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Title: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 30, 2014, 06:24:52 PM
I have come across many threads and You Tube videos regarding this subject recently but I am still confused. 
I have 7 SM58's in total. I just checked each one against all the 'pointers' made available that are supposed to give the game away.
Well, I checked my 32 year old SM58 that I purchased new in the days before fakes were around and it failed on 3 of the pointers. Uh??
A couple of my SM's have slightly different variations to the others and I have always put it down to subtle differences in production over the years and perhaps whether Shure had changed their production locations also. However, now it's got me thinking. I purchased 3 of the mics new at reputable music stores yet all 3 vary slightly. So what are the definitive give aways??
Anyone have fool-proof methods???
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Thomas Le on January 30, 2014, 06:47:10 PM
If you have really good eyesight, check the XLR connector, it should say "SHURE" under where Pin 3 is.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 30, 2014, 07:03:18 PM
If you have really good eyesight, check the XLR connector, it should say "SHURE" under where Pin 3 is.

Yep...all 7. I read however that there should be a trash can symbol with a line through it (disposal statement) between pins 1 and 2 on the real one. It appears on 2 of mine but not the other 5.

Other pointers which have been quoted online:

I have green and yellow wiring on all.
Different color to the thread where the dome connects on a couple.
Flange on bottom of dome on 6 of them, gradual slope on one of them.
On 2 of them, the shure printing is obviously a label - apparently a dead give away yet this is on my 2 oldest ones (one of which is the 32 year old one).
They all seem to sound the same which is the most important thing but I would be a little miffed to have paid SM money for an SM knockoff.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Robert Weston on January 30, 2014, 07:11:33 PM
Yep...all 7. I read however that there should be a trash can symbol with a line through it (disposal statement) between pins 1 and 2 on the real one. It appears on 2 of mine but not the other 5.

Other pointers which have been quoted online:

I have green and yellow wiring on all.
Different color to the thread where the dome connects on a couple.
Flange on bottom of dome on 6 of them, gradual slope on one of them.
On 2 of them, the shure printing is obviously a label - apparently a dead give away yet this is on my 2 oldest ones (one of which is the 32 year old one).
They all seem to sound the same which is the most important thing but I would be a little miffed to have paid SM money for an SM knockoff.

What you may want to try is contacting Shure directly and tell them about the differences in the mics; they may have you take photos of different parts of the mic to send to them.  Where you purchase your mics is very important to ensuring they are not fakes.  Authorized resellers should be the only companies where you get the mics from.  Over the years, I've come across some good "music" companies selling Shure mics, but were not authorized resellers.  I'm not sure if some of these non-authorized resellers are purchasing their mics directly.

Check the weight of your mics.  Do they all the weigh the same?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 30, 2014, 08:25:49 PM
What you may want to try is contacting Shure directly and tell them about the differences in the mics; they may have you take photos of different parts of the mic to send to them.  Where you purchase your mics is very important to ensuring they are not fakes.  Authorized resellers should be the only companies where you get the mics from.  Over the years, I've come across some good "music" companies selling Shure mics, but were not authorized resellers.  I'm not sure if some of these non-authorized resellers are purchasing their mics directly.

Check the weight of your mics.  Do they all the weigh the same?

That's a good idea. I just might do that. They all weight the same and 'feel' the same so I am hoping they are real.
2 of them were purchased in the UK way back when in the early 80's and one from GC in recent years. These 3 even vary slightly. The other 4 were purchased used over the years and those are the ones I cannot guarantee.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Corey Scogin on January 31, 2014, 12:39:36 AM
The one fake SM58 I bought off of Ebay did not have a transformer in it.  Instead of glue holding in what would have been the transformer, there was a wadded up tissue holding the wires still.  From the outside, I couldn't tell a difference.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Chris Clark on January 31, 2014, 02:02:53 AM
I would guess your variations are due to the passage of time and various revisions. Mics manufacturerd before 2003 are likely to not have the garbage can/X (otherwise known as the WEEE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_Electrical_and_Electronic_Equipment_Directive) symbol, a part of ROHS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROHS)) as these didn't exist at that time. I can't imagine there aren't more variations than this, and would guess the guidelines put out for recognizing genuine vs counterfeits are more geared towards "new" purchases than verifying models that have been in inventory for 20 years.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Lyle Williams on January 31, 2014, 02:19:45 AM
Mics vary over time.

