Shure 520D "Green Bullet"

^# 67

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$149.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Shure 520DX "Green Bullet"

$122.00 - $149.00

4.5 (42)

Find out who is using Shure 520D

0 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (19)

$149.00

View Deal

5.0 (15)

$149.00

View Deal

£136.00

View Deal

Average Price: $149

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

In the Dynamic Microphones category, Shure 520D "Green Bullet" is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Shure 520D "Green Bullet"". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into the spotlight with the iconic Shure 520D "Green Bullet," a dynamic microphone that has become synonymous with harmonica performance. Renowned for its legendary status among blues musicians, this mic is not just a tool; it's a piece of musical history. Its distinctive shape is crafted to fit comfortably in your hand, making it perfect for those soulful riffs and impromptu jam sessions.

The "Green Bullet" boasts a robust construction with a die-cast casing that’s as durable as it is stylish. The attached 1/4-inch cable ensures seamless connectivity to high-impedance devices, allowing you to plug in and play without missing a beat. A convenient volume control knob at the base of the microphone lets you make quick adjustments on the fly, ensuring your sound is always on point. This feature is especially handy for live performances where maintaining your sound balance is crucial.

With a frequency response tailored from 100 to 5kHz, the Shure 520D captures the nuances of your performance, delivering that warm, gritty sound that harmonica players crave. Whether you're channeling the spirit of Chicago blues or exploring new musical landscapes, the "Green Bullet" is your reliable companion on stage.

Key Features:

Legendary harmonica microphone, beloved by blues musicians
Convenient volume control knob for on-the-fly adjustments
High-impedance, omnidirectional dynamic microphone
Durable die-cast casing with an attached 1/4-inch cable
Frequency response range of 100 to 5kHz

Product specs

Microphone Type	Dynamic
Polar Pattern	Omnidirectional
Frequency Response	100Hz-5kHz
Output Impedance	1k ohm
Connector	1/4"
Weight	1.62 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone?: The Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" is primarily used for harmonica playing, providing a classic distorted sound that blues harp players love. Its unique shape makes it easy to cup with the harmonica, enhancing its distinctive tonal qualities.
How does the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" connect to an amplifier?: The Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone comes with a built-in 1/4" connector, allowing it to plug directly into most guitar amplifiers, making it convenient for live performances and practice sessions.
What is the frequency response of the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone?: The Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" has a frequency response of 100Hz to 5kHz, which is tailored to emphasize the midrange frequencies, ideal for capturing the rich tones of a harmonica.
Is the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone durable for live performances?: Yes, the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" features a road-tough casing designed to withstand the rigors of live performances, ensuring reliability and longevity for touring musicians.
What type of polar pattern does the Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" have?: The Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" microphone features an omnidirectional polar pattern, allowing it to pick up sound from all directions, which is beneficial for capturing the harmonica's sound when cupped in hand.

Videos

Add video

Angelicaaudio

#1970s SHURE GREEN BULLET model 520D - VINTAGE MICROPHONE @Angelicaaudio

Angelicaaudio

Shure 520D Green Bullet | Vintage Nightmare

INGENOUT

Green Bullet harmonica mic (Shure 520D) - Vintage Microphone Unboxing and Sound Test Comparison

Federico Borluzzi

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Shure 520D "Green Bullet".

Features and functionality

0 0

Some 520D models are dual impedance, allowing users to switch between high and low impedance with an internal transformer.
Source
0 0

The mic's high impedance is more compatible with "Hi-Z" 1/4” inputs on mixers, often marked with a guitar icon, allowing better gain control.
Source
0 0

A preamp, like the ART Tube MP, can amplify the mic's output when connected to a mixer's XLR input, offering improved live performance volume.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners recommend feedback cancellation pedals like the Lone Wolf Blues Company Harp Shield and Rick Davis’ "Little Fatty" to manage feedback issues.
Source
0 0

