Another opinion question. I have A fender blues jr green board stock. I would like to increase the quality of the sound, at least at this moment without making any permanent mods. I have replaced the tubes which has helped alot. Which of the following do you think would be the most cost effective and sound effective.
1. Just replace the speaker in the combo.
2. Get a closed back 212 cabinet and using the original speaker and a second in it. Suggestions solicited.
3. Leave the Combo alone an get a 1X12 closed back cabinet and new speaker and run them both.
4. Saw a 212 combo cabinet designed to accept the blues jr amp, and add a speaker.
For plan square footage the combo sitting on top of a 1X12 would take the least space and probably be the least expensive.
Well ears open for opinions, both positive and negative showing the benefits or lack of all or any of the changes.
Thanks
Glenn
MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Howdy again!
Knowing as little as I do about the subject, I am sincere in asking these questions. Is there a reason for the lack of response?
Thanks again for any assistance!
Glenn
Knowing as little as I do about the subject, I am sincere in asking these questions. Is there a reason for the lack of response?
Thanks again for any assistance!
Glenn
-
LeftyStrat
- Posts: 3117
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:58 pm
- Location: Marietta, SC, but my heart and two of my kids are in Seattle, WA
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
I guess it probably got no responses because it is just a very open ended question. "Quality of sound" is subjective. One man's sweetness is another man's earache.
Your best bet before spending any money is to take it to a music shop and try it through different cabinets/speaker combinations.
I've never played a Blues Jr, so I'm not sure what it is you find lacking. Here's a page of mods:
http://home.comcast.net/~machrone/bluesjunior.htm
Your best bet before spending any money is to take it to a music shop and try it through different cabinets/speaker combinations.
I've never played a Blues Jr, so I'm not sure what it is you find lacking. Here's a page of mods:
http://home.comcast.net/~machrone/bluesjunior.htm
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Hello LeftyStrat,LeftyStrat wrote:I guess it probably got no responses because it is just a very open ended question. "Quality of sound" is subjective. One man's sweetness is another man's earache.
Your best bet before spending any money is to take it to a music shop and try it through different cabinets/speaker combinations.
I've never played a Blues Jr, so I'm not sure what it is you find lacking. Here's a page of mods:
http://home.comcast.net/~machrone/bluesjunior.htm
You may have hit the nail on the head. In this case I am speaking in general. I've read a lot of different opinions on things and I am hoping to solicit some experienced advice. Lets say the sound quality is "X", that being a stock massed produced factory speaker in a combination open backed box of unknown quality. I am wondering if having the speaker in a quality separate cabinet is likely to improve on X or not make much of a difference. Also in general does 2X12 speakers in a quality cabinet produce even greater improvement on X. I mean is a closed cabinet better than an open cabinet. Does separating the amplifier from the speaker box improve on X. I know there can be no specific answer and as you noted it is a subjective issue. But by in large do in the know amplifier and cabinet people believe in the value of any of the suggested changes. Thanks for stopping in and responding. I am currently enamored with a Gilmore 1/2 Watt amp, just it is out of my price range at the moment. In reference to speaker choice, it seems that is really a can of worms of opinion. I was from what research I've done like the Swamp Thang and the Cannabis Rex. Now of course how they will sound in my bedroom with my amplifier is going to be markedly different!
Cheers
Glenn
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Glenn,
I know this period of discovery can be frustrating and as you have experienced firsthand, there is no one that can answer these specific questions except you. Some people like open backed cabinets, others closed. Some prefer a single speaker in a combo cab, others require a 4x12 to get their sound. It is totally subjective. Speakers are easily 50% of the tonal equation so they should not be discounted as to their importance. If you are going to be a bedroom jammer then the sound pressure levels you will be dealing with, able to withstand, or have regulated by an externality such as the cops or neighbors all play into developing tone. It also can be an expensive process, depending on the style of music you play; some tones require more gear, others just an amp, cord, and guitar.
Honestly, your research may have narrowed your theoretical search for a speaker down but until you actually hear that speaker, with your amp, in your situation, at whatever volume, you just won't know if it does it for you or not. Unfortunately, reading others' opinions of speakers is even more frustrating because translating the sound of something into words is a very challenging thing. And you will often find that you will get ten different opinions in ten posts for the same speaker or amp. This often makes one's self doubt even worse.
