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musical instrument details
Vintage RARE 1950s Altec Lansing 639B ribbon microphone Western Electric w stand
Estimated price for orientation: 1 500 $
Category: Vintage Pro Audio Equipment
Class:
Description Type: Vintage Microphone Model: 639B Brand: Altec Country of Manufacture: United States
Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome. If you are a collector of rare and exotic early microphones then you already know how special this Altec 639B is. Pic # 2 is from an old catalog i have showing basic specs on the mic. Often referred to as "The Birdcage" due to it's unique design the 639 first was introduced in the late 1930's as a Western Electric model but was bought out by Altec Lansing around the early 1950's and was rebadged as such. The 639 was one of the most sophisticated and expensive ribbon microphones of it's day being very high quality that was used in studio applications and was seen often at political events. This is the later 1950's 639 and it's in very nice operational condition. It can be used at any live event. It comes with it's original (extremely rare) desk stand shown. As you can see the microphone is in 100% original condition including the elements. It's a true cardioid mic with both a dynamic and ribbon element. Amazingly the microphone still works very well never being altered. Most ribbon mics of it's era would be completely useless by now but the Altec brand was a step up from other manufactures of ribbon mics like Electro Voice. As seen in the pics provided the 639B has lite cosmetic wear on it's all metal body with typical small scratches and scuffs. The ribs are straight but there is just one fracture in the very front grill that you may or may not be able to see in pic # 3? It's hard to notice and while it's fractured it's still intact and will not break unless forced. The mic is a very sturdy construction. The Altec badge looks great and the mic is solid with no loose parts inside or out. The silk screens look good overall and one of the better i have ever seen but there is a few spots where the screens have come off the grill and sag inwards. I honestly don't know how to get inside this mic to address the situation so i'm leaving them alone. I would rate the cosmetic condition of this mic a true 7 on a scale of 1 - 10. The real beauty of it is the working condition. The 639B has an adjustable impedance switch in the rear that works perfectly for high, medium and low impedance. There is often confusion on how to take the mic off the stand. It's quite simple but I'll save you the trouble of going crazy trying to figure it out. The silver strip that encircles the very lower portion of the mics neck needs to be depressed inward to release the mic. Just use your index finger and thumb to push the sides in and it will release. It took me about 10 minutes to figure this out with the first 639 mic I ever had. I almost went mad trying to figure out the riddle. I guess I'm a little slow? :) You'll notice that the original desk stand is included. it's extremely rare and the only one I have ever seen. I would almost put it's value as the same as the mic but i'm selling it for much less. The stand is included in this sale but if you don't want it I'll subtract $400.00 from the total value. Just let me know if you don't want it and i'll make it right. The cast iron desk stand is uber heavy and built like a tank. It has a classic deco look and compliments the 639B nicely. Weighs about 5 pounds and will keep this mic upright where it belongs. It has pads to keep the stand from scratching any surface it may rest on. It also has the 3 pin connector built in so you don't need a cable for this mic but you will need to rewire the connector if you plan on using it. The connector comes right out. Just decide your cable of length and end connector and you got a great studio mic. Otherwise this will make a very nice display piece. Total height with the mic and stand is appx 15 inches. Total weight is about 15 pounds. I see 639 mics all the time on Ebay that are sketchy at best. If you want a great working mic with good looks to match...this is your mic. Tested and cleaned she will do you justice. Again, this mic will be $400.00 less if you don't want the stand but the stand is super rare and original so I suggest you take it as well. As with all my vintage items... I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping. If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.
Description
| Type: | Vintage Microphone | Model: | 639B |
| Brand: | Altec | Country of Manufacture: | United States |
Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome. If you are a collector of rare and exotic early microphones then you already know how special this Altec 639B is. Pic # 2 is from an old catalog i have showing basic specs on the mic. Often referred to as "The Birdcage" due to it's unique design the 639 first was introduced in the late 1930's as a Western Electric model but was bought out by Altec Lansing around the early 1950's and was rebadged as such. The 639 was one of the most sophisticated and expensive ribbon microphones of it's day being very high quality that was used in studio applications and was seen often at political events. This is the later 1950's 639 and it's in very nice operational condition. It can be used at any live event. It comes with it's original (extremely rare) desk stand shown. As you can see the microphone is in 100% original condition including the elements. It's a true cardioid mic with both a dynamic and ribbon element. Amazingly the microphone still works very well never being altered. Most ribbon mics of it's era would be completely useless by now but the Altec brand was a step up from other manufactures of ribbon mics like Electro Voice. As seen in the pics provided the 639B has lite cosmetic wear on it's all metal body with typical small scratches and scuffs. The ribs are straight but there is just one fracture in the very front grill that you may or may not be able to see in pic # 3? It's hard to notice and while it's fractured it's still intact and will not break unless forced. The mic is a very sturdy construction. The Altec badge looks great and the mic is solid with no loose parts inside or out. The silk screens look good overall and one of the better i have ever seen but there is a few spots where the screens have come off the grill and sag inwards. I honestly don't know how to get inside this mic to address the situation so i'm leaving them alone. I would rate the cosmetic condition of this mic a true 7 on a scale of 1 - 10. The real beauty of it is the working condition. The 639B has an adjustable impedance switch in the rear that works perfectly for high, medium and low impedance. There is often confusion on how to take the mic off the stand. It's quite simple but I'll save you the trouble of going crazy trying to figure it out. The silver strip that encircles the very lower portion of the mics neck needs to be depressed inward to release the mic. Just use your index finger and thumb to push the sides in and it will release. It took me about 10 minutes to figure this out with the first 639 mic I ever had. I almost went mad trying to figure out the riddle. I guess I'm a little slow? :) You'll notice that the original desk stand is included. it's extremely rare and the only one I have ever seen. I would almost put it's value as the same as the mic but i'm selling it for much less. The stand is included in this sale but if you don't want it I'll subtract $400.00 from the total value. Just let me know if you don't want it and i'll make it right. The cast iron desk stand is uber heavy and built like a tank. It has a classic deco look and compliments the 639B nicely. Weighs about 5 pounds and will keep this mic upright where it belongs. It has pads to keep the stand from scratching any surface it may rest on. It also has the 3 pin connector built in so you don't need a cable for this mic but you will need to rewire the connector if you plan on using it. The connector comes right out. Just decide your cable of length and end connector and you got a great studio mic. Otherwise this will make a very nice display piece. Total height with the mic and stand is appx 15 inches. Total weight is about 15 pounds. I see 639 mics all the time on Ebay that are sketchy at best. If you want a great working mic with good looks to match...this is your mic. Tested and cleaned she will do you justice. Again, this mic will be $400.00 less if you don't want the stand but the stand is super rare and original so I suggest you take it as well. As with all my vintage items... I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping. If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.