Shure SM57 alternatives

[dolivas]

now in this modern day and age with the advent of new technology and internet etc. are there any other mics much as the SM57 that are both inexpensive to buy like the SM57 is and as varied in use? i.e. you can use it with amps, vocals, acoustics, drums etc. I've been having trouble finding a good jack-of all trade mic like the SM57 and around that price range.

Would newer companies be making such mics? if so can anyone give some good suggestions.

[Nubus]

I'm watching eBay for a Beyer Dynamic M88 right now. It isn't such a low cost mic brand new, but it is a great little dynamic mic. It completely annihilates the 57 in low end response. It's as great on female vocals as it is inside a kick drum. 40 Hz! I wouldn't use one as a hammer... but I'm not so sure that matters.

[dagosto]

The Audix i5 is a lot like the 57. I've used it on snare and guitar cab so far. It worked on the snare better than a 57 but I think the 57 worked a little better on the amp. It's pricing is not to much more than a 57.

[dolivas]

I've heard about the Beyer m88 I wish I could get it but that's a bit out my price range. The i5 though is more within it but Im looking for more of a guitar amp mic than a drum mic. Any other recommendations around the range of the i5 would be nice.

Has anyone used any of those AKG instrument mics I know they make one that's around 65 bucks and Sennheiser makes the e609 which looks pretty decent as well. I need a mic that can capture less of the low end and more of the highs and mids plus some ambience.