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Vintage 1950's Shure CR-81 controlled reluctance microphone High Z w cable WORKS harp mic 510C 510 410
£168
Price dropped from £168
ExcellentReverb1mo ago
Sold by
T
The House of Chrome
Details
- First Seen
- 28 September 2026
- Last Seen
- 10 November 2026
- Times Seen
- 33
About this listing
Vintage 1950's Shure CR-81 controlled reluctance microphone High Z w cable WORKS harp mic 510C 510 410 is a used item in excellent condition, listed on Reverb. The asking price is £168. 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 10 November 2026. It has been seen 33 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 somewhat rarer 1950's era Shure Brothers CR-81 model controlled reluctance microphone which was sold as a general broadcasting / dispatch microphone and was an entry level model that was much more affordable than the dynamic cardioid mics of that era.
This CR-81 was basically an earlier version of the more common Shure 510 series. I actually have no idea what the difference is between the CR-81, 410 or 510 as they all utilized the same body and the elements looked the same but this CR-81 has it's original early Black label element in the Hi Z setting as seen in pic # 7. It's a 99H86 149.
Pic # 2 is from a late 1950's Shure catalog showing the 510 series microphone and it's basic characteristics.
This mic has been tested and has a very strong 100% output. The tone is dirty and muddy. Perfect for use with a harmonica. The Hi Z black label is the most desirable and this one will not dissapoint.
This Shure CR-81 is an all metal construction being extremely rugged. It has it's original umber brown paint scheme and Shure logo with the mustard yellow inner screen. This is very nice original example of a Shure CR-81 and worthy of any vintage mic collection.
The mic is pretty much free of scratches or scuff marks. Free of fractures or odors. The original mustard yellow colored cloth screen looks excellent with zero rips, holes, odors or discoloration. It's appx 3 inches tall X 2 1/2 inches wide. This mic was designed to sit on it own as it still has the original felt liner on the bottom.
This microphone has an original short 7 foot cable with a Switchcraft male 1/4 inch end connector. The cable is soft, pliable and free of damage. Just lite stains on the cloth covering.
The CR-81 is an easy 9 on a scale of 1 - 10. These mics were so well built and rugged that there is no reason this mic won't last another 80 years.
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.