Consider plugging the mic into a guitar preamp pedal with 1/4 inch input/output to potentially improve vocal tone.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Older 520D versions are noted for having better elements compared to newer 520DX models, which are said to use cheaper components.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Cranking up the Overdrive or Tone knob on an amp can achieve the signature dirty crunch sound popular in blues music.
Source
0 0

While marketed for harmonica use, it provides a distinct bluesy effect when used for vocals, especially when run through a guitar amp.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

A purchase price of $75 for a Green Bullet 520D is considered a fair deal for its performance and comfort.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Rewiring the Green Bullet for low impedance and XLR output can enhance compatibility with mixers, avoiding tone/volume issues without needing extra equipment.
Source
0 0

Using a passive DI box can convert the Shure 520D from high to low impedance without permanently altering the wiring.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the plug-and-play convenience of the 520D for achieving authentic sound in live settings, especially for vintage styles like Tin Pan Alley.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

alexandria_jovovich_...

227

about 9 years ago

Shure microphone 520D Dual Impendance Model

In 1970 Shure designed a dual impedance controlled magnetic transducer and began to use them in the green bullet mics which were now being called the 520D. The element was labeled as model 99S556. The first 520D's were made in Evanston, and for the first time, the tags now incorporated a serial # where the impedance used to be stamped. The tags were still the dark emerald green, smooth surfaced, and basically the same as the previous tags, except for the serial #. The grille's on the US made 520D's have a brushed nickel finish just like the older 520's, and the shell's were exactly the same color as the 520's as well. The Mexican made 520D's were painted a slightly darker green and didn't have a glossy finish like the US made models, and the grille's were no longer brushed nickel, rather they were painted silver giving the 520D a whole new look. After 1970 when the 520D introduced the dual impedance CM elements being used in the green bullet mics were now being assembled in Mexico with US made parts.520D as strong and has just as good tone as the vintage elements tone.

Artist usage

Add artist

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via YouTube

Visible during Satriani’s October 19, 1992 live performance of “Big Bad Moon” for the Guitar Legends Hard Rock Concert (particularly at 16:17, during the harmonica solo it is used for). The 520D is also visible in the documentary Reel, which follows the making of Satriani’s self-titled 1995 album. The one in Reel was also used for harmonica (as evinced by the harmonica attached to it) and may be responsible for the distorted vocals on “Look My Way”.

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

Verified

Used as a vocal mic, as mentioned in this interview from the October 1987 issue of Musician Magazine, as documented in this page from the website Tom Waits Library.

Microphones of choice include a Ribbon ("Dave Garroway") and RCA high-impedance mikes; Waits usually sings through a Shure Green Bullet (used mostly by harmonica players). Also an Altec 21D vocal mike- "because Sinatra used it."

Mark Foster

Singer, Guitarist

Foster the People

Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster The People, Mark Foster is seen singing into a Shure 520D "Green Bullet" microphone at the beginning, contributing to the song's distinctive distorted voice effect.

Cam Cole

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Facebook

Cam Cole confirmed he uses the Shure 520D "Green Bullet" microphone in a comment on this Facebook video, "Cam Cole - Mama (Live in Camden)." When asked if he uses a cup over the mic to achieve a lo-fi sound, Cam Cole responded, "the cup does nothing but hold the mic..the mic is a shure green bullet, that is what makes that sound 😉."

Source : https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=869039526924685 (comments)

Big Walter Horton

Composer

Verified via YouTube

Recalled by Sugar Blue in this November 4, 2016 Shure video.

I started using the Green Bullet when Big Walter Horton came to New York City and he had this big green microphone in his hands. A more knowledgeable harmonica player than I was said "That's a Green Bullet, man! It's a Green Bullet!"

Sugar Blue

Composer

Verified via YouTube

Featured in this November 4, 2016 Shure video.

I started using the Green Bullet when Big Walter Horton came to New York City and he had this big green microphone in his hands. A more knowledgeable harmonica player than I was said "That's a Green Bullet, man! It's a Green Bullet!"

I didn't even have an amplifier [laughs] But I had my Green Bullet, y'know? And, um... And, well I've had it ever since.