Speakers for a Stereo Steel?

Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

I just picked up a Stereo Steel but have not purchased a speaker for it. I'm looking for suggestions because I initially just planned on buying a BW of some sort for it and putting it in a cabinet. I'm open to suggestions. Is 4 ohms what I am looking for? The more I search and read the more confusing it is. I really just want an early Session 400 sound that a middle age guy can lift.

I'm not even sure if I want a 12 or 15 inch speaker? I only play E9 now but am planning to add a D10 with a C6 neck in about a year or so. I'm very confused by all the different Peavey model numbers. What about the Eminence Travis Toy speakers in 12 or 15?

Travis Toy · From: Nashville, TN, USA

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

I am using JBL D-130 4 ohm. That is what GD Walker supplied to make the system. I think he also offered the cabinets with Peavey 1501-4's. I tried Telonics, PF 350, TT-112 and BW 1502. To my ears, the JBL just has a smoother, sweeter sound. I would like to try an Eminence 15-C and a TT-15 for lighter weight.

Good luck. All of the speakers I tried were good choices, just not quiet there for me. Others mileage may vary.

Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

I didn't think D-130's could handle 300 watts but they must be able to then?

joe long · From: San Antonio, Texas

My stero has the JBL df130's. Mine are powered if that means anything.

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

[quote="Brett Hansen"]I didn't think D-130's could handle 300 watts but they must be able to then?[/quote

No problem at all. The ones GD supplied were re-coned and are supposed to handle 250 to 300 watts. Also, and I don't know if it's true, but I read that the 65 watts rating of original D-130's was a tube amp rating.That would be the equivalent of about 195 watts solid state. wouldn't it?
Plus GD is a very smart guy and produced his Stereo Steels for many years. He said he had re-coned over 600 JBL speakers to make them D-130's. I don't think he would have used them if he didn't think they could handle the 300 watts.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I have no experience with the neo mag speakers other than the Black Widow.

The other brands are getting good reviews though, and seem to be a partial answer to shedding weight.

As Peavey speakers go, there are a few that will work well with the SS.

The most popular recent speaker is the 1501-4 SB model. This speaker is designed for steel guitar. If you can find one with the neo mag, it will work fine for you. This model of speaker is 4 ohm which is fine for your SS as it will accept both 4 & 8 ohm speakers. You want the SB model not the DT model for the best low end response.

All the early era Spider Web labeled 1501 speakers are 4 ohm short basket models.

Another speaker is the 90's issue of the the 1203-4 12 inch Black Widow. Not the later Kevlar one, but the earlier one with the paper cone.

Another one that works well is the early model 1201-8 BW with the alum. dust cap. Either Spider Web mag or Super Structure.

Any of these will work fine with your amp. If you are only going to use one speaker, I'd probably suggest the 15 in. model 1501 and it's the only BW in current production for steel guitar. Their might not be replacement baskets or support for any of the other models I quoted.

I don't know enough about any of the other Eminence, Telonics, Sica etc. neo speakers to comment on them.

I have a pair of 1201-8's in my self built monitor style, ported, closed back, kick back cabinets that I would be willing to part with if interested.

Good luck in your search.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

The original D-130 was rated at 25 watts. (Remember, this speaker was designed over 60 years ago, when 25-40 watts was a "big" amp.) Later versions, the "F" series, were rated at 50 watts or 100 watts (depending on whose specs you're looking at).

Keep in mind that while most steelers now have very big amps, they're normally only using a fraction of that power. I'd guess most players never get past the 30-50 watt range for 98% of their playing. They may occasionally hit peaks of twice that (or more), but speakers are rated for continuous power, not peaks. Therefore, a conservative player, like Lloyd Green, would have no problem at all using an amp rated at several times the wattage that the speaker ion that amp was rated at. But this wouldn't be the case for a player like Robert Randolph, whose playing style demands high-rated speakers that can handle tons of power.

So be advised, if there's distortion being used, and chords are sustained for long periods of time, a 100 watt speaker could be destroyed by a 30 watt amp.

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

I have never had a problem getting a good tone with any speaker I have used with my Stereo Steel head. I have tried all the popular JBL and Peavey models.
I would go with something light weight.

Douglas Schuch · From: Valencia, Philippines

Yes, you want 4 ohm speakers. 8 ohms will work fine if you happen to have one already, or need 8 to work with another rig.

I built my own open-back cabs for speakers, and have used a 15" Sica Neo (no longer made), 15" BW, and a 12" Telonics. I prefer the Sica and Telonics, and they are also lighter, so when I left the Virgin Islands to return to the Philippines I gifted the BW to another steeler - the weight alone meant shipping it would be expensive.

If I were buying today, due to the buzz, I'd probably go for a TT - 12 or 15. My 15 Sica covers the bass of the C6 tuning a bit better than the Telonics - but then, it was built as a bass speaker. I know Paul Franklin uses a 12" and he gets great C6 tone, so don't have to have 15" for C6. And Paul's speaker would be another great option - but they are heavier than the two I am using.

I believe GD's website said his JBL's were reconed to handle 200 watts. I would not use a stock JBL that is rated under that level unless I was confident I was keeping volume very low. One reason I like the Stereo Steel is it sounds good no matter what level I need based on who I'm playing with and how big the space is.

Good luck! Great amps!
_________________
Bringing steel guitar to the bukid of Negros Oriental!

Brett Hansen · From: Michigan, USA

Thanks everyone for all the info. I decided to go with the Eminence Travis Toy 15"

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

Wise choice. If it's anything like the TT-12. you will be very happy. I would like to try one in my Evans SE 200 sometime.

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