Do they all sound good?  Isn't that all that matters?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Richard Turner on January 31, 2014, 09:50:26 AM
I have come across many threads and You Tube videos regarding this subject recently but I am still confused. 
I have 7 SM58's in total. I just checked each one against all the 'pointers' made available that are supposed to give the game away.
Well, I checked my 32 year old SM58 that I purchased new in the days before fakes were around and it failed on 3 of the pointers. Uh??
A couple of my SM's have slightly different variations to the others and I have always put it down to subtle differences in production over the years and perhaps whether Shure had changed their production locations also. However, now it's got me thinking. I purchased 3 of the mics new at reputable music stores yet all 3 vary slightly. So what are the definitive give aways??
Anyone have fool-proof methods???

remeber Shure made some minor changes in mid 1980's after moving mic production to Mexico, they claim on theor own website refinments and improvments have been made over the years in capsule quality and the transformer as well.


The early china clones were easy to spot, It seems they have refined their production as well
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 10:00:02 AM
Mics vary over time.

Do they all sound good?  Isn't that all that matters?

No - I don't think so.
I concede that if you end up with a fake-it is what it is. If it is a decent knock-off, then that is a bonus and probably not worth even replacing - just using as a spare.
However, I don't want to spend SM58 money on a $30 fake mic so it is worth learning the differences.  ALSO, I would hate to sell something on to someone else as a real SM58 if it is not.
All my SM58's sound good and I am pretty convinced they are all genuine. 
My original post was prompted by the many postings online by individuals making comparisons between real SM's and fakes any how many of the 'differences' do not seem to correlate to my experience.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 10:14:45 AM
I would guess your variations are due to the passage of time and various revisions. Mics manufacturerd before 2003 are likely to not have the garbage can/X (otherwise known as the WEEE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_Electrical_and_Electronic_Equipment_Directive) symbol, a part of ROHS (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROHS)) as these didn't exist at that time. I can't imagine there aren't more variations than this, and would guess the guidelines put out for recognizing genuine vs counterfeits are more geared towards "new" purchases than verifying models that have been in inventory for 20 years.

Right....makes sense to me. That is the conclusion I came to when I started to notice the subtle variations in all of mine. They span over 30 years so it is reasonable to make that assumption.
I think a lot of the sweeping statements made about the differences between real and fake are guesses which causes my confusion because if each indicator to a fake was in fact true, all mine would be fake including my 2 oldest ones - both of which are over 30 years old. (And still going strong, looking good and sounding as good as they did back then!!)
All I have had to do is replace the foam on the capsule of the oldest one last year. Over the years it must have been used for well over 2000 gigs. It even still has the original dome - no dents !!!
It was my own personal mic till I retired from singing a few years back.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 10:40:57 AM
The one fake SM58 I bought off of Ebay did not have a transformer in it.  Instead of glue holding in what would have been the transformer, there was a wadded up tissue holding the wires still.  From the outside, I couldn't tell a difference.

Oh my....did you claim through ebay?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Per Sovik on January 31, 2014, 10:57:08 AM
The one fake SM58 I bought off of Ebay did not have a transformer in it.  Instead of glue holding in what would have been the transformer, there was a wadded up tissue holding the wires still.  From the outside, I couldn't tell a difference.

Was it a secondhand one? Some people mod their microphones, and removing the transformer from 57/58 seems to be a popular mod in some circles. Why someone would want to remove the bit that gives the 57 its character, I don't know, but there you go.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Corey Scogin on January 31, 2014, 11:03:18 AM
Oh my....did you claim through ebay?

Yes, the seller seemed unaware he was selling counterfeit goods and promptly refunded my purchase.  I will no longer buy SM57's or SM58's off of Ebay.  It's just too difficult to tell the difference, especially when you can't examine one closely.

