The Fender JBL Sound - The True Story of the Premier American Guitar Speaker - Ask Zac 135

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JBL began producing efficient, high-wattage speakers in 1948 with the introduction of the D-130 model 15" speaker. The speaker was mainly used in public address (PA) systems until 1953 when Bob Crooks decided to spare no expense with his new Standel line of guitar amps, and factory install D-130's in them. Standel became the Dumble of the early 50s with their innovative cabinet and circuit designs, and also due to their use of a speaker that could produce a much clearer and louder tone than the less expensive pressed frame speakers being produced by Jensen and others. Stars from Chet Atkins to Speedy West began using Standel models over Fender, and the boys in Fullerton began to take note. Leo Fender, whose goal was always to make a great instrument at a more pocketbook-friendly price, continued to use lower-cost Jensen units until he finally relented in late 1959, producing the Vibrasonic amp, which was his first factory-equipped model with a JBL and the first Fender with Tolex covering and forward facing controls.
In today's episode, we will look at some of the myths about them concerning brightness, the actual weight of the popular alnico magnet D120F & K120 models, and the differences between cast frame and pressed from speakers. Also, we will discuss the polarity issue and the frame thickness of the later D120F and K120 models that can require modifications to be utilized in some amps.
A short list of guitarists that have used JBL speakers during important phases of their careers would include, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Albert Collins, James Burton, Jerry Garcia, Roy Nichols, Duane Allman, Chet Atkins, Dickie Betts, Vince Gill, Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, Jesse Ed Davis, and Eric Johnson.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-44 (10,12,16,24,34,44)
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a 60s JBL D120F gray frame speaker with its original cone. Used with AmpRX Brown Box set to 113v
Effects used:
Amp reverb
#askzac #jbld120f #zacchilds

[@RobData]

I notice others have also pointed out that you didn't mention the Grateful Dead as users of JBL, their famous Wall of Sound used JBLs, and earlier than that they had most of their amps were refitted with D-120s I think the Dead were pioneers in trying to make front of house sound as hi-fidelity as possible and JBL were definitely a part of that quest.

[@grosebud4554]

They were. The dead’s crew changed live sound for the better

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Thanks Rob The Iconic Wall of Sound

[@stevealtomare6274]

In 1975 I ordered a 2x12 Alembic cabinet with 2 JBL K120s directly from Ric Turner at Alembic who made the Dead's cabs that were the Wall of Sound. It was amazing, sounded great. He shipped it all the way to my apartment in Boston. Still have the cab, took out one of the K120s to put in my 1980 Princeton Reverb II which I play to this day, sounds much like Zac's Deluxe, sweet, pure, clean, open, and btw takes pedals great.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Owsley, he not only made great LSD, he was the architect of the wall of sound, great minds trip alike🤣

[@blortslompson2388]

Jer even had a little 8" JBL in his Champ that he used for practice!

[@professorhamamoto]

I have a 1971 Fender Twin-Reverb that came stock with two D-120 JBLs. Amp also came with removable casters as well, which made for easier transport. I worked one summer at the JBL factory in Anaheim, California. I glued cones and spiders onto frames (cones don't "blow"; the coil could get hot while moving through the magnetic field and then short out); glued the silver dust caps onto cones; magnetized magnets; bolted magnets onto frames; pressed labels onto said magnets. Fender was located in nearby Fullerton. Once I dropped a magnet on my foot and it felt like my toes had been sheared off. Fortunately, I was wearing Red Wing boots. I still have the amp but it needs to be re-tubed. Thank you for the well-researched history.

[@AskZac]

A real vet from JBL. Honored you would chime in.

[@scotthutchens1203]

I have Red Wing Steel Toes too! They were required for a certain factory job then I ended up not being there long. 😆

[@edwhite7475]

I loved Red Wings till they became made in China, i wore out at least 5 pairs up to then.. Early 2000s. Dress shoes and socks too. Those JBLs would sure put a hurtin on your toes, ouch!!!

[@Cluless02]

Those Twins sounded excellent. I remember looking to rent a Twin, where they had one installed with JBLs and the other installed with Altecs. The JBLs sounded excellent but I went with the Altecs Twin for my purposes. I was surprised to find that Pete Townshend's HIWATT setup included 2 - 4 x 12 HIWATT cabinets - one installed w/Fanes, the other installed w/JBLs. I thought wow, so that explains how he got that incredible sound, sort of caused me to rethink my HIWATT setup!

[@dantheman348]

I have a 1965 Twin Reverb and took the original speakers out and replaced them with a pair of lightly used original d120’s I got off reverb. It’s crazy how much they sound like THAT sound just by changing the speakers. My favorite thing about them is setting the amp where it’s naturally compressing and playing some rhythm with it, mostly 3 string chords that have a wound open string in them against the fretted strings, it just sounds perfect for that stuff.

[@lenbraunling2037]

I bought a Mesa Boogie Mk I and a 1-12 cab back in the early 80’s loaded with JBL’s. To my ear they have a tight mid-range sound which I really like. They are definitely built like a tank.

[@lifeafterarmy3019]

I can thank the 70's Twin Reverb with JBL's for my 2 years of Chiropractor visits...... Thanks for the content

[@Docsjeff]

No Doubt!

[@crazylegscabs5659]

It’s the sound of The Grateful Dead. I make my own cabs and I’m totally sold on them. There’s a bunch of “new” versions too that sounds pretty good. Webber Michigan’s do a nice job in a pinch. Great video Zac.

[@cspitler]

I had a ‘67 Showman 12 with the D131F and projector ring. Great sound! I read years ago the reverse polarity dates back to the early days of Altec Lansing and the speaker polarity conventions in movie theatre speakers of that era.

