Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
- Thread starter Robert Delahunt
- Start date
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
I wouldn't call the Cali "better" just different.
If you get the Cali's the Aluminum dust cap is period correct but be warned...that will make them VERY bright, the paper cap would cut some of the highs, the "H" cap would cut even more...FWIW, I would get anything but the aluminum...
I wouldn't call the Cali "better" just different.
If you get the Cali's the Aluminum dust cap is period correct but be warned...that will make them VERY bright, the paper cap would cut some of the highs, the "H" cap would cut even more...FWIW, I would get anything but the aluminum...
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Yuck, I want the dual Cali 12, if that's supposedly the "best" speakers for a Twin Reverb (i.e. JBL replacement). However, I wanted to say thanks for your audio clips on your website: I use it to make sure pickups are sounding the way they are supposed to, and to listen to how they sound in songs. Without your website, I'd have much less good information about SD pickups.
By the way, what are you using to record? What mic, what system, etc? How do you mic, and how is it set up in the room, what room, etc? Thanks a lot!
Yuck, I want the dual Cali 12, if that's supposedly the "best" speakers for a Twin Reverb (i.e. JBL replacement). However, I wanted to say thanks for your audio clips on your website: I use it to make sure pickups are sounding the way they are supposed to, and to listen to how they sound in songs. Without your website, I'd have much less good information about SD pickups.
By the way, what are you using to record? What mic, what system, etc? How do you mic, and how is it set up in the room, what room, etc? Thanks a lot!
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Thanks.
I was just saying, if the JBL's were a period-correct speaker upgrade, the Cali, being modelled after it, should probably be better, right? It's more expensive... lol
Thanks for the dust cap info, though. I'd prefer aluminum then, if I go with the Cali.
Maybe part of this is not having specific '72 TR sound clips to compare with. Oh well, I'll do more research, but thanks!
Thanks.
I was just saying, if the JBL's were a period-correct speaker upgrade, the Cali, being modelled after it, should probably be better, right? It's more expensive... lol
Thanks for the dust cap info, though. I'd prefer aluminum then, if I go with the Cali.
Maybe part of this is not having specific '72 TR sound clips to compare with. Oh well, I'll do more research, but thanks!
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
The Weber Cali's (JBL's) are not any better or worse than the Jensens (Weber Vintage series) speakers at all...just different and being different they are good for different things. The dust caps are also not a better or worse issue, again just different.
If you use ANY OD or Distortion at all the aluminum cap Cali's are NOT the way to go...that aluminum dust cap turns almost ALL distortion into a sharp, fizzy mess.
The Weber Cali's (JBL's) are not any better or worse than the Jensens (Weber Vintage series) speakers at all...just different and being different they are good for different things. The dust caps are also not a better or worse issue, again just different.
If you use ANY OD or Distortion at all the aluminum cap Cali's are NOT the way to go...that aluminum dust cap turns almost ALL distortion into a sharp, fizzy mess.
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Uh, ok, so stock sound of a '72 FTR would've been the vintage series ones, not the Cali 12's? Ok, I guess I'll go with their Vintage series 12F150's like Ted recommended.
No, I don't know what I want yet, which is why I asked in here lol
Thanks everyone for your responses!
Uh, ok, so stock sound of a '72 FTR would've been the vintage series ones, not the Cali 12's? Ok, I guess I'll go with their Vintage series 12F150's like Ted recommended.
No, I don't know what I want yet, which is why I asked in here lol
Thanks everyone for your responses! 
Gunny47
New member
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Take it from me to say the least, go with "better than vintage" over "vintage" specs. Who cares what they used in the 50s, 60s, 70s, whatever. Things were MUCH different then, go on what sounds best NOW. I would definitely go with the half alnico/half ceramic job. Even though I never tried them both in the same amp, I really like alnicos. So in the same amp with a ceramic in a twin reverb, the amp will have that extra complex mids and chimey character that alnicos have with the good low end and punch of ceramics - sot of a best of both worlds type job.
People put Celestions G12H30 70th Anniversaries in Deluxe Reverbs and they sound much better than Deluxe Reverbs with historically accurate Weber Jensen Clones IMO. Dead to vintage specs isnt always the best. Go on what sounds best to you. I never had experience with the Weber California 12s, but I tried the Twin Reverb Custom 15 with the eminence/fender JBL clone speaker with aluminum cap and it was very very bright as was mentioned. Definitely take historical accuracy with a grain of salt, buy based on if your amp needs more mids, highs, lows, whatever.