Was it a secondhand one? Some people mod their microphones, and removing the transformer from 57/58 seems to be a popular mod in some circles. Why someone would want to remove the bit that gives the 57 its character, I don't know, but there you go.

As I recall, this one was sold as new.  I was aware of that mod but this didn't have any signs of once having a transformer installed (glue residue, etc).
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: frank kayser on January 31, 2014, 11:18:50 AM
It's just too difficult to tell the difference, especially when you can't examine one closely.

I'm with you, Corey.  At this point, I can't see me EVER buying a 57/58 other than new from a store I trust.  Just too many fakes, the fakes are getting more indistinguishable every day.  I'm not into wasting money, but even a 1/2 price deal is too much risk for me.

Debbie, I understand you would like validation of what you have in  inventory.  I'd talk with the Shure folks - I think they have folks there that can help with possible counterfeits. 
frank
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 11:47:50 AM
I'm with you, Corey.  At this point, I can't see me EVER buying a 57/58 other than new from a store I trust.  Just too many fakes, the fakes are getting more indistinguishable every day.  I'm not into wasting money, but even a 1/2 price deal is too much risk for me.

Debbie, I understand you would like validation of what you have in  inventory.  I'd talk with the Shure folks - I think they have folks there that can help with possible counterfeits. 
frank

Yes..I going to make the call to Shure and get the info straight from the horses mouth - I'd just like to know.

Anything sold as something other than what it really is blatant fraud.
I have NOTHING against knock-offs generally if there is a demand for them - budget etc - just not for me. But they should be clearly marked as such. This is out and out theft!
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Chuck Simon on January 31, 2014, 11:53:19 AM
A friend of mine showed me his Beta 58 that he got for a really "good" price.  Box, manual, everything looked like a real beta 58, but the minute he handed it to me I could feel that it was too light.  The weight was a dead give away.  Fortunately he was able to get his money back.  The fakes are so good, the only way to be sure is to buy froma trusted dealer.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 12:05:19 PM
I just sent a message to Shure asking for definitive markers to be able to know for 'SHURE' whether an SM is a fake or not. I'll share whatever info I get back from them.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 12:07:53 PM
A friend of mine showed me his Beta 58 that he got for a really "good" price.  Box, manual, everything looked like a real beta 58, but the minute he handed it to me I could feel that it was too light.  The weight was a dead give away.  Fortunately he was able to get his money back.  The fakes are so good, the only way to be sure is to buy froma trusted dealer.

If people are made aware of just how prevalent this problem has become, we will all be able to make better decisions resulting in fewer disappointments.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tom Burgess on January 31, 2014, 12:12:05 PM
IMO as relatively inexpensive as 57's / 58's are these days why would you take the risk of getting a fake?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 12:18:11 PM
IMO as relatively inexpensive as 57's / 58's are these days why would you take the risk of getting a fake?

I agree - especially now folks have been made aware that these fakes are everywhere and very difficult to detect . I must be honest - I hadn't even considered the fact that I could be buying a fake till recently - an SM58 was an SM58 as far as I was concerned. I am wiser now because of all the exposure this subject has had.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 12:27:51 PM
Well...I received a response right away..

Response By Email (Rick Waller) (01/31/2014 11:16 AM)

Unfortunately, we are not able to disclose the specific details that lead us to conclude a product is a counterfeit, since those are highly confidential and disclosing them might aid counterfeiters in their efforts.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Airton Pereira on January 31, 2014, 12:30:28 PM
And which stores are trustworthy? B&H, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on January 31, 2014, 12:39:41 PM
Well...I received a response right away..

Response By Email (Rick Waller) (01/31/2014 11:16 AM)

Unfortunately, we are not able to disclose the specific details that lead us to conclude a product is a counterfeit, since those are highly confidential and disclosing them might aid counterfeiters in their efforts.

If you have a suspect mic, ask them what areas they want to see and send them pics.  They will respond with a "genuine" or "counterfeit" answer.  They won't disclose what the factors are, and I can't blame them.

We get fake/counterfeit offers from China on a routine basis.  It's amazing what manufacturers have to put up with.  I have no idea what Shure or JBL or EV lose each year to this shit, but it has to be substantial.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Andrew Broughton on January 31, 2014, 12:41:45 PM
Well...I received a response right away..

