The SM58 is arguably in a class by itself. (Even the 57 has the problem with the plastic bit.) I would be willing to bet a lot of nights we did not even take them off the stands when we tore down and threw everything in the back of the van. I've got a pair that are 40+ years old, if I'm guessing right. I replaced the fairly crushed screen on one and inner foam (screen one) one both; well, "replaced" is an exaggeration because there was barely any black dust remaining. And one has a bit of foam over the diaphragm that was snipped out of a handbag lining (leather bag the wife was tossing I salvaged for clamp pads). Like they say, probably used for a hammer, fish scaler and other things, including microphone use. Taking care of them seems to almost be wrongWhen I was gigging regularly with a band, I set up our stage PA and mics. I kept all the mics (SM58s) in one gear bag with a couple bath towels, mainly to keep them from banging around. No special coverings, bags or boxes.. just loose mics in a bag. They lasted at least the 20 years I had them and now they're probably in the ex BL's basement somewhere, still in that same bag. I'll wager they're still in great condition.
When George Harrison was busted for possession of drugs on Paul McCartney's wedding day, he said “I’m a tidy man. I keep my socks in the sock drawer and stash in the stash box.” That's how I am. Everything has its place and because I have no room exclusively for recording, there's no way I ever leave anything out, especially microphones, even my 58. I know they're tough, I once recorded the bass drum with it in a bucket of water {it was wrapped in plastic}.Taking care of them seems to almost be wrong
I don’t think it’s just mics. I’m just terribly untidy. I’m off to the other studio in a while. I’ll post what I walk into when I get there. It will be a mess. Just me I think!