[@thebigswede1736]

55 or so years ago i reconed (warrantee repair) jbl and altec . JBL quality was amazing! The little company I worked for made amps and cabs for Sugarloaf and Johnny Smith. Very little info left out there for this company. Emrad sound. I also reconed a bunch of k120s for nitty gritty dirt band. Oh those were great times.😁

[@angusorvid8840]

One of the best sounding amps I've ever heard was a friend's Boogie Mark 1 with a JBL. It sounded incredible.

[@LPCustom3]

Cerwin-Vega made some orange frame 12” & 15” in 1972 for Fender I helped build most of them. I also worked at JBL in the 80’s. The black magnet cover was purely cosmetic.

[@TheGuitologist]

I have a 15” orange CV out of a Fender. Massive speaker.

[@AgentJayZ]

I've been a JBL fan for far longer than I've spent trying to learn how to play guitar. On Ebay, I found an E-130, designed and built my own cab, and covered the grille with Fenderesque cloth. Powered by my one watt tube amp, and my Stewmac Ghost Drive, I am a mediocre Strat player, with the tone of a rock star. Thanks for this video!

[@chrisquinn9104]

I believe a crucial early user was Dick Dale. According to him he was big in developing the showman. He played HARD and blew up[ amps quite a bit.

[@hunkydorian]

Dick Dale's blonde Showmans were unlike any other Fender amp. The output transformers were Huge.

[@woodystemms3799]

The Showman amps Dick Dale used had 15 inch speakers. Even if the JBL's were squeeky "clean" and "unforgiving", it didn't matter since they were drenched in Reverb.

[@mrbuttons1243]

I saw him live twice in the 90s. The tone was a not really clean but not really dirty kind do of thing and the reverb going into the front of a semi distorted amp at those volumes was awesome.

[@Docsjeff]

Yes,I’ve seen and read articles on Leo asking him to come in and put different Fender Amps through the paces.

[@deanallen927]

One of the best rigs I ever used was a 1x12 60 watt Music Man reverb and trem combo with the speaker disconnected and going through a D-130 in a closed back demo cabinet. Just fantastic. Big, clear on every frequency, beautiful voicing.

[@Colinjohnmusic]

“All they can go on is the opinion of others”: the bane of the internet. Great episode as always. Thanks Zac . Oh yeah, former JBL user in a ‘65 Vibroverb back in the late 80’s. Sounded as good as it was heavy!

[@jeffdixon847]

A JBL 15” speaker is a thing of beauty. I started with a Weber replica and eventually stumbled on a modern Standel 1x15” cab with a custom JBL style speaker. Amazing warm clean tones.

[@christophergallagher531]

I found Ted Webber's to sound on the order of Altecs, also the pressed frames where prone to warping. One had to be careful torquing them to the board. The CAs I had, had tight gaps and could get to rubbing. Two points for cast frames. Ted was a great guy. His son is doing a fine job. Chris

[@AskZac]

Very cool!

[@kennethdismukes1942]

I had two JBL 15” speakers in a Bassman Cabinet from around 1973. I wish I still had it.

[@fivewattworld]

SO glad I circled back to learn this history from you Zac!

[@bobhoffman7064]

Zac - Great job. I have had a JBL E120 in my Blonde 1996 Fender Blues Deluxe since 1997 - Love it! - Thanks Bob H - Middletown, NJ

[@johncostigan6160]

Still use a K120F in a tiny closed-back, front-mounted cabinet. 50 years later it's still my tone. I didn't know about the polarity reverse til today. Thanks!

[@christophergallagher531]

The polarity reverse still has me scratching my head. I install them so they punch forward on attack. I love using two amps at once. Out of phase is ugly. Chris

[@EmilioConesa]

Early 70’s I had an Acoustic 134 guitar amp. 125 watts rms solid state. I replaced the stock speakers with 4 x 10” JBLs. Omg it was clean and loud! I wish I still had it. In 75’ ordered my first Mesa Boogie mark I with a 15” JBL. I drove from SF to Petaluma in my Plymouth Fury III to pick it from Randall Smith’s garage. Again, if only I still had it…

[@totallyunmemorable]

Funny, I just bought an Acoustic 150 head (same amp without the speakers). Pat Metheny loved the 134 and used them for decades until they just became too unreliable with age. That amp definitely has something special about it. I love mine.

[@MonteD1]

Good to see someone talking about an often overlooked component of many amps.

[@thomaspick4123]

I used to use JBL D-140s for bass. Heavy weight. I wish you included in the discussion the weight of today’s Neodyne speakers, which are touted as low weight. Compare also with the Utah, 😢Jensen, Oxford speakers

[@mikewazvid]

I still have the Vox Pacemaker amp I bought in 1966. A couple of years later, while I was in college, I took out the Vox Bulldog speaker (not a real Celestion), and put in a 10" JBL musical instrument speaker. I have had the speaker reconed at least once, and it still makes that little Vox a killer amp.

[@f69tele]

I played my keyboard rig from 1978-1993 thru (2) K-120 JBL's in a box made by Allen Speaker in Houston, TX. Also played my pedal steel thru them as well. Such a clean, clear sound with great bottom end. Only blew one, once.

[@JazzyJunior]

Just bought an old 15 inch cabinet made by Allen Speaker in Houston TX and put in a 15 inch JBL D130F! It’s amazing how well built the cabinet is reminds me of old hi fi cabinets of the time.

[@Tonetwisters]

Yeh, a D-120 is THE super clean speaker, with an incredible array of frequency production as well. I have both a D-120 and a D-130 hanging out in my closet, both needing to be reconed, plus a Fender cab with two D-120 orange frames which sound incredible! Vibrasonics were awesome and rare. Essentially, a PRO with a bigger output transformer and a D-130. That coated surround seemed to allow the cone to travel further without knocking out the voice coil. The Dual Showman was a toneful powerhouse! Yeh, those connections were also backwards on their studio monitors in the early '70s .... The attack response is very fast! One of THE best rhythm sounds you will ever hear, is a Gibson 335/345/355, through a single or dual Showman with one or two D-130's, similar to the sound of The Airplane's, "Don't You Want Somebody To Love." Incredible drive. Tonetwisters, over and out ...