Response By Email (Rick Waller) (01/31/2014 11:16 AM)

Unfortunately, we are not able to disclose the specific details that lead us to conclude a product is a counterfeit, since those are highly confidential and disclosing them might aid counterfeiters in their efforts.
Makes sense. Will they cover the shipping to have them "inspected"?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tom Burgess on January 31, 2014, 12:51:20 PM
And which stores are trustworthy? B&H, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend?
Gilliam Music, of course!

:D
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 01:03:00 PM
If you have a suspect mic, ask them what areas they want to see and send them pics.  They will respond with a "genuine" or "counterfeit" answer.  They won't disclose what the factors are, and I can't blame them.

We get fake/counterfeit offers from China on a routine basis.  It's amazing what manufacturers have to put up with.  I have no idea what Shure or JBL or EV lose each year to this shit, but it has to be substantial.

I understood his reason entirely - it makes perfect sense. I actually just responded and asked if he would be prepared to look over some pics I would send him.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on January 31, 2014, 01:04:45 PM
If you have a suspect mic, ask them what areas they want to see and send them pics.  They will respond with a "genuine" or "counterfeit" answer.  They won't disclose what the factors are, and I can't blame them.

We get fake/counterfeit offers from China on a routine basis.  It's amazing what manufacturers have to put up with.  I have no idea what Shure or JBL or EV lose each year to this shit, but it has to be substantial.

Shure has a lot of experience dealing with fakes whenever you have an iconic mass market product (like their phono cartridges back in the day). I expect it is even worse today, but there are better tools for detecting fakes. And no you don't telegraph to the public what those anti-fraud markers are. I suspect there is a product cost associated with this anti-fraud engineering. 

I've even seen counterfeit CS800 amps from China and from SA, so it isn't limited to microphones. (Wood cabinet) speakers probably the worst sku for this. 

Caveat Emptor is written in latin because this problem is that old.  8)

JR
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 01:05:06 PM
Makes sense. Will they cover the shipping to have them "inspected"?

If my pics are not good enough - I could ask them if they will cover shipping. I doubt it though. I might just move on and going forward be extra vigilant. I think I am safe though with the ones I have.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Barry Singleton on January 31, 2014, 01:09:04 PM
Will they cover the shipping to have them "inspected"?

  ?!? Why would they? 

 
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Andrew Broughton on January 31, 2014, 01:13:58 PM
  ?!? Why would they?
Because they are concerned about counterfeits?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 01:14:37 PM
It makes me wonder if there is something that Shure could do to the SM that could not be counterfeited. Not quite as easy as a watermark on a $20 bill is it?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on January 31, 2014, 01:24:14 PM
Because they are concerned about counterfeits?

I'd assert that it does not benefit Shure to pay for lots of shipping of suspect products.  And under Customs/import laws any product found to be counterfeit is subject to immediate seizure.

So think of this scenario:  Andrew gets a UPS pickup label from Shure, who spends $6 to have the item delivered to them.  They decide it's an imported fake, and refuse to return it or they call ICE who seizes it.  Andrew is now out whatever product he sent in and Shure has created PR problem for themselves.  Andrew might be out $30-$50, but Shure now has a "customer" who's pissed off at them and decides to buy Audio Technica or EV.

If it's genuine, will the customer agree to pay for return shipping?

I don't see how Shure benefits from this type of engagement with end users.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 01:36:39 PM
Shure responded to me...


Response By Email (Rick Waller) (01/31/2014 12:29 PM)

To determine if the mic is counterfeit, please send us detailed pictures of the mic with the grill on and off, the box, and all literature that came in the box. Keep all file sizes to below 300k. Do NOT reply via email. Emails with many large attachments will likely be rejected. Instead, login at the following link: (http://shure.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form/redirect/account%252Foverview)/track/AvPl_wqODv8S~XPzGmIe~yL3UvsKCS75Mv86~zj~PP~z If you have not created a password yet, follow the link that says "Forgot your username or password?" and then "Reset your Password". Our support system is web based. Once logged into the web site, you will be able to update this incident and attach pictures. Make certain the pictures are in focus.