Take it from me to say the least, go with "better than vintage" over "vintage" specs. Who cares what they used in the 50s, 60s, 70s, whatever. Things were MUCH different then, go on what sounds best NOW. I would definitely go with the half alnico/half ceramic job. Even though I never tried them both in the same amp, I really like alnicos. So in the same amp with a ceramic in a twin reverb, the amp will have that extra complex mids and chimey character that alnicos have with the good low end and punch of ceramics - sot of a best of both worlds type job.
People put Celestions G12H30 70th Anniversaries in Deluxe Reverbs and they sound much better than Deluxe Reverbs with historically accurate Weber Jensen Clones IMO. Dead to vintage specs isnt always the best. Go on what sounds best to you. I never had experience with the Weber California 12s, but I tried the Twin Reverb Custom 15 with the eminence/fender JBL clone speaker with aluminum cap and it was very very bright as was mentioned. Definitely take historical accuracy with a grain of salt, buy based on if your amp needs more mids, highs, lows, whatever.
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
What do I want? Ok, if I was to go about it that way, I want a loud, crystal-clear set of speakers. In practice, I rarely mess with the knobs on my amp, so I'd want something very accurate and touchy without being too easily driven into feedback. I want speakers that at max volume (entire amp: since mine is one of those TR's with the channel volume and separate master volume) will distort just ever so slightly (think Boss BD-2 Blues Driver), yet amp at max concert volume (not max volume, say around 7 master 5 channel) will be loud and crystal-clear without any breakup.
That's what I really want. Some of Weber's speakers are "ceramic-boosted" alnico speakers. However, in terms of my price range, I want best bang for the buck. I'm not a "pro touring musician" yet, so I have a budget. I'm thinking I might even have to go and email a lot more people who have actually put replacement speakers in Twin Reverbs. The sound I want, however, is that of the '65 TR reissue, if I have to compare it to something. Twin Reverbs sound like what they're going to sound like, and I don't want my amp to sound like something it's not. If I want a Marshall, I'll buy one. If I want a Peavey, I'll buy one, etc.
Am I making sense? Anyways, so other than buying the stocker Jensens that the '65 TR comes with, I'd like some Webers of that variety. I'll go find more amp repairmen online and ask them for their advice, unless you guys have more advice to offer. BTW, no "made in China" speakers, please.
EDIT: By the way, Ted Weber already answered this question perfectly, I think, after I re-read what I originally emailed to him, so I'm going to go with what he said unless I find better.
What do I want? Ok, if I was to go about it that way, I want a loud, crystal-clear set of speakers. In practice, I rarely mess with the knobs on my amp, so I'd want something very accurate and touchy without being too easily driven into feedback. I want speakers that at max volume (entire amp: since mine is one of those TR's with the channel volume and separate master volume) will distort just ever so slightly (think Boss BD-2 Blues Driver), yet amp at max concert volume (not max volume, say around 7 master 5 channel) will be loud and crystal-clear without any breakup.
That's what I really want. Some of Weber's speakers are "ceramic-boosted" alnico speakers. However, in terms of my price range, I want best bang for the buck. I'm not a "pro touring musician" yet, so I have a budget. I'm thinking I might even have to go and email a lot more people who have actually put replacement speakers in Twin Reverbs. The sound I want, however, is that of the '65 TR reissue, if I have to compare it to something. Twin Reverbs sound like what they're going to sound like, and I don't want my amp to sound like something it's not. If I want a Marshall, I'll buy one. If I want a Peavey, I'll buy one, etc.
Am I making sense? Anyways, so other than buying the stocker Jensens that the '65 TR comes with, I'd like some Webers of that variety. I'll go find more amp repairmen online and ask them for their advice, unless you guys have more advice to offer. BTW, no "made in China" speakers, please.
EDIT: By the way, Ted Weber already answered this question perfectly, I think, after I re-read what I originally emailed to him, so I'm going to go with what he said unless I find better.
Last edited:
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Ok, let's say this...you are not gonna get the tone of a BF Twin Reverb out of a 70's MV Twin Reverb, it's just not gonna happen w/o having the amp blackfaced and tweaked a bit. Also, if you plan to turn a twin up that loud you will need lots more 50 watt spealers, so the Weber 12F150's are out. If you are looking to get any grit out of the amp the aluminum dust caps can be an issue.
If you want "loud and crystal-clear" the Weber Cali's or JBL's are the ticket but be wanred...they do not play well with distortion unles you get paper or the "H" style dust caps and they are very heavy speakers.
