering if it was better to get the old model or get the new one...

thanks for the replies

Ok, it's a given that nothing is like my 65 Jazz Bass, or my 77 Music Man. But the fact is, there are other basses that are in the ball park of these, and though the feel and sound is not exactly the same, there are at least some instruments that are similar.

So, with all these new LD condensor mics out there, is there something that is in the ball park of -