Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

[krall]

Just picked up another Fender Bassman (blackface) head and matching 2x12 cab this week..The seller thought it was a '64, but once I opened her up, the tranny/choke codes corresponded to 2nd week of '65. It has the AA864 circuit tube chart inside, but it is in fact the very rare transition AA165 circuit.

I intend to actually use this as my new "main" gigging amp since it just sounds incredible cranked with a TS-9 based pedal in front (played with a Les Paul)..We play loud rock 'n Roll/ 70's style punk and here's the main issue..The original cab still has it's original "Utah" speakers, which, after inspection look/sound great!..But the fact remains that they are 40+ years old and i'm scared to blow them at the volume I intend to push them at..Both the amp's original owner and myself included think it would be a good idea to remove and retire them, and put new speakers instead. A local seller has access to reissue Jensen C12N's (made in Italy) for pretty cheap..It's an option, but what do you guys think would be a perfect speaker match for this head for the style of music that will be played through them?

Here's a few pics of the head (the cab is at the jam spot, no pics sorry!)

 

[Stratman]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

OK - The capacitors have been changed and those fuse links are new additions.

Try Weber or Mojo speakers

 

[krall]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

OK - The capacitors have been changed and those fuse links are new additions.

Try Weber or Mojo speakers

Seems to me that only the "mallory" orange cap is newer, while the other 5 seem original..Am I wrong?

What would be the reason for the new fuse links? I know nothing about amp innards! The original 2 prong cord was obviously replaced with a three prong..Great thing IMO..

 

[LoFiBrian]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

Eminence Swamp Thangs?

 

[jeremy]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

the astrons look right.

im a big fan of the cannabis rex for blackface amps. you want alnico or ceramic?

 

[ES350]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

Even though a few of those filter caps have been changed, it was a while ago. Consider changing out the cathode bypass caps (25/25 @ 25 VDC) while you're at it. The C12N is a OK choice if you want Fender clean, or you can go for Weber/Eminence Brit style variants (a little cheaper than Celestions)...

 

[jeremy]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

the c12n isnt a bad speaker but ted webers version is better

 

[More-Gear-Than-Skill]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

or, again, my vote for the Celestion Alnico Gold, or G12 Century otherwise.

 

[krall]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

I'm now leaning towards Weber 12V's..Their equivalent to Celestions V30..Anybody here use/tried them?

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

The best speakers I've ever plugged my AA165 Bassman into were vintage 30's.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

Cool amp! :fingersx:

the c12n isnt a bad speaker but ted webers version is better

Weber F150, very nice speaker.
In my last band, the other guitar player played through a Boogie 212 with V30s. I don't really like the v30s in my rig, but they sounded great with his BF Bassman. That setup sounded very large. Not real midrange-ish, but nice and full.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

If those speakers appear good and sound good, I would roll with em. I have a 40 and 30 yr old speaker in my main Traynor cab. I do my gigs and recording with it and have never had a prob, I play loud....I have another early 70s cab with an Original EV in it. It too takes whatever I throw at it.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

xander you have an ab165

they're different

as far as new jensens I'm not a big fan of them. Swamps sound pretty good, but they're WAY too thick for what you're wanting to do

personally for what you're doing i'd go with a v30/emi wizard combo, or a 50 watt alnico weber

maybe the 12a100t oe 12a125

 

[krall]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

Hey guys, someone just suggested this: a Celestion G12H Anniversary 30 watt speaker along with a 60 watt Vintage 30 speaker.

Is this combination safe? The reason i'm asking is because the G12H is only rated at 30 watts while the V30 is 60 watts..

He told me the G12H has great/tight low end response while the V30 will cover the mids/highs.

I find this combo of speakers interesting..Let me know what you think..

 

[krall]

Re: Speaker recommendations for Bassman Blackface?

Well, I made my decision..I just ordered 2 Weber speakers:

Silver Bell (50 watts/ceramic/light dope)
1230-55 (30 watts/ceramic/light dope)

I went the "british" way! Can't wait to hear them with the Bassman head!