Blackface Deluxe Reverb Speaker Recommendations

Tim Walker · From: Marin County, CA (originally U.K)

Hi,
I just picked up a '64 Deluxe Reverb - does anyone have an suggestions for a replacement speaker?
Thanks,
Tim

Karl Nutt · From: Fayette City, PA U.S.A.

Hi Tim, I used a Weber 12F150 Vintage Series Ceramic 12 inch Speaker with the following specs:
* Dope - Light
* Impedance - 8 Ohms
* Power - 25 watts

This speaker is fantastic for Telecaster and Stratocaster with just the right amount of breakup as the volume is increased. Check out their website at: www.tedweber.com

You can even hear some sound clips of a Deluxe with this speaker on their website. Their website will also explain what they mean by doping the speaker. If you're looking to play steel in your Deluxe, you may want something different. But, I heard Kayton Roberts playing some killer non-pedal steel this past April in Ohio through a Deluxe Reverb , distortion and all and it was great! Karl

Karl Nutt · From: Fayette City, PA U.S.A.

I forgot to mention, if you have the original speaker for your amp, Weber can recone it.

Marc Jenkins · From: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I'd recommend the 50 watt version of the 12F150 for higher headroom especially if using any distortion, overdrive or boost pedals.

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

For me, the choice of speaker for a Deluxe Reverb depends on what instrument guitar (e.g., strat, tele, LP, arch, or whatever) vs. steel (e.g., nonpedal vs. pedal) and material (classic country, jazz, blues, rock, whatever) I'm playing.

For 'typical' guitar application, i.e., some breakup when pushed - an old Jensen C12Q or C12N, a modern reproduction like the Webers suggested, or something like a Celestion Vintage 30, works for me. A Vintage 30 or clone doesn't distort quite as early but has a bit more midrange when pushed.

For a 'clean' guitar sound (e.g., jazz or clean classic country guitar) or clean pedal steel application, I prefer something heavier duty like an EV SRO (the old coffee-can model fits mine with no fooling around), JBL (D-120F, K-120, MI 12"), or a Black Widow 12".

mike nolan · From: Forest Hills, NY USA

I have the Tone Tubby alnico in my '64.... great for guitar and low volume steel gigs.

Jason Hull · Posted 7 Sep 2010 3:46 am

I'll second the Celestion Vintage 30.

Bill Terry · From: Bastrop, TX

I put a Celestion G12 30W (Green Back) that I bought new in the 70's in my '69 Deluxe Reverb. I'm not sure if it's the same speaker as the Vintage 30s that Dave and Jason mention, but it is a great match for a Tele, edgy, but warm and just enough breakup..
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Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

My DR has an EVM-12L in it. A more modern version of the SRO-12L that Dave suggested. Adds weight but smooths out the amp tone wise.
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Tim Walker · From: Marin County, CA (originally U.K)

Gents, Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I be using it mainly for guitar but will probably use it from time to time with pedal steel on quieter gigs.
Dave, Have you tried the Jensen C12Q/N reissues ? - I can't see any vintage models for sale on the web.
Thanks again,
Tim

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

I've tried various of the Jensen CR reissues. They're OK, but not like an old one, to my ears. I found them a bit thin.

I have a D-120F in my DR now. It's nice for clean jazz or country, and fine for low-volume PSG application, but my blues guitar buddies probably wouldn't like to see me show up to a blues guitar gig with it. I used a Vintage 30 (or an Eminence clone of same) for years in that amp - it's pretty versatile, but has a distinct voice of its own. Thus, not an ideal speaker for clean PSG, but not impossible. But the breakup is very nice when pushed a bit.

I'll tell you what has recently become my favorite JBL - the MI series. I recently picked up a pair of 10" ones - put one in a Peavey Backstage and another in a 74 Princeton Reverb, they're great - not sure I've ever heard a better 'country guitar' speaker. Quite clean but not shrill. I've even been using the Princeton for pedal steel - a studio session and a couple of low-volume gigs - just great. I have a 15" MI in a Tremolux-sized cab, it's nice also. I'd like to locate a couple of 12" versions to try in the DR and my Mesa Nomad.

Mark Lavelle · From: San Mateo, CA

+1 on the Webers (50W)
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Scott Appleton · From: Ashland, Oregon

Tone tubby or Webber

Tim Walker · From: Marin County, CA (originally U.K)

thanks again guys -
dave, thanks for the tips - the jbl sounds cool - i have a couple of princetons too and wouldn't mind trying a new speaker in one for steel.
cheers, tim

Dave Grafe · From: Hudson River Valley NY

The JBL will not only provide a cleaner sound the increased sensitivity will more than double the SPL per watt over the Eminence or Jensen speakers, allowing you to run the amp cleaner as well.

Michael Brebes · From: Northridge CA

Had a EVM12L in mine which sounded good but doubled the weight of the amp. Settled on a Celestion Vintage 30. A lot less weight and a similar sound.
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Buck Dilly · From: Branchville, NJ, USA * R.I.P.

I have had an EVM in my Deluxe since 1984! THis amp has seen a lot of use and the speaker is amazing. EV's basically give an even response without adding any color. They also provide more headroom which is nice in a low wattage amp like a Deluxe.

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