depending on what you're expectations are the akg c1000 is a very nice microphone for the price. it goes for around $150 used on ebay, and it'll work relatively well on anything you put it in front of.

its all relative to how you look at it.

Apex makes a couple of tube condenser mics with a polar pattern selector that goes from Firgure8 to Cardioid to Omni with gradients in between those settings. Since the preamp is built in you can plug it into anything and they're pretty cheap. Something like $200-300 I think. I haven't heard one myself but I think they're worth checking out if you're on a budget.

the audio technica pro-37 is a good conderser mic for like $100. well worth checking out.

I have yet to try out any of these mics, but I'm aware that Studio Projects makes some low cost $2-300 large diaphragm condensers.

Peavey (yes, Peavey) has come out with a large diaphragm cardiod condenser for about $200. I've heard good things about (no personal experience). They've even got a multipattern dual-diaphragm for about $300.

Both worth checking out - listen first, of course....

Good luck,

You might be able to find a good deal on an AT4033 on eBay. This mic has served me REALLY well over the past few years. I use it for most vocals, as a drum room mic, for bass cab (at a distance), percussion (tambourine, shaker, etc.), on guitar amps, and acoustic guitars (sounds really great when place back about two feet, with a second (dynamic) mic aimed towards the hole.

It's extremely versatile.

I would recommend the Oktava MC012, but only if you buy them from a source that will test them for QA issues (i.e. not Guitar Center). Go here for more info:

http://sound-room.com/customer/home.php?cat=2

Also, the Audio-Technica 4033 remains a versatile, affordable condenser.

StudioProjects B and C series are all nice. Highly recommended from me, a satisfied B1 customer. More info at http://www.studioprojects.com

Good luck mate!

Neil.

any opinions on the T-Bone mics? Someone recommended them to me and their price is ridiculous but i haven't checked them.

Yes. I concur on the AT Pro37R. Small diaphram pencil condensor. Under $150.

Electric/acoustic guitars / snare / perc / cello /overheads / misc.

bob weston