Is the Rode Classic a sleeping Telefunken ELA M 251?
The Rode Classic has a build style reminiscent of European the classics of the golden era of sound. and it's circuit topology is very reminicent of the Telefunken ELA M251,, one of the greatest mics of all time. The Classic also sports a NOS Ge 6072a tube and Jensen transforer. Unfortunately all of this this let down by the capsule which is nowhere near the" Classic Brass CK12" that the circuit was designed for. The sound is lacking in low frequencies and the tops are grainy and overly bright. most of these issues can be traced back to the capsule and some circuit compromises that were made to compensate for the Rode capsules short comings.
 
Enter the OPR 251 MOD
It's important to point out that the capsule and it's housing or "head basket" are the ultimate dictator in the sound of any microphone,  imparting the all important sonic fingerprint or DNA if you will, other components and circuit topology also matter, but but not nearly as much.
With that said going straight to the source and replacing the capsule with the capsule that was designed for goes a long way. I use my hand made  Brass ck12 replica which is an accurate true multi-chaimbered replica of AKG's original brass Ck12, the capsule that made AKG famous the world over and the capsules used in venerable AKG C12 and Telefunken ELA M251 microphones, which are now fetching $10,000- $30,000 USD on the pro audio market. To add icing to the cake the signal path is restored to that of the Telefunken ELA M 251 enhancing sound and fortifying a truly classic sound.
The mod propels the Classic  into a completely different league with a smooth yet open sound, airy highs, huge low end and glorious proximity effect that the 251 is are known for.
Maybe it's time to make your classic a true classic?