The Rode NT1 modded by Michael Jolly engeenring is a gret value. Its sound is very close to a Neumann U87 for a 1/8th of the cost.
Check the samples in his site

http://www.oktavamodshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=145

I have one and I´m very happy with this mic....

 

Found a great deal on an Avantone CV-12 a while back, couldn't be happier.

 

Surprised no ones mentioned any of the variants of the SE2000. Old models are probably pretty cheap second hand, if you're willing to take the gamble.

Certainly comparable to the Rode NT1a.

Remember reading that the old SE2000 had circuitry that was cheap and worthwhile to upgrade. There were some dudes on Ebay offering upgrades that they said made it comparable to U87 I never got round to it. Sure there'll be information out there.

Not every singer suits a U87. Being a fan of older recordings I think Ribbon mics are just as good a shout for good singers.

Matching C414s are probably a really good shout for best value just because they are so versatile. Although I know some people who don't like them unless they are really old models. New ones aren't as good apparently.

 

It's small diaphragm mic, but I don't think there are many like Primo EM-172 and Primo EM-184 for €13 and €16 respectively.
EM-172 is also incredibly sensitive

 

i have a cheap auna diaphr, you can clearly hear a fly shitting with it, it is amazing in a quiet environment

 

The omni EM-172 are used by a fair number of folks to capture audio when filming video, field recording and binaurally. The video is of the 172's recording a harp.

 

Just doing my usual thing when this topic comes up in warning you guys that if you often have problems with sibilance the low end Rode mics could end up being a nightmare for you

Now this comes with a couple caveats. One is that this is based on my own experience, and I rap, so my experience involves a lot more volume and a lot more air being propelled toward the microphone than you would often have with other genres. I'm going to make a gross generalization here but, we rappers also have a tendency to move around in front of the mic more than your average vocalist.

Moving on... I have a 2014 model Rode NT1 and a Rode NT1A. I prefer the 2014 way beyond the NT1A. Both have a tendency to be bright bordering on harsh, but the 2014 NT1 has a more present low end for a bit more balance. Both are fantastically clear and sensitive.

Anyway, if you're a guy who never has problems with sibilance, or you're recording things where you don't think this will be a problem, the Rode mics are probably a great choice. I loved the crystal clarity of the 2014 NT1 and the better balance over the NT1A. Just make sure you have a nice high tech de esser on deck like a Fabfilter, DMG, Eiosis, etc.

 

The Michael Jolly mod of NT1 has a silky sound, no sibilance at all, and mantain the clarity and the excellent noise floor of the NT1-