Jim Sliff
From:
Lawndale California, USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2006 4:34 pm |
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That's a pretty wide-open question, Mike! It really depends on what types of speakers and what type of sound you want...plus how much volume and power you are dealing with.
In generalities:
15's usually have strong bass and mids, and lose some in the treble frequencies - that's why JBL used an aluminum-domed dust cone, to try to regain some lost top end. Some like the clean sound and trble bite - I think they are very harsh and that newer "imitators" make better ones that tame the icepick-highs.
12's are your all-around, full range speakers. Zillions to choose from...see below.
10's have a tighter sound, great bite, good mids, but can lose some bass...depending on the speaker. There are 10" bass drivers that will bury a 15" guitar speaker as far as bass response.
Usually, to get good clean bass response you need a LOT of power and an inefficient but specially-tuned bass driver. I've found bass and keyboard rigs (which are usually quite similar) to be great for clean steel - including things like tube preamps, SS power amps in the 1000-watt range and something like Acme low-B speakers - which is a 2x10 cabinet, but will knock down a concrete wall and give you a great clean tone....but with LOTS of power needed.
All sizes work for any kind of steel playing - you just have to know what kind of speakers. Your average 10" guitar speakers will sound awful for clean steel at high volume, while the aforementioned bass drivers will work great.
My personal preference is WeberVST speakers - the nice thing with Weber is you can call Teb Weber personally, and he'll make a recommendation based on YOUR amp and YOUR style - not try to fit a round peg in a square hole, or sell a "universal" steel speaker. He'll modify existing models if neded as well, and not charge custome setup charges, as parts are relatively interchangeable.
He really knows his stuff - and if he *doesn't* have something that will work for you, doesn't hesitate to recommend a competitor's speaker, if it's a better choice. That's good, honest service.
Back to sizes - I use all three; 15's (an Einence JBL knock-off) and 12's (several types of Webers) for all-around use, 10" guitar speakers (all Webers) for a more organic, slightly overdriven sound, 10" bass drivers when I use one of the bass rigs..and even 8" bas drivers in an SWR Baby Blue bass amp - another sleeper for pedal steel.
The speakers I mentioned are all new types; I also use a lot of vintage Jensens and others (but not JBL's which I really don't care for) - but I wanted to concentrate on what's available new.
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