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Vintage RARE 1930's Shure 730B crystal cardioid microphone Satin Chrome w Turner TB2 stand Billie Holiday
£208
Very GoodReverb1mo ago
Sold by
T
The House of Chrome
Details
- First Seen
- 28 September 2026
- Last Seen
- 9 November 2026
- Times Seen
- 32
About this listing
Vintage RARE 1930's Shure 730B crystal cardioid microphone Satin Chrome w Turner TB2 stand Billie Holiday is a used item in very good condition, listed on Reverb. The asking price is £208. It is offered by The House of Chrome through Reverb. It is in our Microphones category. Used Gear Hunter first saw this listing on 28 September 2026 and last saw it on 9 November 2026. It has been seen 32 times in our scans. Prices are converted from the seller's currency when we scan the listing, so the amount you pay may differ slightly. The seller sets shipping, and import duty or VAT may apply, so check the final cost and the item's details on Reverb before buying.
From the seller
Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome.
You are looking at a Shure Brothers 730B crystal cardioid microphone manufactured during the late 1930's through the 1940's and probably one of the most outrageous mic designs of all time. It was an ultra modern deco style and this was a model that was often used by Billie Holiday while performing live as seen in pic # 4. It also comes with the period Turner TB2 model desk stand shown.
Pic # 2 shows this very model in a 1945 Shure catalog I have along with it's basic specs.
Pic # 3 shows the Turner TB2 model stand in the 1940's catalog.
The 730's design incorporated an aviation theme with the front screen replicating a 4 prop radial engine. Many of these older mic designs were influenced by the aviation, and automobile industry that had captured the countries imagination at that time. It's a fairly larger mic but very light weight despite being an all metal build.
While most crystal mics were cheaper, entry level mics of that era the 730 was by no means cheap. This was a sophisticated cardioid model that was the best money could buy and the 730 was far more expensive than most crystal mics being sold. It should noted however that this mic has been tested and like most 730 models 80 years later...it no longer works. It does have all of it's components inside and out.
The 730B itself is in good overall physical condition. It has wear in the satin chrome housing in the form of bubbling and some tiny pitting on the upper head of the mic itself. One small dent in the outer ring of the front grill. The lower pistol grip looks very nice. The black silk inner screens are free of any rips or holes. The joint mechanism on this mic has lots of tension and works perfectly allowing you to tilt the head backwards as needed.
The Shure 730B badge shows heavier wear but still legible. This is the 1st generation (1930's era) 730B model as the later 1940's era model had the Shure logo on the front screen.
I'd rate the cosmetic condition of this mic a true 6 + on a scale of 1 - 10. I'm pretty picky though and some would rate higher.
MICROPHONE STAND SHOWN IS PART OF THIS SALE...
The stand is a is a period 1940's era Turner TB2 model and it makes a nice stable platform that really compliments the mic as well. It was ultra modern for it's time and was sold for less than a decade before being discontinued. The painted base shows typical lite wear. It comes in a Kona Brown paint scheme and looks pretty decent overall.
The stand is free of any dents or fractures. Just minor paint chips and scuff marks. It has 4 nice original rubber pads. The painted 5 inch riser has a nice chrome accent piece that's original.
Total height with mic is 11 1/2 inches tall x 4 1/2 inches wide.
This will make a unique and rarer display piece anywhere in the home, studio or office.
And as always...
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.