[@jimsalman7257]

Mike Bloomfield performed during the late-60s with a JBL equipped Twin Reverb, cranked!

[@donkanis6141]

And now he wears JBL powered hearing aids.

[@rosslunato8111]

@@donkanis6141 Please be respectful of the deceased.

[@donkanis6141]

@@rosslunato8111 I didn’t know he died and this was a joke bro …….

[@rosslunato8111]

@@donkanis6141 Never joke about the dead, how would you feel if it were your family?

[@donkanis6141]

@@rosslunato8111 how about I make my day just a little better and mute you ?

[@ER-yq1lc]

Can't believe you didn't mention Jerry Garcia! To me that's the epitome of JBL+Fender tone. EVH used 2 JBLs in the the top of his 4x12 on the first album at least. I'm thinking of making a 2x10 baffle for my Deluxe Reverb so I can put a pair of E110's I have in there, I really do like the way they sound.

[@stratjed]

Hell yes. Jerry was the JBL sound.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

It is not a 100% fact that Ed used the D120F speakers for the sessions on the first album, but I personally believe he did.

[@MacLuz]

Our Zac isn’t into Grateful Dead, as he once stated. He ain't no jamming hippie..

[@ER-yq1lc]

Still I would venture Jerry tone drives the prices on vintage 12" JBLs, none of those other players mentioned, as it's a key tonal aspect of his sound. Aside from all the hippy culture BS, Jerry's playing is worth a listen. Europe '72 and One from the Vault or Tree from the Vault are great examples of the JBL sound. For acoustic playing Pizza tapes with Tony Rice and David Grisman is killer stuff. AND we haven't even mentioned his pedal steel playing! Ask Don Kelley graduate Daniel Donato or John Mayer what they think of Jerry's "jamming hippie" playing sometime.

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

@@ER-yq1lc In the rock world, it is Eddie Van Halen’s use of them that drives the demand. The average rock player has no idea they were even used in Country music!

[@gregorybooker4913]

I'm Blessed with 2 JBL K130 15' speakers, crazy good and earthy. Originally PA speakers but now they are guitar speakers with mini VOT cab's. Very soulful!!!

[@Frankinsteinguitar]

Always LOVED JBLs! Used a single D140 in a Traynor cabinet for years……bullet proof with great sound. D140 has copper voice coil and ribbed cone versus D130 with an aluminium voice coil and smooth cone.

[@davidratliff807]

I have a pair in my 66 Pro Reverb. I recommend them for any amp, I replaced the Celestion in my Matchless with a JBL, the ultimate in tone. Great show as always!!!

[@AskZac]

Nice!

[@editorjuno]

Useful, 95+% accurate information according to this 50+-year -- starting with a BF Dual Showman purchased used in 1968 -- JBL fan. It should be noted that Kustom -- the kings of cushioned naugahyde cabs -- was another major JBL OEM. They ordered theirs painted black. Thanks, Dylan! 👍

[@AskZac]

Thanks for the 95%

[@jonathanstrand2474]

I was talking to an amp tech today, apparently a lot of those old Kustom 200Watt Tuck & Roll heads still function and still sound great, people swear by them, guitar and Bass and if the proprietor of Kustom spec’d JBL’s for the cabs too those amps, the amps wide use and reliability seems all the more plausible. Good choice, & they weren’t cheap, and weren’t light Me personally?, the JBL’s mid bass, sounds too flabby, the high end too piercing….with a guitar? Cone movement? Dunno? On the other hand, any bass sounds better through any JBL, any size, the only speaker that comes close to an old school JBL 15, is an EVM 15L Guess EVM’s are just what my ear wants to hear, My 70’s Altec 12” is also a little too strident for me, (but great mids & Lo’s) although I play through it nightly almost. I use it with my EVM12 , set to very clean and a couple of DB lower than my distorted tone, fabulous definition both 12”’s together that way, combined. But I’m getting spoiled using both, but I don’t gig out anyway……so I finally decided to just play both, always …🤓🙂

[@editorjuno]

@@jonathanstrand2474 -- The classic D-, E-, and K- series JBLs are indeed quite bright compared to what most folks would consider a "normal guitar speaker." By the 1980s, JBL had responded with the criminally underrated MI- series, which are voiced more "normally" and sound pretty much perfect IMO -- but like their predecessors, they had heavy cast aluminum frames and hefty price tags, so they never gained any traction to speak of with guitarists and were soon discontinued. I use two MI-10s in separate little open-back cabs and I might try a variant your method by driving one cab clean and the other into some breakup -- thanks!

[@BenjaminHSmith]

Cool video and that amp sounds great. I remember a Joe Perry interview in an issue of Guitar Player in the late '70s where he talked about swapping out all the Celestions in his Marshalls with JBLs and then deciding he didn't like them. I think this happened with a lot of the '70s hard rock dudes that could afford the best but didn't actually like the clean headroom the JBLs afforded them.

[@scotthutchens1203]

It sure happened to me! I remember in 1973-‘74 this guy at a shop sold me on Cerwin Vega guitar speakers saying that you get more volume, better sound and better quality for my 2x12” Carvin cabinet and the whole nine yards. After I understood through a more honest shop owner about efficiency not being good to the ear like Celestions are, my Cerwin Vegas got used in monitor wedge cabs. Where I really could’ve used them is when I blew the cheap CTS speakers in the Carvin cab when they sent me the 100 watt head instead of the 80 watt I ordered in 1970. Maybe if the speaker handling capability was figured extra close because of cost $ is why they blew in mine and an identical cab belonging to a friend of mine.