Good result so far and I am impressed.
I'll upload some good quality pics of everything I have and download to Shure. I only have 6 of the mics available to me but I'm not worried about the 7th one anyway.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Airton Pereira on January 31, 2014, 01:36:55 PM
I'd assert that it does not benefit Shure to pay for lots of shipping of suspect products.  And under Customs/import laws any product found to be counterfeit is subject to immediate seizure.

So think of this scenario:  Andrew gets a UPS pickup label from Shure, who spends $6 to have the item delivered to them.  They decide it's an imported fake, and refuse to return it or they call ICE who seizes it.  Andrew is now out whatever product he sent in and Shure has created PR problem for themselves.  Andrew might be out $30-$50, but Shure now has a "customer" who's pissed off at them and decides to buy Audio Technica or EV.

If it's genuine, will the customer agree to pay for return shipping?

I don't see how Shure benefits from this type of engagement with end users.

The only way they would benefit is if they sent the customer a genuine Shure replacing the fake one. I mean benefit in PR but they would lose millions doing this. There's no winning situation for Shure.
I think the mics should have a control number and the customer should be able to check this number online to confirm it is genuine.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Steve Garris on January 31, 2014, 01:37:33 PM
Debbie

I just went through this same thing, and was convinced by those web sites and Youtube video's that I had a fake SM58 that I purchased new in 2001. I purchased a real, but older 58 from Craigslist, and the next day I  looked at but did not purchase a fake. Here's what I discovered:

Many of those sites make incorrect claims:
Some older SM58's have a sticker just below the ball instead of the newer silkscreen - real 58's.
The older stickers say SM58 - Dynamic - Lo Z, the newer ones have repeated SM58 silkscreened - both real 58's.
The fake that I looked at had the "Caution" sticker on the capsule underneath the ball.
Some of the real 58's have dark grey threads on the main body where the ball threads in place, instead of the shiny silver threads - real 58's.
All real 58's have transformers, weigh about 300 grams, and have a yellow and green wire inside. I purchased a 90's model that has a 3rd black wire inside.
The bag might be smooth or textured leather, should be about 10" long, and will have either a Made in China label or stamped Made in Mexico (I have both, genuine Shure).
You cannot tell by looking at the flange at the bottom of the ball, this has changed over the years.
The metel "rib" around the center of the ball should be about 3mm, on the fake I looked at it was noticeably wider.
I contacted Shure regarding my mic with the Lo Z sticker, and they were very responsive.
I asked about the sticker and color of the threads, and Michael Pettersen replied:
[Yes, a label was used for many decades. I do not remember black threads, though. Photos would help.]

So I took my 2001 and 90's 58's to a friend that has been in the business for 30 years, and we plugged each one into a speaker and tested them audibly. His were sent to Shure for refurbishing, so we know they were genuine. All of these mic's sounded exactly the same. Additionally, they all had dark grey threads underneath the ball.

When I went to look at the fake, I advised the seller that I was concerned and sent links to several sites. She was very accommodating and I could tell she had no idea of the fake's. I noticed the Caution sticker on the capsule and the thicker ring around the ball. I did not unscrew the capsule to look at the wires. But the real test is done by listening to the mic!
I brought along a small bass headphone amp, and using adapters I could plug the mic into the battery powered amp and listen through headphones. The difference was immediately noticeable, the fake being very thin sounding and shrilly - terrible!

So all I can say at this point is you have to be able to listen and compare if you wish to purchase these mic's on the used market or at cheap prices online.