Ok, let's say this...you are not gonna get the tone of a BF Twin Reverb out of a 70's MV Twin Reverb, it's just not gonna happen w/o having the amp blackfaced and tweaked a bit. Also, if you plan to turn a twin up that loud you will need lots more 50 watt spealers, so the Weber 12F150's are out. If you are looking to get any grit out of the amp the aluminum dust caps can be an issue.
If you want "loud and crystal-clear" the Weber Cali's or JBL's are the ticket but be wanred...they do not play well with distortion unles you get paper or the "H" style dust caps and they are very heavy speakers.
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Why would I need more than 50 Watt speakers? I'm not going to normally be playing "at 11". I play mostly in church and small venues (bars, clubs). I will be having the amp eventually "blackfaced" when I get new tubes (based on when the tubes die). I'm not aiming to strictly emulate stock or the blackface sound, but if I had to copy any sound, it would be the '65 reissue sound.
So I'm going with his vintage series 12F150's like Ted Weber said, since I seriously doubt I'll ever be playing the amp at all 10's all the time. If I run overdrive on the amp, i put the channel at 10 but the master volume at like 5 or 7. However, usually I don't touch anything: usually it stays at 5 on channel and then 7 on master (but since recently I learned I was only using one speaker, that will probably change to 3 on master, like I used in concert over at Kunsan Air Base "Battle Of The Bands". At 4+ on master and 5 on channel on a '65 TR reissue, I was heard on the other side of the platform above EVERYTHING, so 3 was where I put it).
EDIT: If I'm playing at 10, there's something wrong, and I'd probably by then have the money to buy a much larger amp, like a half or even full stack.
Why would I need more than 50 Watt speakers? I'm not going to normally be playing "at 11". I play mostly in church and small venues (bars, clubs). I will be having the amp eventually "blackfaced" when I get new tubes (based on when the tubes die). I'm not aiming to strictly emulate stock or the blackface sound, but if I had to copy any sound, it would be the '65 reissue sound.
So I'm going with his vintage series 12F150's like Ted Weber said, since I seriously doubt I'll ever be playing the amp at all 10's all the time. If I run overdrive on the amp, i put the channel at 10 but the master volume at like 5 or 7. However, usually I don't touch anything: usually it stays at 5 on channel and then 7 on master (but since recently I learned I was only using one speaker, that will probably change to 3 on master, like I used in concert over at Kunsan Air Base "Battle Of The Bands". At 4+ on master and 5 on channel on a '65 TR reissue, I was heard on the other side of the platform above EVERYTHING, so 3 was where I put it).
EDIT: If I'm playing at 10, there's something wrong, and I'd probably by then have the money to buy a much larger amp, like a half or even full stack.
Last edited:
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Brother you can do whatever you want or whatever you feel is the best for you but take it from me...my main gigging amp for almost 10 years has been a Twin Reverb and I have blown more speakers than I care to talk about...unles there is something wrong with your TR running the volume(s) where you are talking about is LOUD, very loud in fact. If you plan to crank that TR that far you shoudl be fine for a while but there is a very good chance you will pop one, if not both of those speakes after a while...
Brother you can do whatever you want or whatever you feel is the best for you but take it from me...my main gigging amp for almost 10 years has been a Twin Reverb and I have blown more speakers than I care to talk about...unles there is something wrong with your TR running the volume(s) where you are talking about is LOUD, very loud in fact. If you plan to crank that TR that far you shoudl be fine for a while but there is a very good chance you will pop one, if not both of those speakes after a while...
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
No, the problem is I bought it used for $300. One speaker evidentally was broken and I didn't notice it. It has Celestion Modern Lead's in it. Based on the '65 reissues is how I discovered that I was lacking in power. Then a friend who is a pro audio engineer noticed that only one cone was vibrating (because like I said, I don't play with the screen off, ever). He noticed that putting the mic on one side got a LOT more volume than the other side.
I just want to replace them, and the safe bet is going with something the '65 reissues use, or something similar. I play for church at 7 (on one speaker though, which means it's around 3.5). I don't need a super-loud amp, trust me, and I'll never pump my amp to 10 for longer than a couple seconds, if even at all. Even in the club I was at 9-10, but at that volume their ears should've been bleeding (until I found out I only had one speaker working), so basically my max should be 5 on master volume, 5 on channel, since I have an effects pedal for distortion playing. I've played these amps even in music stores and the volume had to be like 1 or you couldn't hear anything else but me in the entire store.