[@MacLuz]

I have an extra orange JBL D120F out of a 70s Twin Reverb. Installed in an extra box for individual use. When I need clear upper mids, it comes in handy.

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

I have formed the hypothesis that, the bigger the magnet, the more of that harshness or clang or whatever is perceived when solo'ed, but in a mix the same harshness is great plus all the other benefits of the big speaker from dynamics to clarity to low end etc. When for example I compare medium magnet greenback-types to heavy magnet ones, I hear a sweetness in the highs of the medium magnet, along with a compression and blurriness. The heavy magnet of the same structure, gives you power handling, dynamics, clarity and that signature so-called harshness that stands out in a mix. The EV Coffee Cans I mentioned in a prior comment, have superlatively enormous magnets in them, and they have the "JBL harshness" in spades. Same goes for the Eminence red coat wizard I have in a fargen. Yuge magnet = "the JBL sound."

[@victorbeebe8372]

I had a twin with JBL. It was good sounding. I liked to put a Chandler Tube Driver to Vibro Champ to the Twins JBL. That was great and loud.

[@roncarter2188]

Years ago I bought an original d130 using it as a single 12-in speaker in a nice pine box cab and I absolutely loved the speaker I couldn't get enough of it. I finally blew it up by pushing a little too much with some higher wattage amps so I've got to get this one redone, but what a fantastic sounding speaker.

[@simonquinton925]

Dickey Betts blew up a few JBLs and nearly blew up poor Jack Pearson too with that wall of sound. Great article, Zak. Been waiting for yourself or 5 watt to come along with more 120 info...much appreciated.

[@ferraridinoman]

I had a new 1979 Fender Twin reverb with JBL D120F orange basket speakers!! Great fun! (Still have the original fork lift that came with it!!)

[@johnpandolfino8663]

I have a 1973 Fender Twin with (2) JBL D-120s in it...bought it new in 1973.....came with the JBLs......great speakers.....the amp weighs a ton because of the magnet's in the speakers.....my main amp for many years.... it's been sitting in a closet now..... I'm 70 and still play but not through my Twin anymore.... great job with this.....your probably the one and only to spend any time on this subject on KZbin.... Bravo 👏

[@12footchain]

Loved this - thanks Zac. I know what you mean about the enunciation of the note thing with that speaker. Interesting how they have such a recognizable character - Don Rich with his (twin reverb?) sound seems to be the ultimate example for me.

[@matthewf1979]

Here I am, looking at a factory JBL equipped/badged "Drip Edge" Twin in my area....then this video pops up. I sure ain't paying to asking price, but I made an offer.

[@Cluless02]

100% agreed on the tone. I use JBLs and Altecs in my amps except in the HIWATT which uses Fanes, also excellent speakers!!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Hiwatt + Fane viceral cleans

[@Zavijava1]

I've gone back and forth in my 12" cab w JBL and Gauss plus 10' JBL's in my smaller set up w/EV's, love that classic JBL sound with my Musicman 110...great speakers and a cool contrast to the British Celestion's and the Jensens in my Fender cabs...great analysis thanx

[@glenkepic3208]

Great to see. First thought, the JBL's were blow proof. Admired them for years.

[@roberthastings708]

Well I don't know about that. I reconed the D 130s and D120s almost every week for the Asleep at the Wheel band when they worked out of Austin in the mid 70s. The roadies came in red eyed and sqyinty so we joked "here comes sleepy wheels" loved those guys.

[@tomrutledge5621]

I read the title of your post, and my back immediately tightened up; thinking about my 1972 JBL-equipped Fender Twin Reverb.

[@cedarbay3994]

Good tone is heavy and hard to carry-Uncle Larry

[@curtevans838]

My Dad was a rentaband player for the Nashville One Hit Wonder Stars back in the 80s and early 90s and he swore by either JBL of EV speakers. Right after COVID I found a beautiful and clean 1972 Twin with JBL D120F speakers in it. I drove for six hours to pick it up and the guy sold it to me for $850 bucks since the reverb tank was not working. It's so heavy but man does it sing with my Telecaster and Strat. I just wish I didn't hurt myself every time I try to move it.

[@AskZac]

split it into a head and cab

[@crazywisdom2]

Can you put it on wheels ?

[@curtevans838]

@@crazywisdom2 it has wheels.

[@TheTubeDude]

Around 1975 I got my two new JBL 12 inch speakers directly from the dealer/parts place in the North outer Mission here in San Francisco; not but a few blocks from Rocker Guitars Shop. I put them in my 1968 drip edge 2x12 large cabinet Fender, to use with my 66 Fender Band-Master. We have not parted yet. JBL's tell us what the other speakers of the day could not. In full disclosure I have many 60's and 70's vintage guitar amp speakers. I love them all. Zac I really enjoyed your presentation.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, Larry

[@daveferrato3371]

Late to this but prior to Dual Showman intro you could get single 12’ & 15” JBL Projector Ring cabs as illustrated 1965 catalog. I have prototypes from Leo’s office. obtained early in 66.

[@BeachJazzMusic]

Great video! I'm 70 years old and put JBL's in all my Fender's back in the day starting with a D-120 into my original mid 60's Silverface Princeton Reverb which I bought new. I was never happy with the original speakers that came with them because I didn't like the frequency response. Not only did you get a 3db boost in volume due to the speaker efficiency but it also equated to being able to turn the volume up more without it distorting. This was a slight problem with rock and roll until Dallas Arbiter from England came out with the original Fuzzface with the geranium transistors that can be heard on Jimi Hendrix's first two album. While the Maestro Fuzztone from Gibson which was the first fuzz made was available it didn't sound as good. This was first used on 'Satisfaction' by The Rolling Stones. With the Fuzzface it evened the bar with guys that were using the stock Fender speakers which varied in manufacturer quite a bit. I later used the K series when the D series was no longer available. Personally I liked the K series better but most people like the D. The K and D both used Alnico magnets. With the introduction of the E series they started using ceramic magnets which drastically changed the tone. That said, the E series sound better with acoustic instruments.

