You've never heard of the rode NT1000? I've never heard it (EDIT: I haven't heard the new ones just the ones from at least 5 years ago), but the name gets kicked around a lot. I used one years ago when they first came out and did not like the high end one bit. I guess this is something that's changed over the years (?) but I didn't like them when they first came out and did not find it to be a versatile mic.
A couple of options I've really liked (and used...no "heard about this mic" recommendations):
MK 319 - mine aren't moded, but that is an option. They are dark and accurate with no hyped high end. They work really well on acoustic guitars and rooms, and even on some clean to slightly OD cabs. I've never tried them as drum OH. On vocals they are hit and miss, some voices sound wonderful others don't. I've seen them anywhere from $200ish up to $350, and a couple of times a set for $550. Same mic as the MK219 just a different body...so I guess the MK219 is an option too.
AT4050 - multipattern, sounds good on everything. I've never loved it for vocals, but for drums and rooms and acoustics and cabs it's great. About $500 new. Outstanding mic and very versatile.
AKG C2000B - probably the most underrated mic I've ever used. It's a medium diaphragm to be technical, but I love it on acoustics and many many other sources. It's really nice for female vocals, and, like most, hit and miss on male vocals. For $250-300 it is a steal!
Rode NTK - a lot of people don't like this because it does have a sort hyped high end. But, I've found it to be really nice on a lot of vocals, acoustic guitars, and for rooms (just roll off some of the highs). For $500 new, I'd rather get 2xAKGs.
That's all I have experience with in your range...my recommendation is either MK319 if you can find a good deal or a used one, or 2xAKG. For $500 you'll have a really nice pair that can do a lot.
oh, and Moresound will tell you to get an EV RE-20
It's a dynamic that a lot of people really like, I've just never used one myself.
