What are some of the popular INefficient speakers?

[jonrpick]

As the title states... just curious as to which speakers are popular but fairly quiet compared to a JBL or Cannabis Rex, for example.

I'm not concerned about power handling or alnico vs ceramic.

 

[bparnell57]

Vintage Oxfords are quite quiet. Probably 10 dB's less than a 60's JBL. CTS's are too.

Most old generic alnico speakers are too.

 

[GuitarJonz]

Not concerned about power handling? Living dangerously! As poster above says, low power alnicos, like Jensen P12R, or budget organ pulls like alnico Heppners, Magnavox, Rola, etc, plenty always available on ebay, just search on "12" alnico guitar speaker".

 

[ranjam]

Jensen Mod speakers usually hover around 94dB of rated sensitivity. Compare that to an Eminence Red Fang at 102dB or the Cannabis Rex at 101dB. You lose a lot of dB with a 12" Mod 12-50 or Mod 12-70 if you're scared (97db). It's what I tell my friends with loud Twin Reverbs to use, to pretty dramatic results, especially if you can handle the Mod 12-50.

 

[t-luxe]

Weber Signature series.

 

[clintj]

WGS Veteran 10's are rated at just a hair under 94dB, and are popular here.

 

[DaveKS]

Tone Tubby has a range of new Alnico 10/12" that fall in the 95-96db range.

http://www.siegmundguitars.com/tonetubby.html

 

[muchxs]

"Popular inefficient speaker" is an oxymoron.

Between the 1950s when most of the inefficient speakers were built and now we had what I call "The everything louder than everything else" era.

Most modern bar bands have more power onstage than The Beatles had a Shea Stadium on their first U.S. tour.

A few years later musicians used large amps to keep up with loud drummers and archaic P.A. systems.

Speakers built with old technology couldn't keep up with the large amps.

We got new speakers that were louder and handled more power from manufacturers such as Altec, Gauss and Electro- Voice.

Altec built the original premium speakers for their Voice of Theater systems.


Anyway, I know what I like for "crappy old speakers" but I'm not going to shout it from a mountaintop. That's because I enjoy spending thin money for my unpopular old speakers.

It's like Converse All Star sneakers and "Buddy Holly" glasses. They were cool when they were unique. Then everyone in the advertising industry copied my style.

Grrrr.

I still miss the emoji from the old software, the one with the horns.

 

[ranjam]

I tell my friends that it depends on the amp and what you are using for. A Deluxe Reverb on stage? Get a very efficient Red Fang and punch far above your weight class. Twin Reverb that the band yells at you to turn down? Jensen Mod 12-50. This is of course if you don't want distortion pedals, or just want the amp on the edge of break up, and a a mild overdrive pedal takes you over that edge.
If it's for recording at home, leave the original in there. Unless it's my new secret weapon. I've been taking 'crappy' SS amps, tweak them a bit, and put a much better speaker than the amp deserves or is worth. They can sound awesome, and a unique sound as a bonus. Even what you think is a decent Celestion in an older Marshall Valvestate can seemingly come alive. I spoke too much. Disregard that last part.

 

[waparker4]

WGS Veteran 10, WGS G12Q

 

[homesick345]

Let us not forget the Eminence Reignmaker & Maverick - who, with a twist of a knob go down to 91dbs (or anywhere from 99dbs)

Not only that, but they sound awesome in their own right (british & american , respectively), after the mandatory break in period...

I honestly think this engineering achievement from Eminence - all at a very reasonable price - is way under the radar & missed by many people

 

[grolan1]

Let us not forget the Eminence Reignmaker & Maverick - who, with a twist of a knob go down to 91dbs (or anywhere from 99dbs)

Not only that, but they sound awesome in their own right (british & american , respectively), after the mandatory break in period...

I honestly think this engineering achievement from Eminence - all at a very reasonable price - is way under the radar & missed by many people

Not by me... I love mine (Maverick)...

 

[mitchfit]

can't recall the exact model/name but the OEM peavey 15"/16ohm delta blues speaker can scored new for under $100. was lowish 90 rating iirc. good top end Hz rating, also.

mitchfit

 

[deytookerjaabs]

Vintage Oxfords are quite quiet. Probably 10 dB's less than a 60's JBL. CTS's are too.

Most old generic alnico speakers are too.

I second the "oxford" mention for the fender camp! There's quite a few heavy players out there that swear by them in their deluxe reverbs, definitely some fabulous overdrive tones you can dig on youtube. I've been thinking about building or buying a 6G2 and adding a 12" oxford myself at some point down the road.

 

[Bellacaster]

WGS Veteran 10, WGS G12Q

I have a pair of WGS G12Qs that serve me very well. Plenty of early breakup.

 

[keithb7]

+1 on the WGS Veteran 10. A gooder.