Original Black Widow Spider Speaker?

[Bob Snelgrove]

Was it a 1501-4? Did PV use that exact model for later versions? Still my favorite speaker!

bob

[Bob Snelgrove]

Anyone ??

[Jerry Overstreet]

No expert here, but lots of experience and trial and error with Black Widow speakers.

The first BW for steel was the Spider Web 1501-4. Late 70s early 80s. Flat magnet, paper cone, aluminum dust cap, black spider web decal rated at 250-300w.

The next version of the 1501 was the Super Structure magnet and upgraded paper cone rated to 350w.

There have been many differences, changes in the SS magnets over the years.

In the early 90s, they introduced the DT, deep throw, basket for a few years. Earlier and later models were all SB, shallow or short basket models.

During the first years of the Nashville 400, they used the 1502-4 speaker which was essentially a bass speaker. These were ribbed cones but had a n aluminum dust cover just like all of the 1501 s.
These were used in the 400 version with the chrome cabinet corners and had a passive eq section.

Later 1502 speakers also had a ribbed cone but a paper cap, dust cover. The application was for sound reinforcement for the 8 ohm version and bass, low frequency use for the 4 ohm.

The later NV400s changed to an active eq section and the 1501-4 and could be identified by black cabinet corners and the 1502 was no longer used in these amps.

These could have had either a DT [deep throw] or a SB [shallow basket] cone with an alum dust cap.

Later on the 90s DT basket was abandoned as the SB, shallow basket, was deemed the best model for steel guitar.

This SB, aluminum dust cap 1501-4 SB was used up until production ceased. Latest models used a rare Neo mag which was slightly less weighty than the big 96 oz. Super Structure mags.

[Bob Snelgrove]

Thanks, Jerry.

So not all 1501-4 speakers are the original spider web logo version?

Bob

[Jerry Overstreet]

No. Only late 70s, early 80s for the original flat magnet Spider Web.
Original

Picture 043.jpg

Later in the 2000s something they did black label the speakers Black Widow on the magnet but they were a different speaker.
2000s edition.

BW late.jpg

[Jerry Overstreet]

Taking Shoshanah up on posting multiple pics trial.

Chronology of Black Widow magnets and basket styles.
Round spokes are SB short basket or shallow basket. Original through end of production except for a few years in the 90s when the DT was used. They later returned to the SB citing better low end and overall character.

Square spokes are DT long basket, deep throw, throat. 90s use.

Various models of Super Structure magnets with differing port sizes etc. following the original Spider Web.

All Black Widow SS and Neo mags and baskets will interchange in all models and sizes. [Example pic #2]
Original Spider Web will not interchange with later SS components.


orig SW

bw sw orig.jpg

bw mag 1.jpg

bw mag 2.jpg

bw 3 2.jpg

bw mag 3.jpg

bw mag 4 LB.jpg

bw 5 black.jpg

bw neo m.jpg