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Author Topic: ELA M 251: Is It REALLY Worth $23,500?  (Read 20602 times)

J.J. Blair

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ELA M 251: Is It REALLY Worth $23,500?
« on: May 04, 2008, 02:24:31 AM »

One is listed on eBay for that much right now.  Do you really think somebody will buy it at that price, and do you really think these mics are worth that much money?  I don't.

   http://cgi.ebay.com/Telefunken-ELA-M-251-E-mint-vintage-orig    inal_W0QQitemZ220231243364QQihZ012QQcategoryZ64449QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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Offered for sale is a spectacular, all-original, vintage Telefunken ELA M251 E. I have owned this microphone for about 12 years, having purchased it from the family of an audio engineer who passed away. As I understand it, he purchased this 251 new, 50-some years ago, and used it very scarcely before getting out of the business altogether.

This is not a USA replica. It is a completely authentic, vintage, original 251 in like-new condition, with only the tiniest of nicks anywhere on it, and a very minor bit of scuffing on the swivel/stand-mount. It sounds absolutely incredible. This is easily the finest example of a vintage 251 I've ever seen or heard anywhere. Over the years, I have satisfied my curiosity by comparing it to some other good 251s in other studios. If you're looking, you probably already know what you're looking at, but this is truly a mic of a lifetime, and an investment sure to appreciate in value. Please feel free to contact me with any and all specific questions, which I will do my best to answer thoroughly. You can also contact me and I'll provide a phone number if you'd like to discuss any aspect in depth.
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studio info

They say the heart of Rock & Roll is still beating, which is amazing if you consider all the blow it's done over the years.

"The Internet enables pompous blowhards to interact with other pompous blowhards in a big circle jerk of pomposity." - Bill Maher

"The negative aspects of this business, not only will continue to prevail, but will continue to accelerate in madness. Conditions aren't going to get better, because the economics of rock and roll are getting closer and closer to the economics of Big Business America." - Bill Graham

sui-city

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2008, 04:13:31 AM »

sold!

You've got to admit, it does look mint.
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delcosmos

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2008, 05:34:52 AM »

J.J. Blair wrote on Sun, 04 May 2008 01:24

 Do you really think somebody will buy it at that price, and do you really think these mics are worth that much money?


Yes, and yes.  Very Happy



delcosmos.
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Silvertone

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2008, 07:16:51 AM »

Sound-wise I'd say no mic is worth that much money (even 10K is pushing it for any quality vintage mic).

However since there were only roughly 2200 of those Elam mics made I'd say yes from a collectors/rare factor. Only 2200 of them... if it was a Fender Strat or Les Paul Goldtop it would fetch much much more, so go figure.
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Larry DeVivo
Silvertone Mastering, Inc.
PO Box 4582
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
www.silvertonemastering.com
To see some of our work please click on any of the visual trailer montages located at... http://robertetoll.com/  (all music and sound effects were mastered by Silvertone Mastering).

compasspnt

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2008, 08:36:13 AM »

Beautiful specimen.  Overpriced, I agree.

But who in their right mind would EVER buy a microphone that did not come from the factory with a "spider mount"?  How can you even record without one?

index.php/fa/8743/0/

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bblackwood

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2008, 08:39:55 AM »

I've actually held this very mic and even the pics don't do it justice - it's stunningly mint.

High price? Sure. But if ever one has been worth this price, it's this one. Simply perfect.
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Brad Blackwood
euphonic masters

billiard

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2008, 10:32:36 AM »

bblackwood wrote on Sun, 04 May 2008 08:39

I've actually held this very mic and even the pics don't do it justice - it's stunningly mint.....


Mint certainly seems to be the appropriate word.


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"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."   - Elvis Presley

J.J. Blair

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #7 on: May 04, 2008, 11:46:41 AM »

delcosmos wrote on Sun, 04 May 2008 02:34

J.J. Blair wrote on Sun, 04 May 2008 01:24

 Do you really think somebody will buy it at that price, and do you really think these mics are worth that much money?


Yes, and yes.  Very Happy

delcosmos.


Some people have more money than common sense, I suppose.  The alleged words of PT Barnum come to mind.

Del, remind me to call you if I ever sell my '58 Les Paul.
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studio info

They say the heart of Rock & Roll is still beating, which is amazing if you consider all the blow it's done over the years.

"The Internet enables pompous blowhards to interact with other pompous blowhards in a big circle jerk of pomposity." - Bill Maher

"The negative aspects of this business, not only will continue to prevail, but will continue to accelerate in madness. Conditions aren't going to get better, because the economics of rock and roll are getting closer and closer to the economics of Big Business America." - Bill Graham

Barry Hufker

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #8 on: May 04, 2008, 12:02:11 PM »

This auction ended through "Buy It Now".  Someone paid full price...
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MagnetoSound

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #9 on: May 04, 2008, 12:14:51 PM »

The thing about 'mint' is,

it's only 'mint' until it isn't.

It only takes one little ding and you've lost five grand.


Ah, well ....


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Music can make me get right up out of my chair and start dancing or it can get me so pumped up I have to walk around the block.
It can also knock me back and make me sit there and cry like a little baby. This shit is as powerful as any drug!!!
- Larry DeVivo

Barry Hufker

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #10 on: May 04, 2008, 12:51:37 PM »

This isn't a mic you use.  This is one you buy as a collector and wait for it to accrue in value.  What you say is exactly what's wrong with a mic in such nice shape.
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MagnetoSound

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #11 on: May 04, 2008, 01:13:23 PM »

I agree - and that was exactly my point. The more value it accrues the less likely it will ever get used again.

What a shame it didn't get used more by the original owner. I know they look great but they're tools, not works of art.

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Music can make me get right up out of my chair and start dancing or it can get me so pumped up I have to walk around the block.
It can also knock me back and make me sit there and cry like a little baby. This shit is as powerful as any drug!!!
- Larry DeVivo

Barry Hufker

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #12 on: May 04, 2008, 02:26:06 PM »

Well on a certain level even tools can be works of art.  You'd be surprised by the number of people who collect old tools, such as awls, hammers, drills, etc.  Remember, Forbes Magazine named the ELA M251 as one of the best investments of the 20th century...

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delcosmos

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #13 on: May 04, 2008, 02:54:04 PM »

Well, I disagree, I don't have more money than common sense, obviously I woud like to pay $1000 for a mic like this, but these days it's impossible.
If you are a producer, recording engeneer, musician, COLLECTOR and you also have the money to get one of these baby's, what's the problem with that? Even more if you work every day on projects that worth having a mic of this level.

This is an investment that grows up every year and also sounds fantastic.

Best regards.

delcosmos.
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Extreme Mixing

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Re: is a Ela M-251 REALLY worth $23,500?
« Reply #14 on: May 04, 2008, 03:48:35 PM »

Wow.  If ever there was "recording engineer porn" those pictures of that microphone are it!!!  I'd rather look at that than a Scandinavian girl on a bearskin rug.

Sadly, same as with the Scandinavian girl, it's too much money for me...

Steve
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