Let's face it. A good microphone is an absolute must. I paid very little for this Superlux CM-H8A new! It is a large diaphragm condenser cardioid mic w/ 132 db SPL. 30~20,000hz. It has an internal low freq roll off switch (I keep mine Flat). The shock mount is optional. 
   You don't have to go to the poor house for a rich sound. There are quite a few inexpensive mics to choose from. Russian mics are well made and cost little. The Superlux platinum series mics are made in china. Check out this dealers web site.    Superlux
    
                     
                   
   These Samson CO2 mics are super quiet and work well for acoustic guitar, overheads, ambient noises and general mid to high sounds. Cardioid polar pattern, 40-20000 Hz. Max SPL 134 db. Samson



   My old Electrovoice PL76 mics sound great on guitar amps, toms, backing vocals and general mid range sounds. Old but not forgotten!

  Back