Jensen Speakers presents: The Blackbird 40. A new 12" AlNiCo guitar speaker in the Jet Series!

The Jensen Blackbird 40 is a completely new 40W speaker, with a 1.25” (32mm) copper-wound voice coil and a Reinforced AlNiCo magnet in the classic “horseshoe” format.
www.sica.it/en/product/jet/p-...
www.jensentone.com/jet-series...
Follow us on / jensenspeakers
/ jensenloudspeakers
--- --- ---
The development of the Blackbird 40 focused on achieving the classic vintage character and chime, and to offer a significantly increased sensitivity and a stronger magnet engine to achieve a more powerful and firmer bass response. This makes the speaker perfectly suitable for more modern applications, including higher gain and overdriven tones.
The Blackbird 40 delivers all the classic, unmistakable voice of a Jensen AlNiCo speaker supported by a stronger, firmer foundation that reinforces the bass range, making it a highly recommended upgrade for either a classic vintage amplifier and a new modern, more versatile amplifier.
The Blackbird 40 will be available soon with a Suggested Retail Price of US$195.00 - €165.00.
--- --- ---
Guitars, Pedals & Amps:
Fender Stratocaster Custom Shop 2017 Namm LTD www.fender.com
Collings Guitars I-35 LC www.collingsguitars.com/elect...
MusicMan Axis Hardtail www.music-man.com
Custom Tone Inc. Ethos Overdrive & TWE-1 www.customtonesinc.com/preamp...
MESA/Boogie California Tweed 6V6 4:Forty www.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers...
Fender Princeton Reverb (1965) www.fender.com
THD Univalve www.thdelectronics.com/product...
--- --- ---
CREDITS:
Video & Audio Recorded at: Audio Network Technology - www.audionetwork.it
Recording Engineer: Damiano Roberto Pinazza
Microphones: Schoeps Colette CMC6U/MK4 - www.schoeps.de/en/products/co...
Mic Preamp: Millennia Media HV-3C - www.mil-media.com/HV-3C.html
Created by Massimo Viscardi @maxidrone
Operator: Walter Cerutti

[@soundofbluesthing]

I bought this speaker this week. Awesome!

[@HomoChomsky]

That's incredible! I bought a Blackbird 100 that ended up being my favorite speaker ever, and I was looking for a similar but lighter one for a small combo. Thank you for this release.

[@danielcgomez]

That speaker sounds fantastic!

[@BobsToneReview]

Great tones! My favorite combination is with Collings semiacoustic and Mesa/Boogie California Tweed. Keep up the great work!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Thank you Bob... sure the Blackbird 40 is a lovely speaker, but as you mentioned, that Collings and the Cali Tweed are just magic together!

[@peterm3964]

The GREAT early blues tones were made with small amps tearing their speakers a new one For RECORDED tones small amps are nearly always gonna give you more guitar tone . I use Jensen alnico 12 inch 40watt speakers and they are great when you hit em with lots of small wattage . Good review recommend these speakers .

[@MrBrungers]

Got it today and it already sounds great!! Very lightweight but powerful 💪 Thanks for building such a great speaker 🔈

[@charlesgwyn2115]

Got mine last week - very "present" and in your face speaker. I like it. I have it in a 2 x 12 cab with a celestion blue and that's a great vintage mix. It's also loud compared to comparable speakers, which I did not expect... (sensitivity at 96 db). I prefer the old 2 6L6 Fender sound with just a touch of dirt. Blackbird 40 is a great speaker for that sound.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

This is SO good to hear! Thank you for your feedback and for being part of the Jensen family of players!

[@Trenchant463]

Excellent overview!!

[@felice8532]

This seems the most versatile speaker ever, I must have one!

[@dafxtone]

Lovely !

[@Cheguebuddha]

Im already happy with my Jensen Blackbird 100 and Im sure this one would also fit me very well!

[@Cheguebuddha]

I now also have the P12R as well and am very happy with the way it breaks up! Sooooo crunchy! :D Love it! Long live Jensen!

