Telling the difference between a Unidyne SM58 and a Shure SM58

[gmm52]

My very general understanding is that early Unidyne SM57's and SM58's were the same except for the grills. I just picked up a used and very worn SM58, but the sticker has been removed. I cannot find any markings that tell me if it's an early American made SM58 or newer production made in Mexico. Are there any hallmarks that might give me a better idea of whether this is MIM or USA made?

One correction. It looks like early American made 58's were labeled Shure. I inferred too much from my Unidyne iii SM57. Can't figure out how to change the title.

 

[dented]

Aren't there mucho fakes also? Just wondering.

 

[dogmeat]

 

[gmm52]

Thanks for the replies. According to the pics, mine checks all real boxes (except there's no sticker on the capsule either), but alas, the little phenolic board says Mexico. I only paid $27 in a pawn shop, so I still did o.k. regardless. The thing's got so much wear I thought the chances of it being old and American made were good.

 

[Engine Swap]

I bet it will work and sound fine.

 

[gmm52]

I'm shure it will ;-)

Irony of ironies, my last guitar tracking session I A/B'd my Unidyne III SM57 against a very used Apex 381 that I just acquired, and at least on this occasion the Apex won handily, having a lot more bottom end.

 

[W.L.Weller]

SM57 & SM58 are like the Swiss Army knives of microphones. They can almost always get the job done, but there's also almost always a better tool for the job you're trying to do.