Wow - 8 replies while I was typing!
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 01:50:06 PM
Debbie

I just went through this same thing, and was convinced by those web sites and Youtube video's that I had a fake SM58 that I purchased new in 2001. I purchased a real, but older 58 from Craigslist, and the next day I  looked at but did not purchase a fake. Here's what I discovered:

Many of those sites make incorrect claims:
Some older SM58's have a sticker just below the ball instead of the newer silkscreen - real 58's.
The older stickers say SM58 - Dynamic - Lo Z, the newer ones have repeated SM58 silkscreened - both real 58's.
The fake that I looked at had the "Caution" sticker on the capsule underneath the ball.
Some of the real 58's have dark grey threads on the main body where the ball threads in place, instead of the shiny silver threads - real 58's.
All real 58's have transformers, weigh about 300 grams, and have a yellow and green wire inside. I purchased a 90's model that has a 3rd black wire inside.
The bag might be smooth or textured leather, should be about 10" long, and will have either a Made in China label or stamped Made in Mexico (I have both, genuine Shure).
You cannot tell by looking at the flange at the bottom of the ball, this has changed over the years.
The metel "rib" around the center of the ball should be about 3mm, on the fake I looked at it was noticeably wider.
I contacted Shure regarding my mic with the Lo Z sticker, and they were very responsive.
I asked about the sticker and color of the threads, and Michael Pettersen replied:
[Yes, a label was used for many decades. I do not remember black threads, though. Photos would help.]

So I took my 2001 and 90's 58's to a friend that has been in the business for 30 years, and we plugged each one into a speaker and tested them audibly. His were sent to Shure for refurbishing, so we know they were genuine. All of these mic's sounded exactly the same. Additionally, they all had dark grey threads underneath the ball.

When I went to look at the fake, I advised the seller that I was concerned and sent links to several sites. She was very accommodating and I could tell she had no idea of the fake's. I noticed the Caution sticker on the capsule and the thicker ring around the ball. I did not unscrew the capsule to look at the wires. But the real test is done by listening to the mic!
I brought along a small bass headphone amp, and using adapters I could plug the mic into the battery powered amp and listen through headphones. The difference was immediately noticeable, the fake being very thin sounding and shrilly - terrible!

So all I can say at this point is you have to be able to listen and compare if you wish to purchase these mic's on the used market or at cheap prices online.

Wow - 8 replies while I was typing!

Hey Steve...you just hit on just about every 'difference' I have come across online - thank you for taking the time.
I am even more convinced mine are all real now because of some of your comments. My 2 older ones have the ohm sign on them and are obviously stickers yet this is 'supposed' to be one of the big give-aways.
Also some of mine have silver threads and some dark gray - again gray is often claimed to be fake-not so as you have confirmed.

Good info here.
thanks again - very helpful to everyone.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on January 31, 2014, 01:50:54 PM
I can imagine a hypothetical situation where Shure may be interested in identifying a new vector where counterfeit product is making it's way into the domestic market, and in that unusual case they would probably make the customer whole with a new real mic (their cost is probably less than the shipping). Other than that not worth all those expensive touches. 

Yes they can get counterfeti goods confiscated at ports of entry, but more effective for container loads than onesy twosey individual sales, unless some seller is only selling counterfeit Shure goods.

JR 
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Lyle Williams on January 31, 2014, 02:19:41 PM
If you have a whole bunch of mics that sound and handle the same, and you are convinced that some are genuine, then all are genuine.  It's that simple.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on January 31, 2014, 02:33:46 PM
If you have a whole bunch of mics that sound and handle the same, and you are convinced that some are genuine, then all are genuine.  It's that simple.

It is not completely out of the question for a counterfeit mic to behave reasonably close to the SM58, while most counterfeit sellers probably spend more effort on looking the same and less effort on sounding the same.

JR
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Debbie Dunkley on January 31, 2014, 04:26:36 PM
If you have a whole bunch of mics that sound and handle the same, and you are convinced that some are genuine, then all are genuine.  It's that simple.
Probably... :)
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: John Roberts {JR} on January 31, 2014, 05:20:03 PM
If they look the same and sound the same but aren't really, it's mainly a problem for Shure.

JR
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Steve Oldridge on February 02, 2014, 01:06:50 PM
It is not completely out of the question for a counterfeit mic to behave reasonably close to the SM58, while most counterfeit sellers probably spend more effort on looking the same and less effort on sounding the same.