[@christophergallagher531]

I vote for the Ds!

[@BeachJazzMusic]

@@christophergallagher531 Those are great. I won a bet with my dad when I was in high school and he had to pay up so we ordered a JBL Equipped Fender Twin Reverb. The thing sounded incredible but even with my friend it was so heavy it was difficult to put it in the trunk of my mom's Chevy Impala. I did one gig with it and sold it and bought a Silverface Princeton Reverb. My friend made a new baffle board and we put a D-120 in it. Much easier to move and the D-120 gave me a lot more headroom so it worked for all of the gigs I had which at that time were mostly high school parties. That said I'm really sorry I sold the Twin even though now my Quilter Steelaire sounds just as good if not better. The speaker in it is a custom made Eminence that is similar to a D-120 but has a neodymium magnet in it. The whole amp weights 35 lbs and has 200W RMS.

[@christophergallagher531]

At the time (we are the same age) I wanted a Magnatone , based on what I read in 'Boy's Life'. I was sweating the draft, and lost. I stayed acoustic until the mid '80s and got a BF Champ and a Gibson L6s. I still have the Champ, the L6s turned in to a Tele. It has been a big circle. A little stock Supro Delta King 10 has been a gem of late. Hey for a while I had a SF PR with a Weber Ca. That was like a secret weapon. My 68 Super R had 4. I will never play that loud again! Ted warned me. Good story getting to use your ma's Chevy! Chris

[@BeachJazzMusic]

@@christophergallagher531 That wouldn't be Ted Greene would it?

[@christophergallagher531]

@@BeachJazzMusic No, sorry Ted Webber. As it happens I have a Fender 52 RI Tele, which is based on a 52 Ted Greene lent Fender to copy. This is before the custom shop existed. 1981. Webber is still making speakers. Chris

[@TotallyTuberous]

Hey Zac! 'Really interesting. My first guitar amp at age 19 was a 9-year-old brown Vibrolux. It took me no more than two weeks to blow the original Oxford speaker. (stupid youth!) I'd heard about JBL speakers being "unblowable", so I found a used D131 in the want-ads and bought it for like $30. That speaker served me well in that amp for several decades. Great clear tone. Alas, I sold the Vibrolux a few years ago to a good friend who has a nice collection of amps. I've downsized to a Vibro-Champ and Princeton-Reverb.

[@P2Psolved]

My 73 Twin came with factory loaded K120s. I play a Tele so it was pretty bright. I swapped in a pair of EV SRO speakers one time and OMG, that is The Sound.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Great info, the curious part is that Altec was JBL’s hi fi competition back in the day, in fact they split off from JBL, late 50’s I believe, over design philosophy differences, their design was stiffer, less cone movement, deeper cone, smaller aluminum dust cap, I was lucky enough to get a 12”, and I put it in a Theil cab, but unlike my EVM 12L (same cab but even stiffer, less cone movement in an EVM) I removed the middle port opening to let it breathe/move easier, it’s a great cab for bass or guitar….🙂 But I read later that Santana used them in his early Boogies, and more recently Randy Rhoad’s used them in quiet riot and for Ozzy in his closed back stacks. I also inherited 2 15” Altecs…..which I use daily as part of my stereo system, they replaced the blown 15’s in a big 60’s sealed back Jensen design, no port, makes for a tight, deep lo end. Doing that with JBL’s would likely ruin them, JBL’s need a port, lots of cone movement. I have a bunch of smaller vintage JBL’s I reconed , some 8” ers with the Crinkle powder coat magnets, and the old oval emblem, some K110’s but also one older series 1 10” But my EVM 12L is my main guitar cab, nothing else compares for me, it sat needing a recone for years, but the minute I payed it again, I gave up on the Boogie Black shadow and the celestian. I like the celestian’s in a 4 x 12, but at 66, I’m not likely to lug a 4 12 anywhere, only if I played outside….I don’t like open back cabs, or combos, too loose, not focused enough, but great sounding for thin piercing country type licks. I like a lo mid thick focus, Santana style but a bit more gain for my less physical weaker hands. I wonder if there is much history on players who used Altecs, before they were in my stereo , they were in guitar cabs from the 60’s!

[@Mckinman23]

P8p

[@rangerrog]

I used to take that aluminum cone off and replace it with a paper cone instead. That aluminum cone had a frequency that drilled a hole in my ear! That'l fix that little problem. Don't have many speaker techs where I live now.

[@Johngonefishin]

I found out the hard way to NOT ship any JBL by air freight.........I bought a 70's orange frame D-120F and had it shipped USPS air......USPS subcontracts with FedEx to fly freight.....FedEx does not have pressurized freight cabins and when my JBL arrived the aluminum dome was crushed from lack of pressure in the cabin, I intially thought it was mishandling freight damage but there was no damage to the box, and I later found out it was caused by lack of pressure.........USPS denied all claims I made...........got lucky and had it fixed by Victor at Heavysound in California........the lesson here...........don't ship it airfreight.

[@stratjed]

JBL D, K, E 120. Huge part of the Jerry Garcia sound. Basically, the sound of guitar in the 70s. Been using Jbl's since then and I always called it the "JBL SQUIRT ".

[@jonniegibbins]

The tone of that speaker put me in mind of Jerry Donahue. No idea if he used JBL but man, that's a lovely tone. Excellent video as always Zac, thank you.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@angusorvid8840]

What I love about JBLs is that, like EVMs, they are very transparent. They don't color the sound like a Celestion. I've used all sorts of speakers but always enjoyed speakers that let the true sound of the amp come through. A speaker should just assist the amp in getting the true tone out, not coloring it. Always keep in mind that mics will add their own variable in interpreting what comes out of the speaker. I tried a Dumble Overdrive Special at a boutique shop in '87. It was a 150-watt head and a cab loaded with EVMs. It sounded incredible. It was so clear, even at very high volume. You heard the real gain of the amp, not a coloration from the speakers.

