Well, here I am again, having to write yet another guide to warn my fellow ebayers of another scam artist. This scam involves certain sellers who are selling vintage/antique microphones and vintage/antique microphone stands. This subject I do feel comfortable writing about as I have bought/sold/traded for thousands of vintage microphones and related products over the years, and am also a FCC licensed amatuer radio operator. I wont claim expert status, but I do have a vast knowledge on this subject.

Now, what I want you to look out for here is a seller who claims to be selling vintage/antique suspension mics, vintage/antique microphone stands, and related products. Some auctions state they were used in MTV and/or BTV videos, which they were NOT according to answers I received from my questions. These microphones and stands are NOT vintage or antique as will be commonly stated in the auctions. What are they? They are cheap replicas made out of wooden rings and even cheaper lamp bases for the stands, and sold at a premium price to unsuspecting buyers who may not know exactly what they are buying. Thats right, selling a 2 dollar lamp base with a mic stem riveted onto the top, maybe adding some wooden suspension rings to make it look old and selling as an antique/vintage item is exactly what is going on here. OR, how about the guy who is selling vintage/antique microphone stands, when all he REALLY is selling is a very cheap 2 dollar lamp base with an RCA logo attached and is asking you to pay 80-100 bucks for this antique?? Take a look at the right column on this page and you may indeed see some items I am referring to, how ironic eBay would be helping me out here.

So, in closing, if you are looking to buy a vintage/antique microphone or stand and are not sure of its authenticity, I would advise you to ask questions BEFORE you even think of placing that bid. I have asked such questions to these con artists and have been harassed and threatened ever since, which gave me the motivation to write this guide. Again, your best means of getting an actual vintage/antique microphone or stand is to simply take some time and ask the appropriate questions on authenticity. Your minimal efforts will be rewarding I assure you.

PLEASE NOTE: I have met some great vintage mic collectors and dealers over the years thru ebay, and will gladly help you should you have doubts about a particular dealer if possible. A few bad dealers can quickly spoil the hard work of us reputable sellers of such items. I hope this guide will help those contemplating this type purchase. Good Luck!