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Vintage RARE 1940's Turner 101C dynamic / ribbon microphone old antique used

Estimated price for orientation: 615 $

Category: Vintage Pro Audio Equipment
Class:











Description
Type: Vintage Microphone Model: 101C
Brand: Turner Country of Manufacture: United States


       Hello and welcome to the House of Chrome. You are looking at what's considered by many to be the "Holy Grail" of turner mics and super rare to come across even on Ebay.  This is the Turner 101C with a massive design (4 pounds in weight) and cool deco / industrial looks. The 101 series was designed and sold in the 1940's for a short time and was quite expensive being the flag ship microphone of that company. The 101 series was even larger than the Shure 55 Fatboy. The body was all metal with satin chrome finish and the insides consisted of a unique two element set up for a true cardioid sound. As you can see there is a ribbon on top and a dynamic element below and because the 101C was the luxury version...it did come with the multi impedance switch on back giving the user several options to choose different sound options. The dynamic and ribbon elements still works but it's on the weaker side. Not to say it can't be used because it can. It just doesn't have the 100% full signal strength. I would put the output closer to 50%. I have yet to hear one of these that didn't need a rebuild though. Even the one I have in my personal collection is only about 70% strength. Two new elements will have this old 101 A sounding beautiful again. I do know a gentleman who can have this mic sounding brand new again for around $300.00. He fixes all of my ribbon mics and his work is top notch. Just let me know if you are interested in going this route? This was an ideal microphone for studio work, broadcasting and singing. The variant of this Turner...the Stromberg Carlson version known as the model 12 I own and it's working with both the ribbon and dynamic element. Sounds amazing!                                                                            The satin chrome finish looks very nice as seen in the pics provided. The only flaw is that the rear right corner has been pushed in just slightly as it was obviously dropped at some time years earlier. The original black cloth screens look very nice as does the lower pistol grip and while the Turner badge shows a minimum of wear...still completely legible. Serial # 3269. Mic is 100% original and complete right down to the screws. They did not make a lot of these mics I assure you. The overall finish I would give a true 8 on a scale of 1 - 10. It should be noted that the Joint mechanism holds firm as well. The 101 series mic takes a 3 pin screw on cable. Same as used on any Astatic 77A or Shure 55 / 55S microphone. They are easy to come by. The look of this massive Turner 101 A will impress anywhere it sits in the home, office or studio. Again, super rare microphone. I've only seen 4 of these listed on Ebay in the last 3 years. An instant conversation piece. MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS NOT PART OF THIS SALE...for display purposes only. If you need a good desk or floor stand for this 101 A just ask and I'll send you a list of very nice options to choose from. Cheers! And as with all my 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 due to too many unpaid mics lately. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.   If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.