[@gregrooks]

Love the show! Visual learners might like to see: pictures, charts, and diagrams inserted to illustrate your illuminations.

[@rogerlawson4516]

That is truely the best sound of any amp I've ever heard on your channel Zac. Now I have to find myself a pair of JBL's for my Fender Princeton 2/10 amp. Really a great sound Zac, thanks.

[@AskZac]

Go for it!

[@robertprice5039]

In high school I had a cabinet with two Fender labeled JBL D120 Speakers. My amp was an Ampeg V4. Later I found out the was the early Steve Morse setup.

[@Docsjeff]

I have a 15” JBL 130 in my Evans 500 Lg.Cab.Steel Guitar Amp. It sounds so good but it’s Soooo heavy. I can’t imagine 2-12’s in a Twin.It would feel like it was bolted to the floor.

[@TeleDan]

A couple years back, I bought a Standel 25L15 Vintage Plus with a JBL D130. The first couple of times I played through it, I thought “Uh oh. What did I get myself into?” Very responsive and present and unforgiving. Nowhere to hide. Steep learning curve, not just getting a good tone but actually being comfortable playing through it. Glad I preserved, cause I can’t imagine it not being in the collection now.

[@zummo61]

I put one JBL K-120 in my Vibrolux and it doubled the weight if the amp.

[@donkanis6141]

Agreed. Jensen are my favorite

[@searing7549]

So, the amp weighed what exactly to begin with? Seems like false news. The K-120 is possibly the best guitar speaker ever made.

[@donkanis6141]

@@searing7549 Yeah Im just making shit up. I don't know what Im talking about. I don't own a 52 black guard or a black face Deluxe, never have. Never played Tele or fiddle on stage for 20 plus years. You know everything, your wisdom is needed in the music industry and Im sure of that . Satisfied now?

[@32251]

And the amp sounded twice as good.

[@donkanis6141]

@@32251 If I had just taken your advice 25 years ago and put your selection of speakers in my black face I would have made it big in Hollywood. If I ever need anymore advice on "what sounds good" I will contact you.

[@fourtoon]

Dicky Betts has been using JBL D120s in his Marshall’s forever. He says he has a lifetime supply of them. The people that make Mason Dixon amps in a 22 watt version, one that duplicates Duane’s Fillmore sound and a model that duplicates Dickey’s Fillmore sound. They make a hybrid speaker using the Peavey Black Widow with a 4” voice coil and they rebuild them using JBL D120 speaker components. I don’t know if they can be purchased individually or if they’re only available in there amps and speaker cabinets. A friend and former band mate still has a Twin he purchased in 1966 with JBLs. Man, that sucker is heavy!

[@FuriousMess]

I've always liked the sound of JBL's with a tube amp. May need to get one for my Princeton or Excelsior. Great job Zac, thanks for reminding me of a great sound. Well done.

[@evanogden]

Recently picked up a reconed JBL D130f for a vibro-verb clone. Pretty stoked to install it. They are such great speakers. Exactly what you said, they aren't harsh, they're articulate.

[@arnebroxleirnes418]

The early Hagstrom PA speaker cabinets sported a "Lansing" badge. We were all very impressed by the shiny dust cover you could just make out through the baffle front cloth. Aaah... those were the days...

[@stantissue2065]

As the house mouse at my local music store, I saw a few JBL equipped twins come through in the early 70's. Mostly for people who played pedal steel. The shop always had at least three steels on the floor. Emmons earlier and then they switched suppliers, something like Mesa maybe. Can't remember. I passed on a black face with two JBL's in it that came in on a trade. Not proud of that. I still have a '76 silver face Twin from that shop, and a '67 Epiphone Olympic, but the most important thing I have from there are the lessons I learned from Rick Hannon about how to treat people. A great player, and a great man.

[@TheBluebirdsBigBand]

I saw Derek & The Dominos . Clapton used a dual Showman head with a Marshall cabinet. I did not see any domes. That one concert was his best playing I’ve heard. Incredibly smooth.

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

Okay a shorter list would be who DIDN'T use JBLS :). Loved the vid.

[@jackstanton9955]

Zach, great video. Don’t forget about the Peavey/ JBL connection in the early session 400s the first year or two they were branded JB Lansing and after that they were actually marked Peavey by JB Lansing. Sounded incredible, but the session 400 kept blowing them up, which led to be developing the black widow.

[@jonnybeck6723]

Thanx Zach... Now I'm pining away for my two D130's from the 70's...

[@robertbaron3242]

I'll add that Terry Kath the original and highly underrated guitarist for Chicago used Fender Showman's with D130F JBL's. I played in bands starting in the mid 60's through the early 70's and JBL was the dominant premium speaker used by most lead, rhythm and bass guitar players. Usually, one had a Fender amp with Jensens because they couldn't afford JBL's but they still coveted them. James B. Lansing created some of the first precision loudspeakers. As you mentioned most (all?) paper cone speakers of that era were stamped steel frames with small voice coils and magnet structures. The critical surfaces of JBL's cast aluminum frames were machined to precise dimensions. The voice coils were 3 inch on the D120F and 4" on the D130 and 140F which was twice the diameter of competitive speakers at the time. JBL also used edge wound ribbon wire in their voice coil windings further aiding in efficiency. Something not mentioned was that JBL also was the dominant studio monitor of that era. When the musicians mentioned by Zac went into the studio to record they usually saw and heard their playback though JBL monitors. When James B. Lansing developed his first 15" coaxial driver (speaker that incorporated both the low and high frequency drivers within the same frame each with it's own voice coil) in the 1940's Bing Crosby was so amazed with the sound of his voice played back though it he insisted on using it for all recording sessions. Great video and a walk through memory lane for me.

