Replacement amp speaker
Fairly new to playing amplified harp. I'm currently experimenting with playing through two smaller tube amps with 10-inch speakers, one a late 50s Premier model 110 that had original Rola speaker replaced with a new Patriot "Copperhead" speaker. That one plays on the brighter side. The other amp is a Kalamazoo II that is all original including the speaker. Both amps sound pretty well as is, but I'm wondering what might be good replacement speaker to offer me, a more buttery, and/or grittier and less bright sound on either or both of these amps. I've been using a both an Electro-Voice 638 and a Shure Spher O'Dyne PE53 mic. Thanks in advance.
Thanks David. That puzzles me because I thought my mics were supposed to be on the strong side. We talking JT-30 types? Is it because my amps are on the low watt side? I'll check in with Fritz too.
The Shure CR or CM will be stronger than those mics. Ask for an element from Chuck Gurney... he can guaranty the strength of his elements.
I'm still confused. You seem to be saying that the element alone will make any amp or speaker sound fine. The 638 was purchased from Ron Sunshine and was checked out by Chuck Gurney before sold. As for the PE53, I thought those were all wquipped with Shure CM elements to begin with. I've watched you and Fritz make positive comments ob the 53 during your interview with him.
Not doubting the truth of a powerful element, but the answer to my original questions regarding replacement speakers in my two amps seems to have quickly strayed to a different arena. Forgive me if I'm missing something here, but...
Good point. An element alone can make the composite sound better, if the new element is better than the old one (and better is of course subjective). In my experience most players have mics that are sub-par... making most amps sound not as good as they could. If Chuck looked at these mics, I'm sure they're good specimens. Both of those mics though do not come with a Shure CM/CR, unless they have been modified (and these mics it would not be easy to put a CM/CR in). Though they are good mics, they are different in tone. I'm of strong opinion that every serious harp player should have one mic with a good CM/CR and on with an Astatic Crystal. You may get them and compare them to what you have and not hear a big difference... you can always sell them on eBay. So, something to keep in mind before changing speakers... you MAY find it to make enough of a difference that you may leave the amp(s) alone.
Mics - What You Need To Know will be up any day now. In this lesson I provide audio recordings of how different mics sound side-to-side. Though your mics are not in the test, it will give you a good idea.
I have a Zoo and I play a real strong Shure 1940's CR and it's got all the grit you would want. Although you might ask Skip about speakers for your amp.
Is your Zoo speaker the original, mine is all original as refurbished by Greg Haumann, blowsmeaway.
My Zoo is all original... I too bought mine from Greg. As far as a speaker upgrade I feel that the original speakers are really quite good for the type of amp it is. Also they are sure to be broken in.
I think you'll get better bang for the buck getting a stronger mic... one with a strong CM or CR in it. Fritz can help you with that.