thinking about a Rode mic

Heya,
 
I was considering getting a Rode NT1-A or NT1000. Also, at one point an MXL 3000(which is discontinued apparently and not even shown on the actual MXL site, which is kinda weird)... but concerned about the quality of the MXL mics, being made in China. And I actually use an MXL-unfortunately the cheapest condensor one there is probably-990 or whatever. But I want to get a better one.
 
Anyone use either of these mics with good success? both seem to have pretty good reviews in general. 
 
I liked the class-A FET preamp in the MXL 3000 specs, but I suppose it's not all that important to have one in a mic. I mean you can use preamps apart from the mics..
 
Heard one criticism or more that the Rode mics can produce a bit too much on the high end. This isn't neccesarily a bad thing and may work for some singers, but not everyone. Some mics sound good with certain singers. Some don't. But that may mean you need to EQ your recordings to compensate.
 
So what do some of your Rode owners do? I've read that the Rode mics may sound better with a preamp like a cheap-end Presonus, than better ones. A balancing effect of sorts.
 
The other thing is I am considering getting the Rode modified to sound better. Anyone know how to modify these without too much trouble? I know there's places you can send them to get them modified. I'm a musician here, not a mechanical or electrical engineer! But is it worth it? Or should you just always deal with some EQ issues at times (if need be), rather?

I've had a Rode NT-1 for quite a long time, and think that for the money, it's definitely worth a look/try.  Of course, there are a LOT of mics in that price range, now.

If I remember right, they also have a decent warranty.

Yup, the NT-1A is made in China. It's a decent mic for the price, but no better than many other Chinese-made mics in the same price range.

I have one. It was my first LDC. I still use it now and then but it stays in the closet most of the time. Good for some things - sometimes surprisingly good - but not what I'd call a general-purpose first-call microphone.

If you do get one, the first rule is keep your distance from the mic when singing. It sounds much better further back, and is easily overwhelmed by plosives up close.

fanzzz, if your budget is limited, are you sure a large-diaphragm condenser is what you really need? Is this just for singing, or do you plan on miking acoustical instruments as well?