If it's
the Manley Gold Reference mic then that's a great used price. On eBay I see the mic going for at least $3000 used. The only thing I could say about it is, if you're not accustom to how it sounds then don't buy it just because it's a Manley at a good re-sale price (not unless you want to make a few hundred bucks on eBay or alike).
Also ask what their return policy is on mics these days. I remember back 7 or so years ago mics had a 3 day full-refund return policy. The other thing is if you were to actually talk to someone at Manley about the same mic (if it's the Gold reference) you could get it haggled down to the same price new as you would used...maybe. I'd almost venture to guess it's not the Gold reference mic but the one they put out before it. If that's the case (pre-Gold ref) then I'd say "skip it". The Manley Gold is butter, especially when you run it thru a nice mic pre especially thru
a Martech MSS-10, Cranesong, or Great River.... pure cream.
So they were asking more for a new U87 than the Manley used? What state is this GC you're visiting? I know I can get a U87 at GC (ticket price of around $2600, new)
But it's comparing apples to oranges. The Manley Gold sounds drastically different from a new U87. The Manley Silver mic sounds different from the Gold version. Okay..... my REAL advice is DON'T BUY BLIND BASED ON POPULAR CONCEPTION.
That's why I mentioned what GC policies are regarding mics. It's the BEST way to a/b mics if you have the credit clearance to get a $2500 to $10,000 mic in hand for a few days.
The only other suggestion I have is a CD Shootout I bought that takes on a good 50 to 100 mics that cost between $50 to $25,000.
I did buy some mics and pre amps based on what they presented to me over the years and I'm the better for it.
Just my opinion,
Adam Lazlo
