Are you talking about a Sony C37a?

Yup. Had it up against a 47, C12 and 251. Sophie's choice.

Could be my favorite among all the vocal mics I have owned. Nothing else sounds quite like it. Not necessarily accurate, I remember it as being very hi-fi sounding, a lot of presence to it.

Yeah, I feel it's a bit of a sleeper outside of studio circles.

Had to Google image Hendrix using it to butter up client.

Have always been curious about the FET version (C37B), never have had a chance to try.

+1 on that. Ive had an SM7 work better than a U87ai on certain loud Metal singers.

C37p, actually. Never had one. From the pictures it looks like the same microphone where they just pulled out the tube and stuck some circuit boards in there instead. heh

I would also like to hear one.

I can pick 4 or 5 of the worlds top male vocalists who I'd be grabbing a Beyer M88 or Beta 58 to cut vocals with, way, way before a Vintage capacitor mic.

I wouldn't mind using one type for everything ..U47, C12, U87, or C37 ..or even a dynamic, RE15 or similar.

Ah, my mistake / ignorance. From what I gather there was a tube, phantom (FET?) and FET version? C37A, C37B, C37P?

Also, Sony apparently reissued the solid state version at some point?

Sorry, I've always eyed getting a C37A - but that power module is a pain to find since it has the tranny in it.

EDIT - to completely show my ignorance, was referring to the reissued C38B

Also it can make the cable a bit of a radio antenna, it was very temperamental about picking up noise from fluorescent lights and other noise sources.

I sold mine in about 2000 or 2001. I think for about $1500.

I don't read too much into the mic shoot out if it's the producer and the singer's first visit to a major studio. I think of it more like dressing up and going to the prom, it's something that the singer has been dreaming about for a long time, or on the opposite end might be worried if they can do it again ... and these throw away sessions I think are more about getting the game on. I know even as a finance guy, i get nervous for almost no reason when i walk into a big studio's floor that has had so many of the greats record.