JR
I'm FAR from anything resembling knowledgeable on the subject, but in retrospect (having read this thread) I know (now) that I have bought and sold fake 58's on evilbay.. not intentionally, but some of the better ones are really hard to discern.
Obvious clues are that they are being shipped from China - well duh!!   ding, ding, ding!
But once they are here (in the US) weight, looks, size, internals, sound, etc. match fairly closely. I still have one in my collection and use it regularly as it sounds fine.
At least I think it's a fake.. :-\

I guess my point here is that for the average "lab lounger", unless the mic sounds like doo, has missing parts and works/sounds-as-advertised, I'd be willing to be most don't even know they have a fake ???
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Ray Aberle on February 02, 2014, 03:08:27 PM
I'm FAR from anything resembling knowledgeable on the subject, but in retrospect (having read this thread) I know (now) that I have bought and sold fake 58's on evilbay.. not intentionally, but some of the better ones are really hard to discern.
Obvious clues are that they are being shipped from China - well duh!!   ding, ding, ding!
But once they are here (in the US) weight, looks, size, internals, sound, etc. match fairly closely. I still have one in my collection and use it regularly as it sounds fine.
At least I think it's a fake.. :-\

I guess my point here is that for the average "lab lounger", unless the mic sounds like doo, has missing parts and works/sounds-as-advertised, I'd be willing to be most don't even know they have a fake ???

Yeah, well the old maxim, you get what you pay for. If you find a "Screaming deal" on something, well, exercise caution. I bought some "great deal!" Sennheiser wireless off of eBay a few years back. Shipped from China (didn't think about it). Two dual units and one single unit. Model numbers weren't on the Sennheiser site, "Not a problem!" claims the seller. I get them, chinese wall-warts, US AC adapters don't fit in them, frequencies don't match, plenty of signs to show they were counterfeits. Out $1200, cos I didn't see it in time to get the charge back through eBay/PayPal.

They were stolen a couple years later... I wonder what the thief thought when they couldn't use them! :D

-Ray
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Steve Oldridge on February 02, 2014, 03:29:18 PM
Yeah, well the old maxim, you get what you pay for. If you find a "Screaming deal" on something, well, exercise caution.
Agreed 1000%... it's not as if the ones I bought were $35 ea either... or a similar "screaming deal".  Been round the dance floor once or twice before.

The 2 in question were priced just below the others listed - not enough to give ya those tingles - and I missed the china shipping part.  It has always been "buyer beware", but sometimes our eagerness gets in the way.
Title: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Ian Routley on February 03, 2014, 07:15:40 AM
Having been through this Saga with an SM57 that had slightly different 'print' to its six brothers, I wonder how many have tested the resistance across pin 2 & 3.  With Shure, quite reasonably, not providing a checklist much of the info out there is incomplete/incorrect.

How much time wasted pulling mic cases apart, pulling out XLR connectors, and checking cartridges!?

I have convinced myself my SM57 is fine, like its siblings bought from Authorised Shure agents.

Luckily all the SM58s Beta58A and the beta87A came from authorised Shure dealers.

This MUST harm the resale of used gear!  Lucky I'm a hoarder.

Check the website before buying.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Airton Pereira on February 09, 2014, 11:39:36 AM
We all know wired mics are largely pirated, but does anyone know if the same happens with Shure wireless mics?
I'm searching for a SLX system and I've found a broad price range in ebay. I'm afraid they are pirated as well, any thoughts?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Ray Aberle on February 09, 2014, 01:21:01 PM
We all know wired mics are largely pirated, but does anyone know if the same happens with Shure wireless mics?
I'm searching for a SLX system and I've found a broad price range in ebay. I'm afraid they are pirated as well, any thoughts?
Well, if you heed my story from above:
Yeah, well the old maxim, you get what you pay for. If you find a "Screaming deal" on something, well, exercise caution. I bought some "great deal!" Sennheiser wireless off of eBay a few years back. Shipped from China (didn't think about it). Two dual units and one single unit. Model numbers weren't on the Sennheiser site, "Not a problem!" claims the seller. I get them, chinese wall-warts, US AC adapters don't fit in them, frequencies don't match, plenty of signs to show they were counterfeits. Out $1200, cos I didn't see it in time to get the charge back through eBay/PayPal.
Sennheiser, not Shure, but wireless systems are also commonly counterfeited. I know that the manufacturers aggressively seek out  pirates  (http://www.piratejoes.ca) and try to shut them down, but they don't catch anything. First thing to take note is their origin. If it's China or Hong Kong, you may want to be cautious.

