Vintage Neumann U 87 (pre - 1986). Classic U 87 Sound.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:50931612 | Model: U 87 |
| MPN: Does Not Apply | Connectivity: Wired |
| Connector(s): XLR 3 Pin | Type: Condenser Microphone |
| Brand: Neumann |
Hi there, this is Michael Joly writing. I'm the former owner of OktavaMod / Michael Joly Engineering microphones. I'm cleaning up my storage closet and have a few microphones with interesting histories you may like to bid on for your collection.
This pre-1986 Neumann U 87 was used by producer Kramer to record the Urge Overkill version of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon". This was Kramer's go-to vocal mic for many years. He has a nice Wikipedia entry if you'd like ...to learn more about his career.
When I started producing my own mics, Kramer traded me a bunch of stuff like this classic U 87 (and a lovely RCA ribbon mic) in order to build up more portable and versatile collection of my MJE mics that would be easier to travel with––but still give him world class sound.
Technical Details ––
Because of a pattern switch failure, this mic only works in cardioid, and it must be addressed from the back side (with the pattern switch set to figure 8). Not a problem if you want to use it for vocal work, right? If you want to spend the several hundred dollars it will take to replace the switch you'll have a fully functional 3 pattern, vintage U 87 with smooth discrete component sound. This is not a modern U 87ai with edgy surface mount electronics and jacked up capsule polarization. This is a buttery, vintage U 87.
History with Michael Joly Engineering ––
When I got this mic from Kramer I then had a great-sounding, classic U 87 to use as a reference standard for all of my U 87-inspired mics and mic mods. This mic was sort of the Holy Grail against which all of my U 87 type mics were compared while they were in development.
Why Bid on This Mic? ––
Since you found this listing, I have a hunch you're a mic user, mic lover and mic collector. Yeah, this is not some cheap-ass U 87ai clone. This mic has pedigree, has cut a lot of records and was used in part to build the very successful OktavaMod / MJE mic business. You're bidding on a mic with a unique history, AND ... it still sounds awesome.
The Recap ––
You are bidding on vintage Neumann U 87 (built between 1967 - 1986). This mic works in cardioid, on the back side, with switch in figure 8 position. Many scuffs and small dings. No shock mount. No case.
I'll include some sort of Letter of Authenticity, signed by me.
Thanks for looking. More coming to eBay soon as I clean up and shed a few mics to good homes.
On Jan-03-21 at 07:25:19 PST, seller added the following information:Text of Letter of Provenance ––
Tampa , FloridaJanuary 3, 2021
Letter of Provenance
To Whom it May Concern,
This letter shall certify that the accompanying Neumann U 87 was formerly owned by me, Michael Joly, and was used as my reference standard U 87 microphone during my years owning OktavaMod / Michael Joly Engineering.
This U 87 was sold to me by legendary record producer KRAMER in trade for a number of my own OktavaMod / MJE microphones. This mic was KRAMER’s go-to vocal mic for many years. It was used to record the vocals on Urge Overkill’s version of the Neil Diamond classic, “Girl, You’re Gonna Be a Woman Soon”.
I wish the current owner of this mic many years of great recording!
Sincerely,
This pre-1986 Neumann U 87 was used by producer Kramer to record the Urge Overkill version of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon". This was Kramer's go-to vocal mic for many years. He has a nice Wikipedia entry if you'd like ...to learn more about his career.
When I started producing my own mics, Kramer traded me a bunch of stuff like this classic U 87 (and a lovely RCA ribbon mic) in order to build up more portable and versatile collection of my MJE mics that would be easier to travel with––but still give him world class sound.
Technical Details ––
Because of a pattern switch failure, this mic only works in cardioid, and it must be addressed from the back side (with the pattern switch set to figure 8). Not a problem if you want to use it for vocal work, right? If you want to spend the several hundred dollars it will take to replace the switch you'll have a fully functional 3 pattern, vintage U 87 with smooth discrete component sound. This is not a modern U 87ai with edgy surface mount electronics and jacked up capsule polarization. This is a buttery, vintage U 87.
History with Michael Joly Engineering ––
When I got this mic from Kramer I then had a great-sounding, classic U 87 to use as a reference standard for all of my U 87-inspired mics and mic mods. This mic was sort of the Holy Grail against which all of my U 87 type mics were compared while they were in development.
Why Bid on This Mic? ––
Since you found this listing, I have a hunch you're a mic user, mic lover and mic collector. Yeah, this is not some cheap-ass U 87ai clone. This mic has pedigree, has cut a lot of records and was used in part to build the very successful OktavaMod / MJE mic business. You're bidding on a mic with a unique history, AND ... it still sounds awesome.
The Recap ––
You are bidding on vintage Neumann U 87 (built between 1967 - 1986). This mic works in cardioid, on the back side, with switch in figure 8 position. Many scuffs and small dings. No shock mount. No case.
I'll include some sort of Letter of Authenticity, signed by me.
Thanks for looking. More coming to eBay soon as I clean up and shed a few mics to good homes.
On Jan-03-21 at 07:25:19 PST, seller added the following information:Text of Letter of Provenance ––
Tampa , FloridaJanuary 3, 2021
Letter of Provenance
To Whom it May Concern,
This letter shall certify that the accompanying Neumann U 87 was formerly owned by me, Michael Joly, and was used as my reference standard U 87 microphone during my years owning OktavaMod / Michael Joly Engineering.
This U 87 was sold to me by legendary record producer KRAMER in trade for a number of my own OktavaMod / MJE microphones. This mic was KRAMER’s go-to vocal mic for many years. It was used to record the vocals on Urge Overkill’s version of the Neil Diamond classic, “Girl, You’re Gonna Be a Woman Soon”.
I wish the current owner of this mic many years of great recording!
Sincerely,
