Princeton Reverb Reissue 12" P12Q

Jensen has an issue. I'd try the Emi Alessandro in that amp.

 

Phase doesn't matter in a single speaker amp. However< I prefer to have the speaker move forward with a positive charge and you can test it with a battery. I've never much liked reissue Jensens so there's that.

 

I took a alnico Celestion out and put in the p12q actually. I like it. Sounds natural and early breakup. Ya it does not have the major overhead of higher watt stuff but sounds raleallu good and natural. If cranked it might get flabby with hb and bass notes. But it is worth it. If you gig a lot you could put in a cream.

 

Start saving for the Gold, you heard with your own ears. Spend the extra money now, and be happy forever!

I put a G10 gold in my ‘65 PRRI, and I now own the amp of my dreams

 

The C-Rex really opens up after 25-30 hours of break-in. How long have you had it? I built a PR a couple years ago. Started with a 1258 Legend, but it was way too bright. The Cannabis Rex is what ended up in there to stay. They just need a good beating before they settle in.

 

Used that Jensen in a Gibson GA-5T project....hated everything about that speaker. Ended up going with a WSG smooth cone speaker instead.

 

I have the same amp. I was wanting more snap and twang, so I put the SC64 in it and love it.

I haven’t tried the Gold.

 

Well, we all obviously have our own tastes, but it really does change in character when it settles in. I was afraid I had really screwed up when I tried my first one. Now, a Cannabis Rex is my go-to 12" speaker for most Fender style amps I build.

Here's one with a Pro Jr after 30 hours or so of a 20W stereo amp playing through the speaker.

 

I bought the PRRI Bordeaux about 3 years ago. It had the P12Q. It was dark, mushy, and had a weird compression about it. Never liked it in anything I've put it in. Since the Princeton was designed and voiced for a 10", I built an adapter and put a Jensen C10R in it. Now it sounds like a Princeton. I tried a few different 12's in it but never got the sound I wanted from a princeton. The C10R is punchy with tight bass and way more focused than any of the 12's I tried. I'm sure others will disagree, but I love the amp now.

 

Play the heaviest bass stuff you've got and it will speed it up. Even if you throw it in a closet to cut down on the noise, they need a workout to open up. Honestly, give it a solid 25+ hours of real volume through it, and you'll probably be surprised.

 

I really like RI P12Q and it is become my favorite 12" and I regret I bought 12" Gold which did cost double although it was discounted. I like 70s rock sound and to me it is easiest to achieve when playing home using P12Q and when its sensitivity is only about 94dB its low volume sound is good but player must like classic sound what inevitably comes out of it.

But P12Q is far being 40W loudspeaker!!! About 20W is max it can take.

 

I have the GC/MF Bordeaux Princeton with the P12Q as stock. Mine does not breakup at 3. In fact I’ve posted before that it sounded really “spongy”. It got better with age. I replaced it with a Celestion Greenback G12M. It’s tighter with the Greenback but less Fender-ish.
I actually like both.
The “interweb” is filled with suggestions for speakers to pair with both the 10” and 12” versions of the PRRI. It’s a crapshoot.

 

I am always torn when it comes to low watt amps and speakers. I had an alnico cream in there that was probably perfect at loud volumes. I almost thought of putting a blue in
there for (best sounds ever..lol)..but I had p12q laying around..and at non gigging volumes is great. That said, you dont get the ceramic fender goodness of the (c12n series)
or the rock goodness of the (g12h anniv, greenbacks, or creambacks)..which take it to a different level. I am lucky I had a drri to plop the alnico cream into.

My bud has SF pr..10..that sounds good in its own right, but it is a different animal.
I think we replaced the blown utah with rajun cajun or some other emi thing.

 

I found the same thing last year when I was in the market and looking at the PR reissues. I mentioned my observation to the sales staff and he conformed that what I observed was what most people said. Too dark, too much bass.

I opted for the Custom 64' Hand Wired, which uses the P10R. I don't usually turn it up past 3 anyways, but at that volume, with a Les Paul plugged in, and both volume controls dime'd, the speaker holds together very well. Very clean. Interestingly, the 57' Custom Deluxe does not use the Jensen P12Q. They've opted for a 12" Special Design alnico made by Eminence. I think it too sounds amazing.