Robben Ford Discussion

jbear · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 8:04 am Post subject: Deluxe Reverb 65 RI

I suppose most of us around here are looking for a particular tone, and some of that comes from the gear, so...I'm going to pull the stock Jensen out of a Fender Deluxe Reverb 65RI. I'd like to put a speaker in there that will increase the headroom a bit and will sound nice with a Barber Small Fry (with humbuckers and Teles) or a Silver Mod TS9 (with Strats).
I emailed Eminence and they suggest the Tonespotter as a replacement (and their version of the Celestion G12-65). I have a Tonker in a modded Yamaha t50c Soldano and it is a great speaker but it's rated at 150 w/ 102 db sens., while the Tonespotter is rated at 75 and 100db.
Would love to hear thoughts on this.
I have read the archives...looking specifically for some more input relating to a DRRI though.

frank0936 · Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:52 pm Post subject: speaker

I'd stick with an alnico speaker if I were you. I have an original DR ('66) and when I got it, it had a 100w ceramic speaker in it. Not only was that overkill, but it added about 20 more pounds to the amp. I caught a sale and put in a Weber 25 watt alnico. The difference in sound was amazing. Chords chime, and individual notes jump out at you. You'd probably do better with a little higher wattage speaker, but I'd stay with alnico magnets if I were you.

jbear · Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the response. I am going to try a WGS ET 65. Everyone eho play through them loves the tones and they're too inexpensive not to try. I can always sell it.

frank0936 · Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 6:31 am Post subject: DR speaker

That's true. Speakers are about the easiest thing to change on an amp and can make a tremendous difference in the sound. And, as you say, they're not hard to get rid of if you think there may be a better choice. A lot of people like ceramic magnet speakers, but for my ears the alnico made all the difference in an amp that sounded pretty good and an amp that sounded great. Good luck with the hunt!

delstele · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2012 4:47 am Post subject:

I have a 72 DR and put the 25w alnico weber speaker brought the amp alive..

VanZapp · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 17 Location: Norfolk, UK

I have a 65 DRRI with the Jensen C12K (ceramic) speaker and it sounds great to my ears. Perhaps I've just been lucky but the tone is wonderfully rich with a really lush reverb when needed.

frank0936 · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:58 am Post subject: DR and speakers

If you get a chance, try one with an alnico speaker. I think you'll notice a big difference. I did. and as I mentioned, you'll probably get a lighter amp to haul around if you switch. That may not matter to you now, but when you're creeping up on 60, with two herniated disks, and gigging almost every weekend - you'll thank me!
Frank

VanZapp · Member Joined: 11 Aug 2011 Posts: 17 Location: Norfolk, UK

Well anything to lighten the load has to be a good thing and if it enhances tone into the bargain that's even better! I'm 51 now and my back isn't as reliable as it used to be. I'll keep my eyes open for the Weber you've mentioned Frank, and if I can grab a bargain on ebay I'll give it a whizz.....can always sell it again.

The 'Special Edition' 65 DRRI comes with an Alnico Jensen as standard and thats had some good reviews.

Daved · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:55 pm Post subject:

Robben has stated to me and others many times thruout the years that in his opinion, the best sounding speakers available consistantly are EVs, but he will not use them because they do not give him the sound or response that HE desires to work with.

It's all subjective.
Good, bad, or great sounding speakers... they all have their place depending upon what you want from them.
Personal trial and error, not public opinion, is the true test of ANY speakers worth.
_________________
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( }:-Daved
"This boy's diseased with rhythm!" -Bing Crosby (Road To Rio, '49)