[@Retro.Studio]

Would love to install this Jensen in my Blues Junior!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Well, it might well be a great combination! Depending on what speaker you have in your Blues Jr, there might be some interesting differences. As an example, some Blues Jr versions come stock with a Jensen C12N; with the BB40 you'll likely get a bit more "tweed" style midrange, and possibly a sweeter top end. Other Blues Jr amps come with a Celestion Type A, that is a nice all-around, modern voiced american speaker. In such case, the BB40 will sound more "vintage", a bit rawer maybe, with a stronger "personality". It's really a matter of personal taste!

[@dannydavidson1667]

Awesome demo! Please make a MOD series demo! Showcase all of the variations especially the 12-110. I bet it’s a monster.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Thank you!!! We have more demos planned… stay tuned :)

[@jmsamborski]

Awesome, I'll be buying 2 as soon as they're out!

[@MrRockinguitar]

Mid-Feb.......

[@jmsamborski]

@@MrRockinguitar Jensen told me early spring in the states, so I just ordered from Germany. Got my set last week.

[@MrRockinguitar]

@@jmsamborski ..... Thank you for taking the time to let me know, much appreciated ! What are your initial thought's about your new speakers ?

[@jmsamborski]

@@MrRockinguitar They are what they advertised, which is to say a Jensen style speaker that has a tight bass response. I've always liked the Jensen sound but felt they couldn't handle heavier music which I play about half the time. These hold up well, even in all out fuzz land. Definitely keeping them.

[@jmsamborski]

Additional note, these are very bright speakers, to be expected considering they said they're based on the p12q. I'm blending them in a dual amp stereo rig with dark speakers in the other cab so it balances out really well and does what I wanted. If I was only running 1 amp , I would prefer the Jensen Blackbird 100 which is very warm and full.

[@bcguitarteacher7328]

Love my P12N

[@colejustesen]

I just placed an order for this speaker from Tube Amp Doctor to pair up with a Brownface 6G2 cloned head. I am going to be putting this in a 1x12 cab. I am excited to try this out, as it sounds so good!

[@singletonepickups]

What do you think of the 40 with the 6G2?

[@colejustesen]

@@singletonepickups I liked it, but it was a bit tighter responding than I anticipated. It was chimey and fairly full bass (which is probably increased due to the 1x12 being ported). This was the first alnico speaker I have tried and I was left with the impression that it felt a lot like a ceramic speaker. I replaced it with a Jensen Falcon 50, which I feel works better for what I wanted from the amp. It is a cool speaker, and I could see it working well with a warm sounding amp.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@colejustesen Well, the Falcon 50 is "significantly" fatter and warmer than the BB40, with a LOT more bass and low midrange, and less "open" in the top end. Depending on touch, guitars, pedals, etc. it might fit very well... you know, my "clear" may become your "harsh" and my "fat" may become your "loose". Ultimately, it's all about the whole rig, the player, the taste :)

[@colejustesen]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos that is what I found, and it worked better for me with the guitars and amp I was running through it. I still think the BB40 is a great sounding speaker, like the majority of Jensen speakers I have bought.

[@MrRockinguitar]

I'm In !!!!!!! Posted to my Facebook.......

[@frankdou4132]

please make a demo with a deluxe-reverb, a tweed deluxe, and maybe a princeton reverb, as I think this speaker could be perfect for fender amps. also show sounds from clean to full-out on the amp. very interested in buying one (or two... :o)). ps: please do a jet series 8" speaker with 4ohms. maybe one ceramic, and one alnico?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello Frank! Thanks for joining in! For your info, when the Strat is playing in the video, it's amped by a 1965 Princeton Reverb... And we totally agree, it sounds awesome with those kind of amps. When the Collings is played, the amp is the MESA/Boogie California Tweed, a 4x6V6 amp, sort of a Deluxe on steroids, say 70% tweed and 30% blackface. So you can definitively relate to those tones! 8" in 4Ohm... we may consider, it really depends on the demand from the market... let's see!

[@colejustesen]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos thanks for the information! I was looking at putting this in a ported 1x12 to pair with my Brownface Princeton 6G2 circuit. I am pretty certain that this will be the speaker I choose after listening.

