SM 7 B : Workhorse

This is what you should get before looking over all hundreds of options of large diaphragm condensers.

This will get you close to a expensive/good sound without having to treat the s**t out of your acoustic environment. LDC are more sensitive to the surrounding room acoustics. This one can give you a sound close to expensive LDC, if the signal chain is good, HW, preferably, 1 or 2 HW comps(brings up the small details, without shouting). I compared it to a Brauner VMX and Neuman U87, and was still pleased with the results from the shure. Had to pull up the gain high as hell though, and that gives you some background hiss. Also I removed the mushy foam wind/pop shield from the mic, and used the pop screen I use with LDC (makes a difference...)

Have not used it on instrument or cab, just vocals so far. I bet it works well on some sources and not so good on others.. But you can have it as a more or less secure start for a recording studio IMHO.