Senn 421 mic, vintage white, vintage blk, new? Does it matter?

[fuzzface777]

I have been thinking about getting a Senn 421 for guitar and drums. I have seen some white vintage models on evilbay, as well as vintage blk ones. Some respectable engineers I have talked to said not to buy the hype, and just get a new one.

BTW regarding the vintage ones, I have seen, 421-2's, 421-N's and another models. Which of these is recommended to buy?

[chetatkinsdiet]

My vote is to get whichever you can find for around $200. That's typically the older, black 421U5 models that have the xlr connector...no Tuchel to XLR cable needed. You'll find them all day long for $225-250, but can sometimes find some deals in the $185 range. The new ones are fine too, but $350 or so is just hard to do when I know there are so many decent used ones out there.

m

[fuzzface777]

so those older, tuchel to xlr models aren't really the schizzle? The 80's 421's will do just fine?

[lowfreq33]

There may be some minor differences, but they're all good. No need to go after a specific model.

[fuzzface777]

anyone else? early 80's 421's as good as the white ones?

[tarnationsauce]

I remember reading this on another forum a long time ago:

Greg Beebe of Sennheiser:

"There are four significant differences between the MD421-U and MD421 II.

Easier positioning:
-The metal inner chassis has better distribution of weight.
-The bass roll-off is contour fitted to the housing making the mic
shorter and more "stylish"

More durable:
-Housing is made of polyacetals: a glass composite
-Basket is hardened stainless steel

More immune to the elements:
-The acoustic components are enclosed in the inner chassis making he
mic less sensitive to dusts and humidity.

Easier Servicing:
-Individual components can easily be replaced
-Self-sealing acoustic connections: no adhesive or sealing compounds

The MD421 II does sound different. It has improved transparency,
thus a more natural sound. We changed it because of improved technologies.
New materials and production techniques which enable us to manufacture at
eve closer tolerance.

Coincidentally, this was not the first time we changed the MD421. We are
constantly striving to improve our products. Over the years, the MD421 has
seen upgrades in the housing, output connector, basket and capsule
assembly.

In my personal opinion, the MD421 II has been accepted, for the most part,
as the replacement for the original. However, as you know, there are die
hards who swear by the original. Interesting enough, the biggest complaint
on the original was the clip. I've not receive one complaint about the
clip since the redesign. I attribute this to the mic being more balanced.
Now the clip pivots on the mic's fulcrum point."