[@herringbone72]

Great episode Zac. I think that amp sounds killer with the JBL.

[@skylaneav8r902]

My amp is a Standel 25L15 circuit I had made by a great local amp builder. I looked for months before I found a clean all original D-130 for it. It sounds phenomenal. Although the amp is only 25 watts, it is LOUD. It is also extremely clean all the way up till about 8 or so. I typically play it at 3. In the bedroom about 1. One thing about the D130 is they were widely used as a hi-fi speaker. They are really impressive in that realm. I do think the paper cones sound better than the cloth. I’ve read the copper windings in all the D130s were hand wound which contributed to their high price and eventually their demise. Finally, if you decide to go the 15” JBL route have a strong back. They are heavy!

[@scotthutchens1203]

I was driving down the street one Sunday in the early 90’s and saw one of those notoriously badly designed mid-late 70’s 135 watt Fender Twins at a yard sale for $350 which I bargained down to an even $300. It had orange D120F’s in it. The amp and speakers were really still like new. Original owner told me that especially with the heavier transformers for the 135 watt power section and speakers-it made the amp extra heavy, he stopped using it and got a Music Man leaving the Twin sit. After soldering a broken solder joint on the reverb tank, the amp was fine. The Alnico in JBL’s and Altec’s magnets wear down over time-different examples of ones I have, prove that sound wise-not sure if it’s that “half life” I’ve heard about or speaker vibration or whatever. These in this Twin were showroom new sonically and physically. As far as that weird sound Zac describes that JBL’s make-a local amp builder/tech described it as a “tinking” sound. It think it could be because of the aluminum dust covers. Tapping the dust cover reveals that. As Classic as D120F’s/D130F’s are-they’re not for me, they’re too efficient sounding and of course I don’t like that harshness they have. They’re great for being clean sounding though.

[@marknason4572]

As a massive fan of Chet Atkins and country players in general, I've always been tempted to get something with a JBL-style speaker.

[@Bugg-oc8lj]

Very nice, but I think he left out a couple of things. Dick Dale and Duane Eddie got their big clean sound from JBL speakers and they always gave them credit. JBL speakers used a 4 inch voice coil while, for instance, Jensen used a 1.5 inch coil, Celestion a 1.75 inch. That's a huge mechanical advantage when you're pushing the same sized speaker cones and that's one reason why JBLs are so articulate. Lastly, there was another Lansing company (same guy owned two different companies) called Altec-Lansing. Their speakers were some of the best and also used shiny aluminum dust covers, so they might have been what Zac was seeing, peeking out from behind the grill cloth. My 1967 Twin Reverb has a pair of Altec 417s in it and I think it sounds wonderful. The 417 was Carlos Santana's and Boogie's choice for years.

[@charlespiper9291]

In 72 or 73 I had an Ampeg VT22, blew out the stock speakers 3 times under warranty, finally the store manager sold me 2 JBL K120s. Played that amp for a long time, until I couldn’t carry it any longer. Then I bought a Boogie Mark 2a with a EVM 12 L, had a road crew by then.

[@JS-nf1sn]

Awesome video subject. Having never played through them myself, this is addressing exactly what I've been wondering. You hear so much...

[@ant1sokolow]

About three years ago i snatched a pair of orange D120f Fender/JBL for 49 € in my smalltown in France. That was in a 'pawn shop' (they don't lend money there, just buy and sell..) , they didn't know what they had for sure.. Sold them to a friend for 200 and he was still quite happy of the bargain... The speakers are currently in a 'blackfaced' SF Twin and sounds really nice. And they have that really cool 70' look..

[@tacmason]

OC Modis operandi. It's a sickness a lot of us are working through-that'a why we love you Brother Zac !

[@filtheejoe]

JBL's really make a Marshall shine too. I used an E-130 with a Super Lead for many years with bass and guitars.

[@kennethdismukes1942]

I used two JBL 15” speakers with a 1970 Marshall 100 watt head. That was a great rig.

[@FerdnandFreeholi]

sweet tones. I've always been an EV guy and no matter what other speakers I try, always go back to my EVs.

[@238839]

Still have my JBL E-120 in a 1x12 cab...it is simply an amazing speaker that kicks major butt.

[@scotthutchens1556]

On the way to church one day in the early 90’s, I passed a yard sale with a later 70’s (notoriously badly designed 135 watts spread out over four 6L6 tubes) Fender Twin with orange JBL’s for sale. Went back as soon as church was over and bought the amp. The guy said he bought it new and used it a couple of times and it was just way too heavy. He got a Music Man which was much lighter plus sounded better anyway than the sterile whistle clean master volume gain circuit these amps were known for. These JBL’s were really as close to mint condition as you could get, and the Alnico magnets had not devalued and weakened in sound as Alnico magnets do. Other Alnico magnets speakers (Altecs) I have all sound different because of that. Having bought these, I still never liked efficient speakers like this especially JBL’s in Fender amps, because you hear this raspy “tinking” “scratchy” sound of the aluminum dust covers especially with distortion. I get that country players liked them, back then. I have thought JBL’s are brighter but I suppose it’s because there’s less warm mids. Duane and Dickey’s Marshall’s sounded good with them in the 4x12 cabs especially since they ported them slightly. The repairman I dealt with let me try a pair of D130’s to buy but I decided not to buy them. Wish I had, but bought Altec 15’s and 12’d instead one of which the magnet is weakened and is not a good match for the other one. That raspy tinking sound is evident in this 1967 Tom Rush song and would be worse with more overdrive. open.spotify.com/track/0YB19zeRfNrcmpzh1AYa1i?si=dDr5iUfGS2qHzKuqbQymqA&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A0Adpd728rlzyY0I3WPMOVm

[@SeanAllocca]

The vintage 30 is on sabbatical and my find life in the closet nice and relaxing in comparison life in the '65 DR and decide to spend an extend time there.