So, don't be discouraged if you don't get a lot of replies because ultimately you'll have to figure all of this out for yourself. No easy way around it. I would highly recommend taking your amp to a local music store and try to plug into as many cabinets and speaker combinations and types as they will allow you. If you have friends that can help you out or can go to open jams, that can be helpful too.
If you say something like you want to increase the quality of the sound of your Blues Jr. then you directly perceive that the tone doesn't quite meet your requirements so a good way to approach the problem is to make a list of your requirements, musical influences, and tones of your heroes. Study them and their gear but realize you are not going to sound like Eric Johnson because you get a Strat, a pair of Twins, a delay, and a stereo chorus. Eric Johnson would sound like Eric Johnson on your Blues Jr. and it will piss you off to no end to know just how good he does sound on your Blues Jr. Tone is in the fingers foremost but having the right gear helps too and is inspirational.
Good luck with your tone quest.
I know this period of discovery can be frustrating and as you have experienced firsthand, there is no one that can answer these specific questions except you. Some people like open backed cabinets, others closed. Some prefer a single speaker in a combo cab, others require a 4x12 to get their sound. It is totally subjective. Speakers are easily 50% of the tonal equation so they should not be discounted as to their importance. If you are going to be a bedroom jammer then the sound pressure levels you will be dealing with, able to withstand, or have regulated by an externality such as the cops or neighbors all play into developing tone. It also can be an expensive process, depending on the style of music you play; some tones require more gear, others just an amp, cord, and guitar.
Honestly, your research may have narrowed your theoretical search for a speaker down but until you actually hear that speaker, with your amp, in your situation, at whatever volume, you just won't know if it does it for you or not. Unfortunately, reading others' opinions of speakers is even more frustrating because translating the sound of something into words is a very challenging thing. And you will often find that you will get ten different opinions in ten posts for the same speaker or amp. This often makes one's self doubt even worse.
So, don't be discouraged if you don't get a lot of replies because ultimately you'll have to figure all of this out for yourself. No easy way around it. I would highly recommend taking your amp to a local music store and try to plug into as many cabinets and speaker combinations and types as they will allow you. If you have friends that can help you out or can go to open jams, that can be helpful too.
If you say something like you want to increase the quality of the sound of your Blues Jr. then you directly perceive that the tone doesn't quite meet your requirements so a good way to approach the problem is to make a list of your requirements, musical influences, and tones of your heroes. Study them and their gear but realize you are not going to sound like Eric Johnson because you get a Strat, a pair of Twins, a delay, and a stereo chorus. Eric Johnson would sound like Eric Johnson on your Blues Jr. and it will piss you off to no end to know just how good he does sound on your Blues Jr. Tone is in the fingers foremost but having the right gear helps too and is inspirational.
Good luck with your tone quest.
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Hello Colossal,
Thank you for the eloquent and highly informative response. You have made it clear that it is very personally relative. I do not have a style, I like SRV, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, BB King, David Gilmore, Chet Atkins an on and on.
I guess I will have to narrow it down to one thing and that would be a blues sound. I am not the the type to do to much pedal stuff. All I've owned, I gotten rid of fairly quickly as I don't play IMO well enough to use them. I always thought that Pink Floyd should have had a contest and they would teach you to play Comfortably Numb and all the gear used to produce the tone, during a concert you would step out and do the solo as the winning prize. If wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets.
I have been becoming increasingly happy with X since I changed the tubes and the guitar's caps. I am learning the extent that I can alter the sounds of X with the guitar volume and it is now a pleasure. I may concentrate on that for a while or get an itch and scratch it with a fingers crossed Swamp Thing.
I am pretty sure that will be an improvement on X. Is it what I want, well I'll know it when I hear it!
Much appreciated!
Glenn
Thank you for the eloquent and highly informative response. You have made it clear that it is very personally relative. I do not have a style, I like SRV, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, BB King, David Gilmore, Chet Atkins an on and on.
I guess I will have to narrow it down to one thing and that would be a blues sound. I am not the the type to do to much pedal stuff. All I've owned, I gotten rid of fairly quickly as I don't play IMO well enough to use them. I always thought that Pink Floyd should have had a contest and they would teach you to play Comfortably Numb and all the gear used to produce the tone, during a concert you would step out and do the solo as the winning prize. If wishes were fishes, we'd all cast nets.
I have been becoming increasingly happy with X since I changed the tubes and the guitar's caps. I am learning the extent that I can alter the sounds of X with the guitar volume and it is now a pleasure. I may concentrate on that for a while or get an itch and scratch it with a fingers crossed Swamp Thing.