If you are looking to purchase new, there are plenty of Shure dealers on here (myself included) that would be happy to get you a great deal on a new system, and then you'd know it's legit.

-Ray
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on February 09, 2014, 01:39:59 PM
We all know wired mics are largely pirated, but does anyone know if the same happens with Shure wireless mics?
I'm searching for a SLX system and I've found a broad price range in ebay. I'm afraid they are pirated as well, any thoughts?

Counterfeit is the word.  Illegitimate.  Phony.  Those work, also.

And if the super deal on a used set seems suspicious, walk away from it, too.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Airton Pereira on February 09, 2014, 03:19:10 PM
[quote author=Ray Aberle
If you are looking to purchase new, there are plenty of Shure dealers on here (myself included) that would be happy to get you a great deal on a new system, and then you'd know it's legit.

-Ray
[/quote]

Actually, I could not yet decide between Sennheiser ew 100 and Shure SLX. Perhaps you can help me? But first, can you ship to Brazil?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Rob Bernstein on February 10, 2014, 07:33:56 PM
The counterfeit shops in China are also making wireless units.
I bought an SLX system off of a guy locally on Craig's List, he said these were overstock from a hotel install.
Demo'ed it in the parking lot of the hotel we met at, all seemed fine.
Used it at a gig the following weekend and could not get the mic to stop overloading.
Long story short, sent it to Shure for a mod, and they sent it back with a "Counterfeit" sticker on it.
Luckily, got my money back. And still have the fake SLX.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Jonathan Johnson on February 11, 2014, 01:24:03 AM
Mics vary over time.

Do they all sound good?  Isn't that all that matters?

Not necessarily. Quality of construction, materials, and reliability are all important factors that have little to do with how it sounds when you take it out of the box. While knock-offs may sound good either initially or long-term, the product may fall apart, it may fail with even the slightest abuse, or it may contain hazardous materials.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Jeff Bankston on February 11, 2014, 03:23:50 AM
one a my sm58 has the word > "switchcraft" under pin 3. is that o.k. ?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Jeff Bankston on February 11, 2014, 03:29:29 AM
And which stores are trustworthy? B&H, Sweetwater, Musician's Friend?
Geetar Center and Sam Ash get their mics from Shure. thats what Shure told me when i called.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Jean-Pierre Coetzee on February 11, 2014, 09:42:50 AM
one a my sm58 has the word > "switchcraft" under pin 3. is that o.k. ?

Is it second hand and did you phone sure and ask?
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Tim McCulloch on February 11, 2014, 09:49:23 AM
one a my sm58 has the word > "switchcraft" under pin 3. is that o.k. ?

Probably.  It depends.  Etc.

;)
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Lyle Williams on February 11, 2014, 01:47:51 PM
Not necessarily. Quality of construction, materials, and reliability are all important factors that have little to do with how it sounds when you take it out of the box. While knock-offs may sound good either initially or long-term, the product may fall apart, it may fail with even the slightest abuse, or it may contain hazardous materials.

There are a lot of people getting stressed about clearly genuine mics too.
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Mark G. Hinge on February 11, 2014, 10:57:13 PM
There are a lot of people getting stressed about clearly genuine mics too.

I think the handling noise was the most obvious difference between my fake and my real one. 

http://www.harmonycentral.com/t5/Live-Sound-Production/My-fake-Shure-SM58/td-p/36350417
Title: Re: SM58 fakes....Not so easy to detect?
Post by: Ray Aberle on February 11, 2014, 11:03:37 PM
[quote author=Ray Aberle
If you are looking to purchase new, there are plenty of Shure dealers on here (myself included) that would be happy to get you a great deal on a new system, and then you'd know it's legit.

-Ray


Actually, I could not yet decide between Sennheiser ew 100 and Shure SLX. Perhaps you can help me? But first, can you ship to Brazil?
With a valid credit card number, sure. :)

The SLX and the ew 100 are about the same level. And pricing... $599 for SLX. About the same for the ew 135 G3 system.

-Ray