[@AskZac]

Sean, I really like the JBL in it.

[@indigoburst]

I've got a '76 Fender Super Six Reverb that came with 6 10 inch Fender branded JBL speakers. Heavy as hell but it screams.

[@stevencancel1727]

Used 2 fender 60's 2/15 d series cabs with my JCM800, now use E120 in my souped up 5881 Princeton Reverb!

[@amoruzz]

There are so many variables when it comes to using JBL's it completely depends on you. They are fantastic in some applications and not so good in others. Guitar's, pickups and amplification. I once seen a 71-72 Twin Reverb with two grey frame D120F's in it and the cab was falling apart, had extra screws and even nails in it just to hold it together, lol. One had a cloth surround and the other had the paper, so one may have been reconed later with the newer surround. Note; if you really like the JBL sound, but find them harsh in various ways, it's important to know that they have aluminum dust covers and this is the huge contributor to what Zac calls "chirp". WeberVST makes a clone with optional dust covers, so you can enjoy that JBL sound tailored to the sound your shooting for.

[@bobbyrobertson8639]

I agree with you. I put a Weber in my deluxe and it has a very "clear" but solid tight bottom end. Unfortunately it's now too heavy for me so it stays at home as I am 83 and no more lugging it around.

[@fiddlefolk]

Reggie Young and a lot of players used the standel and loved it! Did Reggie put a JBL D-120 in his deluxe that ruled the world with his famous tone?

[@AskZac]

An Altec throughout the 60s and 70s. Went to a vintage 30 in the 90s

[@producerman10030]

I had a Fender Twin that I installed Electro Voice EVM 12s. That thing was so heavy it bent the casters on the amp. Later I had a Mess Boogie MKI with a JBL 12 that could peel paint off the back wall. It was like a laser beam. I also way back had a SUNN 1200s with 6 metal center cone 12s that may have been JBL. That amp was so heavy that it affected the rotation of the earth and when I took the amp off of standbys all the lights in the neighborhood dimmed for a split second.

[@bobbyrobertson8639]

Too funny.

[@mohamedtlass3842]

The sound was so powerful it is still traveling through the galaxy

[@christophergallagher531]

Good one Zack. I was hoping to hear you play more. Yup ya left me want'n' more! May be there is a honey moon up the road.

[@AskZac]

More playing next week.

[@KB6YAF]

It all boils down to this.......When asked.."What is the most important part of your instrument?"....the old music teacher replied....."Your Ears"....hence, just listen to your instrument, your amp, your speaker, etc., etc....and let your "EARS" tell you what sound is best,.....not necessarily the brand, the model, etc. Just keeping it real (from this old music teacher). Oh, and thanks Zac for your Fender history lessons!! ......Russell D.

[@richardmerriam7044]

The Showman was named in honor of Dick Dale. With the JBL, he was no longer able to blow up the prototypes that Leo had him road test. I bought a Peavey 1-15" bass cab at a warehouse sale (used) about twenty years ago that had an aluminum dome speaker. I thought it was a cheap knockoff of a JBL. The salesman said the speaker was blown-it wasn't. I got it for $20, took it home and tried it out. There was a rattle inside the cab so I removed the speaker and almost dropped it! It is a mint E140. Some idiot had put a pebble through the port. Gawd, is that speaker heavy! Great video! I've got a copy of the Fender book. I keep it for reference.

[@ScottAnders62]

That speaker sounds great in your Deluxe!

[@briannacery9939]

Put two 12 inch Altec Lansing speakers in my Bandmaster. It sounded good. Solid it to a student at MI.

[@biketopia]

Hi Zac, have a 66-67 Deluxe reverb with Factory upgraded JBL 120E. its very very loud, very heavy and very articulate. I also run a Tl-808 cabinet extension speaker with an ;83 EVM 112s. that brings on more bass and some mids.

[@slickwilly9334]

I use the JBL d-120 speakers as I have been a huge fan of Garcia, Duanne Allman , and Chet Atkins for years.

[@HarkoBarf]

I had two K120's a long time ago in a Bassman style 2x12 cab. I used a early 70s Bassman 100. It sounded big for cleans, but I didn't like the character with overdriven / fuzz tones. Somehow they had some cone cry going on, and I never had that with any other speaker. Also there was debris that got into the magnet vent, but I managed to vacuum clean that out. Anyhow, it's a specific sound that can be great if that is what you're looking for. I thought they sounded best for cleans, but a lot of players have used them with their Marshalls too.

[@thetoneknob4493]

my fav cabinet setup for guitar is one jbl e130 15 inch speaker with two webber dt10 inch speakers with the 15 under the 10s like a mickey mouse shape. jbl. two of those stacked has an enormous sound. way bigger than 412 cabs.

[@briansilcox5720]

Great subject Zac... I have only ever played JBL speakers on Fender Princetons. My 1st amp, a '68 Fender Princeton had D-110F, owned it for +40 yrs. My current Princeton (clone) I built has a K-110. For clean tones, it is a great sound and will teach you to work on technique!

[@AskZac]

Very cool!

[@totallyunmemorable]

I used a JBL 12 in a Deluxe Reverb back in the Eighties. It started making weird noises. I observed that the aluminum dome had a hole in it (where there had once been only a dent), and it then proceeded to tear itself apart. Got weirder with every gig, so I eventually tore off the dome altogether. It looked ugly but I thought at the time that it sounded better. Eventually, I had it and another JBL re-coned with paper domes. I loved 'em. For me the quintessential JBL sound (with aluminum domes) are the solos on the song 'Southbound' from the Allman Brothers 'Brothers and Sisters' album. Dickie has really got the "beer can" sound of those domes goin' on.