I am pretty sure that will be an improvement on X. Is it what I want, well I'll know it when I hear it!
Much appreciated!
Glenn
-
LeftyStrat
- Posts: 3117
- Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2005 6:58 pm
- Location: Marietta, SC, but my heart and two of my kids are in Seattle, WA
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
So here is some background on speakers and cabs.
There are basically two types of musical instruments speakers; those that color your sound, and those that color your sound a lot.
The first are considered more 'hifi', for example an EVM12L, but even these don't give a really flat response, which is a good thing, since the raw sound of an electric guitar into a hifi system is pretty bland.
The speakers that color your sound a lot tend to emphasis certain frequencies in the mid range (usually). The also will introduce their own distortion components at higher volumes, which can be problematic if that is the sound you like, because you have to push them to volume levels not appropriate for some venues.
I personally prefer the former category since they sound the same over a wider volume range, and they usually produce nicer clean tones.
As far as cabinets, open back tend to be more open and "airy" in that whatever is coming out the back will reflect against the back wall of the venue, giving some ambience.
Closed back typically give better bass response, tend to be a bit more directional, and "thumpy."
Ported cabs can give even more bass response, and can sound "bigger" than other types of cabs.
This is another personal preference, but for some reason, to my ears, two speakers in an open back cab sound better than one, and two different types of speakers even better. The downside is obviously weight.
A separate head is more versatile in that you can take a different speaker cab or cabs that are appropriate for the venue. Yet there seems to my ear some interaction going on in combos over separate head and speaker.
And to throw another curve ball, sometimes it really depends on the guitar you play. Humbucker guys might like a little more sparkle than single coil guys, who may be looking for a more bolder bass end. But then again, some Tele players might lean more to midrange twang.
All these observations are very general and very subjective. I've been playing for over forty years, and I still come across exceptions to the rule. Most of us start out trying to emulate the tones of our favorite players, so we tend to gravitate towards similar gear.
But probably one of the most happy accidents is when we come across a setup completely unlike that of our heroes that we like more. Then you can start working on your signature tone, and not someone elses.
So unless you have a fortune to spend, go to a music store and plug your amp into anything you can find. It will give you an idea of where to start your search.
There are basically two types of musical instruments speakers; those that color your sound, and those that color your sound a lot.
The first are considered more 'hifi', for example an EVM12L, but even these don't give a really flat response, which is a good thing, since the raw sound of an electric guitar into a hifi system is pretty bland.
The speakers that color your sound a lot tend to emphasis certain frequencies in the mid range (usually). The also will introduce their own distortion components at higher volumes, which can be problematic if that is the sound you like, because you have to push them to volume levels not appropriate for some venues.
I personally prefer the former category since they sound the same over a wider volume range, and they usually produce nicer clean tones.
As far as cabinets, open back tend to be more open and "airy" in that whatever is coming out the back will reflect against the back wall of the venue, giving some ambience.
Closed back typically give better bass response, tend to be a bit more directional, and "thumpy."
Ported cabs can give even more bass response, and can sound "bigger" than other types of cabs.
This is another personal preference, but for some reason, to my ears, two speakers in an open back cab sound better than one, and two different types of speakers even better. The downside is obviously weight.
A separate head is more versatile in that you can take a different speaker cab or cabs that are appropriate for the venue. Yet there seems to my ear some interaction going on in combos over separate head and speaker.
And to throw another curve ball, sometimes it really depends on the guitar you play. Humbucker guys might like a little more sparkle than single coil guys, who may be looking for a more bolder bass end. But then again, some Tele players might lean more to midrange twang.
All these observations are very general and very subjective. I've been playing for over forty years, and I still come across exceptions to the rule. Most of us start out trying to emulate the tones of our favorite players, so we tend to gravitate towards similar gear.
But probably one of the most happy accidents is when we come across a setup completely unlike that of our heroes that we like more. Then you can start working on your signature tone, and not someone elses.
So unless you have a fortune to spend, go to a music store and plug your amp into anything you can find. It will give you an idea of where to start your search.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
So to take LeftyStrat's thoughts a step further...
If you like the typical Fendery sounds of a Blues Junior, Deluxe Reverb, etc., then you probably like open back cabinet sounds. If you tend towards more agressive tones that are often associated with bigger amps like Marshalls, then closed back cabinets are what youa re probably hearing. But the speaker cabinet is not the only factor in the tone of an amp. The Blues Junior, even through a closed back 4x12, will not sounds like a big old Marshall, and vice versa.
