Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

[rraawwrr]

I'm just wondering what effect the composition of the speaker cones has on the sound coming out of the cab. It looks like paper-coned speakers have higher power handlings, but what I'm looking at may be an exception. Do aluminum cones have a brighter sound than paper cones? Are they more durable? What's the deal-io? :blackeye:

Thanks
Eric

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

I have no experience with aluminium membrane for guitar but Hartke bass cabs with alu cones produce more percussive, colder and somewhat quicker (I mean response, think something like the instant attack of solid state guitar amps) sound. Some people like it, some don't. In my area there are lots of Hartke users and they seem to break down just as frequently as anything else not more not less so I don't think it has something to do with reliability. Maype one positivum, you can carve your band logo into the cone An another positive advantage comes to my mind: these alu-component cones are probably less humidity-sensitive than paper cones. If you live in a rainy area or travel long distances, it may be an issue.


Anyway, don't be afraid of durability of a speaker paper membrane. They aren't made of newspaper material. My '70s quad of Greenbacks (more precisely, greybacks of that time) probably will have a longer lifespan than my decaying body

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

i figure aluminum cones add more definition. My JBL d130f has lots of bass, but the aluminum center cap adds a bit of crispness that would otherwise be lost in the mix due to the size of the speaker.

Depends on what you want. Full aluminum cones will likely give you a harder sound. They use paper for a reason-it's gentler sounding than metal. It's also light and inexpensive.

 

[big_black]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

No experience with cones, but I'm familiar with aluminum's resonant properties. I find that aluminum has a very deep resonance, it holds vibration very well, and has a warmth to it. It is in no way cold or bright. Whether that translates into the cone, I don't know. My experience is strictly with aluminum guitars, and the cone could be different. It is may favorite "tone" material (over just about any kind of wood). I have always been intersted in the aluminum cones, never tried them.

 

[Pandemonium]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

I dunno, the only aluminum cone I've ever seen is the one in my dobro, but what big black said holds true with it.

 

[Pandemonium]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

BTW, they wouldn't be cheap. A hand spun 10 9/16" Quarterman cone for a resophonic guitar sells for around $60 retail.

 

[rraawwrr]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

This was intended for a bass cabinet, but I guess it could be applied to all types of speakers. It seems that most speakers are made with paper cones, which may be an indication of how popular aluminum cones are...

 

[big_black]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

Aluminum is also a VERY expensive material compared to paper.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

well i guess companies tend to overprice it, but aluminum is the most plentiful metal in the earth's crust.

 

[big_black]

Re: Paper cones vs. Aluminum cones

It may be plentiful, but it is an expensive material. The company I work for deals in aluminum, we have raised prices to cover cost three times in the past year (about 6% total).