So I'll never use my amp at 10 for sustained periods. Sure, however, I agree, some higher wattage speakers would be a good investment because they should last longer because they never hit their max rating, but I'll keep looking.
EDIT: Case in point, the church has a Peavey Delta Blues 210 combo amp that I'll be using until I get the other fixed: 30W 2x10" I think (not sure, mine looks identical to that one with the dark blue / gray checker pattern outside) and at 1-2 that thing is all the juice I need in a closed room to make the walls rattle. I'll see what volume I need for church playing tomorrow.
No, the problem is I bought it used for $300. One speaker evidentally was broken and I didn't notice it. It has Celestion Modern Lead's in it. Based on the '65 reissues is how I discovered that I was lacking in power. Then a friend who is a pro audio engineer noticed that only one cone was vibrating (because like I said, I don't play with the screen off, ever). He noticed that putting the mic on one side got a LOT more volume than the other side.
I just want to replace them, and the safe bet is going with something the '65 reissues use, or something similar. I play for church at 7 (on one speaker though, which means it's around 3.5). I don't need a super-loud amp, trust me, and I'll never pump my amp to 10 for longer than a couple seconds, if even at all. Even in the club I was at 9-10, but at that volume their ears should've been bleeding (until I found out I only had one speaker working), so basically my max should be 5 on master volume, 5 on channel, since I have an effects pedal for distortion playing. I've played these amps even in music stores and the volume had to be like 1 or you couldn't hear anything else but me in the entire store.
So I'll never use my amp at 10 for sustained periods. Sure, however, I agree, some higher wattage speakers would be a good investment because they should last longer because they never hit their max rating, but I'll keep looking.
EDIT: Case in point, the church has a Peavey Delta Blues 210 combo amp that I'll be using until I get the other fixed: 30W 2x10" I think (not sure, mine looks identical to that one with the dark blue / gray checker pattern outside) and at 1-2 that thing is all the juice I need in a closed room to make the walls rattle. I'll see what volume I need for church playing tomorrow.
Last edited:
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
How close a match? And where does it say on the speaker that it was manufactured? Thanks!
How close a match? And where does it say on the speaker that it was manufactured? Thanks!
flank
New member
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Well, i took out a pair of Jbls in for the Texas Heats, and to be honest, i prefer the Texas Heats. The JBLs are good speakers and work very well with a twin, but the ones i got are very old and very worn from being in the amp over 30 years, plus they had started to buzz a little on loud low notes, so i wanted to put in some new speakers. the Texas Heats are warmer sounding, which i prefer. They are rated at 150 watts each, so they handle the power easily.
All the new Eminence lines are made in USA
Well, i took out a pair of Jbls in for the Texas Heats, and to be honest, i prefer the Texas Heats. The JBLs are good speakers and work very well with a twin, but the ones i got are very old and very worn from being in the amp over 30 years, plus they had started to buzz a little on loud low notes, so i wanted to put in some new speakers. the Texas Heats are warmer sounding, which i prefer. They are rated at 150 watts each, so they handle the power easily.
All the new Eminence lines are made in USA
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
flank
New member
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
well, duh. :laugh2: Speakers color the sound to a certain extent, but they dont change the tone THAT much. Of course it still sounds like a Twin Reverb, just with a more chimey high end and a warmer sound overall. When cranked up, the overdrive is much more pleasant with the Texas heats than the JBLs, which get a little harsh on the high end and dont have much mids to them
well, duh. :laugh2: Speakers color the sound to a certain extent, but they dont change the tone THAT much. Of course it still sounds like a Twin Reverb, just with a more chimey high end and a warmer sound overall. When cranked up, the overdrive is much more pleasant with the Texas heats than the JBLs, which get a little harsh on the high end and dont have much mids to them
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Ok, now I REALLY don't know what I want lol :smack:
I really need some help here, because I'm worried about this decision. That's $200-$400 that I am really biting the bullet to spend (and even then, it won't be until March of 2007). I'm going to go create a poll.
Ok, now I REALLY don't know what I want lol :smack:
I really need some help here, because I'm worried about this decision. That's $200-$400 that I am really biting the bullet to spend (and even then, it won't be until March of 2007). I'm going to go create a poll.
Robert Delahunt
Showmasterologist
Re: Speakers for '72 Fender Twin Reverb
Poll posted, I'm moving my subscription there. Thanks to everyone who posted!
Poll posted, I'm moving my subscription there. Thanks to everyone who posted!