Quality is not a very meaningful word when speaking about tone. You and I might have very different views of what sounds good. Does that make one of our choices higher quality than the other one's choice?
A better way to approach this is to determine which of the sounds that the pros are getting on their records that you like, and then try to figure out what gear you need to come closer to those sounds.
If you like the typical Fendery sounds of a Blues Junior, Deluxe Reverb, etc., then you probably like open back cabinet sounds. If you tend towards more agressive tones that are often associated with bigger amps like Marshalls, then closed back cabinets are what youa re probably hearing. But the speaker cabinet is not the only factor in the tone of an amp. The Blues Junior, even through a closed back 4x12, will not sounds like a big old Marshall, and vice versa.
Quality is not a very meaningful word when speaking about tone. You and I might have very different views of what sounds good. Does that make one of our choices higher quality than the other one's choice?
A better way to approach this is to determine which of the sounds that the pros are getting on their records that you like, and then try to figure out what gear you need to come closer to those sounds.
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Hey Lefty,LeftyStrat wrote:So here is some background on speakers and cabs.
There are basically two types of musical instruments speakers; those that color your sound, and those that color your sound a lot.
The first are considered more 'hifi', for example an EVM12L, but even these don't give a really flat response, which is a good thing, since the raw sound of an electric guitar into a hifi system is pretty bland.
The speakers that color your sound a lot tend to emphasis certain frequencies in the mid range (usually). The also will introduce their own distortion components at higher volumes, which can be problematic if that is the sound you like, because you have to push them to volume levels not appropriate for some venues.
I personally prefer the former category since they sound the same over a wider volume range, and they usually produce nicer clean tones.
As far as cabinets, open back tend to be more open and "airy" in that whatever is coming out the back will reflect against the back wall of the venue, giving some ambience.
Closed back typically give better bass response, tend to be a bit more directional, and "thumpy."
Ported cabs can give even more bass response, and can sound "bigger" than other types of cabs.
This is another personal preference, but for some reason, to my ears, two speakers in an open back cab sound better than one, and two different types of speakers even better. The downside is obviously weight.
A separate head is more versatile in that you can take a different speaker cab or cabs that are appropriate for the venue. Yet there seems to my ear some interaction going on in combos over separate head and speaker.
And to throw another curve ball, sometimes it really depends on the guitar you play. Humbucker guys might like a little more sparkle than single coil guys, who may be looking for a more bolder bass end. But then again, some Tele players might lean more to midrange twang.
All these observations are very general and very subjective. I've been playing for over forty years, and I still come across exceptions to the rule. Most of us start out trying to emulate the tones of our favorite players, so we tend to gravitate towards similar gear.
But probably one of the most happy accidents is when we come across a setup completely unlike that of our heroes that we like more. Then you can start working on your signature tone, and not someone elses.
So unless you have a fortune to spend, go to a music store and plug your amp into anything you can find. It will give you an idea of where to start your search.
That too, was an clearly and eloquently done response. Thank you for your time. It seems that it is personal. I've got to like it and won't know until I actually find it. The explanation on the speaker/speakers and info is the type of stuff I was looking for. Just got off the phone with a cabinet maker and he pretty much agrees with the consensus. He'll build what I want and has his own opinions. Maybe I should have a cabinet made with the back with a removable panel so I can try it both ways. A new speaker should help over the 20 year old original!
Thanks again
Glenn
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Hello sliberty,sliberty wrote:So to take LeftyStrat's thoughts a step further...
If you like the typical Fendery sounds of a Blues Junior, Deluxe Reverb, etc., then you probably like open back cabinet sounds. If you tend towards more agressive tones that are often associated with bigger amps like Marshalls, then closed back cabinets are what youa re probably hearing. But the speaker cabinet is not the only factor in the tone of an amp. The Blues Junior, even through a closed back 4x12, will not sounds like a big old Marshall, and vice versa.
Quality is not a very meaningful word when speaking about tone. You and I might have very different views of what sounds good. Does that make one of our choices higher quality than the other one's choice?
A better way to approach this is to determine which of the sounds that the pros are getting on their records that you like, and then try to figure out what gear you need to come closer to those sounds.
