Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
I have a couple of extra PA drivers that would be perfect for building talkboxes. Everyone should have a talkbox. They're not just a gimmick for making your guitar say, "Do you feel like we do?" - they are one of the most expressive guitar effects devices around. Think of it this way: a wha pedal can only do two vowel sounds - 'oo' and 'ah'. Great for fireworks displays, but what about E, I, and U?
Not just any horn driver will work for a talkbox. Most drivers out there are intended for mids or highs in sound reinforcement systems; their frequency range only goes down to 800 Hz at best.
These drivers were designed for full-range PA or paging systems - like you would find in a factory or sports complex. Their frequency ranges go down to around 120 Hz or lower, much better suited to guitar.
Building your own talkbox is easy and fun - it can take almost any form you can imagine. If you want to just lay the driver on the floor, that'll work. If you want to get fancy, go ahead - make a dovetailed cherry talkbox to match that new Edana. Or, if you want to be really cool, just stick the driver in a sack and sling it over your shoulder ala Joe Perry.
Unfortunately, there are as many ways to hook up a talkbox as there are ways to house it. Fear not - included in the purchase price is... me. If you don't really know what you're doing, I'll be happy to consult by PM, email, or phone to help to come up with the best way to integrate a talkbox into your rig. I've built 'em before, and I'm presently working on a couple new ones. Always happy to talk gear geek with fellow forumites.
Anyway, these drivers are old and used, but I have tested them (they work fine) and researched their specs. Each one can be the basis for a good-sounding, loud, and reliable talkbox.
1) University Sound 30-watt, 8 ohm. No model number, but I'm confident in the power rating, and comparison with current models gives a pretty good idea of the frequency range. $15 + shipping.
2) Mystery Driver, 16 ohm. A good heavy-duty driver, but manufacturer and model number are unknown. This just means your design will have to be a bit more conservative. On the plus side, this baby is OLD, and has a really 50's kinda look to it - almost assuredly an alnico magnet, plus hammertone paint and a cork gasket - major mojo. $10 + shipping.
3) Atlas Sound PD-4V 50-watt, 16 ohm. This one, I have a full spec sheet for. Its frequency range goes down to 75 Hz, so it will handle standard-tuned guitar with no crossover. Out of all the various drivers I've accumulated, THIS is the one I'd use if I was building a talkbox for regular on-stage use - it's heavy duty. Apparently, this model is also attractive to old-school audiophile types, and pairs in good shape go for up to $150. Since I only have one and its cosmetics aren't perfect, let's call it $30 + shipping.
Not just any horn driver will work for a talkbox. Most drivers out there are intended for mids or highs in sound reinforcement systems; their frequency range only goes down to 800 Hz at best.
These drivers were designed for full-range PA or paging systems - like you would find in a factory or sports complex. Their frequency ranges go down to around 120 Hz or lower, much better suited to guitar.
Building your own talkbox is easy and fun - it can take almost any form you can imagine. If you want to just lay the driver on the floor, that'll work. If you want to get fancy, go ahead - make a dovetailed cherry talkbox to match that new Edana. Or, if you want to be really cool, just stick the driver in a sack and sling it over your shoulder ala Joe Perry.
Unfortunately, there are as many ways to hook up a talkbox as there are ways to house it. Fear not - included in the purchase price is... me. If you don't really know what you're doing, I'll be happy to consult by PM, email, or phone to help to come up with the best way to integrate a talkbox into your rig. I've built 'em before, and I'm presently working on a couple new ones. Always happy to talk gear geek with fellow forumites.
Anyway, these drivers are old and used, but I have tested them (they work fine) and researched their specs. Each one can be the basis for a good-sounding, loud, and reliable talkbox.
1) University Sound 30-watt, 8 ohm. No model number, but I'm confident in the power rating, and comparison with current models gives a pretty good idea of the frequency range. $15 + shipping.
2) Mystery Driver, 16 ohm. A good heavy-duty driver, but manufacturer and model number are unknown. This just means your design will have to be a bit more conservative. On the plus side, this baby is OLD, and has a really 50's kinda look to it - almost assuredly an alnico magnet, plus hammertone paint and a cork gasket - major mojo. $10 + shipping.
3) Atlas Sound PD-4V 50-watt, 16 ohm. This one, I have a full spec sheet for. Its frequency range goes down to 75 Hz, so it will handle standard-tuned guitar with no crossover. Out of all the various drivers I've accumulated, THIS is the one I'd use if I was building a talkbox for regular on-stage use - it's heavy duty. Apparently, this model is also attractive to old-school audiophile types, and pairs in good shape go for up to $150. Since I only have one and its cosmetics aren't perfect, let's call it $30 + shipping.
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