I apologize in not having the vocabulary to adequately describe precisely what I mean. By quality I meant more clear sounds of all frequencies, basses not muddy, highs not too shrill and all the midrange identifiable. I guess as I mentioned I will start the process with everyone's advice in mind. First a replacement speaker, and when I find the one I like try it in a separate cabinet with the ability to leave open or closed and see how that sounds. My venue is being in the upstairs bedroom and not getting the cops called or my wife hollering at me. The Blues Jr, is certainly more than I really need, but it is what I have and can't bankroll a new amp at this time. So I was trying to narrow down the choices which with all the members who responded, I believe I have.
Thanks!
Glenn
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Glenn,
Please don't apologize, and I hope you didn't take offence by my words. None was meant.
But now we are getting somewhere. Muddy, and shrill are helpful words. Let's take them one at a time. Starting with muddy.
It would be unusual for an open back cabinet to be the cause of muddy tones. In fact, open back cabinets often have weak bass. So, if you are perceiving muddy tones, I would guess that the cause is elsewhere.
What guitar are you using, and which pickup do you favor? For example, if you use an SG or a Les Paul (2 humbuckers), and you are finding that the neck pickup is too muddy, that is actually a common complaint, especially if you are playing distorted. Do you use any effects?
Help us help you by giving as many details about your circumstances as possible.
Steve
Please don't apologize, and I hope you didn't take offence by my words. None was meant.
But now we are getting somewhere. Muddy, and shrill are helpful words. Let's take them one at a time. Starting with muddy.
It would be unusual for an open back cabinet to be the cause of muddy tones. In fact, open back cabinets often have weak bass. So, if you are perceiving muddy tones, I would guess that the cause is elsewhere.
What guitar are you using, and which pickup do you favor? For example, if you use an SG or a Les Paul (2 humbuckers), and you are finding that the neck pickup is too muddy, that is actually a common complaint, especially if you are playing distorted. Do you use any effects?
Help us help you by giving as many details about your circumstances as possible.
Steve
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Howdy Steve,sliberty wrote:Glenn,
Please don't apologize, and I hope you didn't take offence by my words. None was meant.
But now we are getting somewhere. Muddy, and shrill are helpful words. Let's take them one at a time. Starting with muddy.
It would be unusual for an open back cabinet to be the cause of muddy tones. In fact, open back cabinets often have weak bass. So, if you are perceiving muddy tones, I would guess that the cause is elsewhere.
What guitar are you using, and which pickup do you favor? For example, if you use an SG or a Les Paul (2 humbuckers), and you are finding that the neck pickup is too muddy, that is actually a common complaint, especially if you are playing distorted. Do you use any effects?
Help us help you by giving as many details about your circumstances as possible.
Steve
I didn't take offense, but sometimes members have been known too and I wanted to be as clear as my vocabulary is able, so thanks.
Strangely, I bought this amp new and when I could, I owned a variety of guitars. Still have a few and they are Gibson's with 57s and one with P90's along with a used Affinity Strat. Never noticed a problem. I recently purchased an LP Traditional with a 57 and a 57+. This is when I really noticed the difference. I also had not changed the tubes from the originals. Well I changed the tubes and the caps and pots in the LP and the problem became very much less, very noticeably. I still have the inherent boxy sound which I didn't really notice, never play it loud. But it is noticeable with the LP even with the new parts. Much less muddy and the shrill is more controllable with the guitar and amp adjustments. But I would like it to be better, at low volume. I've investigated attenuators and Post Phase Inverters and many suggested options. I had narrowed it down to the list I started with, in attempts to narrow it down even more. I even tried a FAT pigtronix pedal for a few days and it of course did not help. Buying a better amp is not currently possible and I believe that I may be able to get a more of my idea of quality out of it without modifying the amplifier. As noted the speaker is around 20 years old. The amp is quite a bit louder and more powerful than I need, due to the volume bedroom/neighbor/wife issues. I am hoping that a speaker and or a cabinet might take it far enough for a distinct improvement. But I don't know... Appreciate you assistance!
Glenn
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
Glenn,
Boxiness is common with all small combos. Even small closed back cabinets can sound boxy. I replaced a Lopoline 1x12 with a larger StageCraft 1x12, and the difference was remarkable.
The fact that one of your guitars has been a problem with respect to muddy and shrill tones, and not your others sort of tells the story. And the fact that replacing pots and caps helped a lot seems to corroberate the same story. Those symptoms are not from your amp or speaker. They are from the guitar.
BTW, old speakers can sometimes be fantastic. Age is not a problem in and of itself. I keep telling myself the same thing about myself as I get older
Now, as for low volumes - this is the age old problem. Even some of the finest amps sound awful at very low volumes. For example, I think that a Marshall 18 watter sounds great on 10, but I think it sounds like crap on 4 (just one man's opinion of course). Attenuators will help you lower the volume level while still pushing your tubes, but they often have their own sonic problems. Most are not very transparent. But you may find one you like. Some here like the AirBrake. I built one, and liked it for a while, bit eventually decided that I was losing too much tone, so I sold it off. YMMV.
I would recommend that you stick to one problem at a time. Since you seem to have solved the muddy and shrill issues with that one guitar, next you might work on getting the perfect tone (for your taste) at rehearsal levels. Once you achieve that (and it might not be possible with the amp you own - it depends on what perfect for you means), you can then attack the bedroom level question.
BTW - the quest for tone is a never ending journey. And it can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very expensive. So try to address it scientifically, and you will be more likely to get there with a few bucks left in your pocket.
I guess I am trying to help you avoid spending a lot of money on the wrong remedies until you finally discover the real problems.
Boxiness is common with all small combos. Even small closed back cabinets can sound boxy. I replaced a Lopoline 1x12 with a larger StageCraft 1x12, and the difference was remarkable.
The fact that one of your guitars has been a problem with respect to muddy and shrill tones, and not your others sort of tells the story. And the fact that replacing pots and caps helped a lot seems to corroberate the same story. Those symptoms are not from your amp or speaker. They are from the guitar.
BTW, old speakers can sometimes be fantastic. Age is not a problem in and of itself. I keep telling myself the same thing about myself as I get older
Now, as for low volumes - this is the age old problem. Even some of the finest amps sound awful at very low volumes. For example, I think that a Marshall 18 watter sounds great on 10, but I think it sounds like crap on 4 (just one man's opinion of course). Attenuators will help you lower the volume level while still pushing your tubes, but they often have their own sonic problems. Most are not very transparent. But you may find one you like. Some here like the AirBrake. I built one, and liked it for a while, bit eventually decided that I was losing too much tone, so I sold it off. YMMV.
I would recommend that you stick to one problem at a time. Since you seem to have solved the muddy and shrill issues with that one guitar, next you might work on getting the perfect tone (for your taste) at rehearsal levels. Once you achieve that (and it might not be possible with the amp you own - it depends on what perfect for you means), you can then attack the bedroom level question.
BTW - the quest for tone is a never ending journey. And it can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very expensive. So try to address it scientifically, and you will be more likely to get there with a few bucks left in your pocket.
I guess I am trying to help you avoid spending a lot of money on the wrong remedies until you finally discover the real problems.
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
The green board BJ schematic I have shows a single 8Ω secondary.glennc717 wrote:Another opinion question. I have A fender blues jr green board stock. I would like to increase the quality of the sound, at least at this moment without making any permanent mods. I have replaced the tubes which has helped alot. Which of the following do you think would be the most cost effective and sound effective.
1. Just replace the speaker in the combo.
2. Get a closed back 212 cabinet and using the original speaker and a second in it. Suggestions solicited.
3. Leave the Combo alone an get a 1X12 closed back cabinet and new speaker and run them both.
4. Saw a 212 combo cabinet designed to accept the blues jr amp, and add a speaker.
For plan square footage the combo sitting on top of a 1X12 would take the least space and probably be the least expensive.
Well ears open for opinions, both positive and negative showing the benefits or lack of all or any of the changes.
Thanks
Glenn
If you want 2x12 they need to be 16Ω ea.
rd
Re: MOVED: Which would sound better and by how much?
My best speakers are over 40 years old with original cones.glennc717 wrote: As noted the speaker is around 20 years old. The amp is quite a bit louder and more powerful than I need, due to the volume bedroom/neighbor/wife issues. I am hoping that a speaker and or a cabinet might take it far enough for a distinct improvement.Glenn
Unless the the outer edge has separated, or it has a VC rub (noticeable rattle/buzz) it's not an age issue but it may very well be "voicing".
Very few speakers designed to sound decent at club volumes will sound good at bedroom volume.
An amp with built in distortion or even pedals will sound unnatural below a certain SPL.
I suggest working out a daypart schedule with the natives to allow a "practice hour" where a reasonable volume can be achieved.
If the wife still doesn't understand you need something else besides a new speaker.
RedDog Steve