[@tubeworkshop]

I really have to test this speaker in my amps to see if it can beat my current favourite the Tornado Stealth 65W... thanks Ignazio!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Thank you! They are a bit different. The BB40 will likely present more "sparkling" trebles, and a firmer bass range, in general terms. Then the midrange will have a more "American" character, as the Tornado 65 has a 1 3/4" (44mm) diameter voice coil, that is the "classic" British voiced VC. All in all, two of my favorites in the range, but I admit being obviously partial to them 😁

[@tubeworkshop]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos As always: Thanks for your passion and help! Ordered a BB40 from Tube Amp Doctor for testing... ;-)

[@robertstonecipher6431]

IGNAZIO VAGNONE Hey you guys I know I told one of your field agents i think he was a field agent recorded me a long time ago at a music store in omaha nebraska and I remember he first recorded me then said its got to be a little longer so I played it again he said i got it he said he worked for Jensen I was playing threw a amplifyer with jensen speakers well he walked to the other side of the room and went threw a door and was gone for a little wile wen he did finally come out I said he dude I can do it better one more time so he came over and recorded me one more time and I never saw him again . sorry it took so long to say thank you guys at Jensen you still use that recording on your demonstration sounds for your speakers its the metal one i was playing a ESP LTD Gary Holt 600 the single cut away LP style guitar tuned down a bit of cource I just wanted to say thank you guys a Jensen for useing that recording of me I think that is so cool I tell my friends and I dont think they belive me but I remember that day and what a killer guitar that is and damb that speaker in that amp was incredible well thanks to you all at jensen my blackbird 100 is sounding so good scence its broke in now Rock On

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hey, what a great message! Thank you for allowing us to have your playing in our website!!! So glad you like your BB100! Rock on!

[@boboutelama5748]

The blackbird is a very strange speaker, but I like him a lot. Hope it sticks around.

[@randyallen5382]

So I've got a Boogie California Tweed and I've decided it's more fun to play in a combo. So I see the basic same combo behind him in this demo, with the red light on as if thats what he's plugged into... but where are the mics?? Is this amp plugged directly into an interface bypassing the speaker altogether?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello Randy, you can hear the Cali Tweed when I play the red Collings I35LC semi-hollow guitar. The amp drives a separate Jensen Demo 1x12 cab, sitting below the Princeton Reverb amp: it's a half open back, loaded with the Blackbird 40. That cab is mic'd up by a Shoeps Colette CMC6U/MK4 small diaphragm studio condenser mic. I decided to connect all three amps to the same cab, via a Kahayan Audio switcher (capable of managing 8 amps and 4 cabs), in order to have 100% consistency among the different tones. So either the vintage Princeton Reverb (used when I play the Strat) and the THD Univalve ( used when i play the MusicMan) are routed to the same cab. No IR, emulation, profiling or modeling, and not even post production have been added to the tone, if not for a little of ambient. What you hear is exactly what happened in the recording studio. :)

[@gregoryhall3156]

Would love to see this new speaker in demos with the Fender 65 Princeton Reverb reissue and Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb reissue amps--especially the Princeton Reverb--would love to see this new speaker compared to a traditional Jensen P12Q speaker that can be found in current Fender PR issued amps with factory 12 inch Jensen speakers. Really want to know how these compare in terms of traditional sparkly Fender blackface clean sounds along with tone achieved with natural amp breakup at higher volumes--and how this new speaker also reacts with gain pedal in Fender 65 PRRI and 65 DRRI amps. I have been strongly looking at buying a new Fender 65 Princeton Reverb RI with 12 inch speaker and have been debating over buying one with 12 inch Jensen P12Q vs some of the other current offerings (Celestion Blue Alnico, Celestion G12h-65, Celestion Greenback)--don't really want to give up the classic sparkly Princeton BF clean sound, but would like for the amp to have a bit more capability in midrange punch and tight bottom end, especially at breakup volumes or with a gain pedal. Not interested in 68 PRRI because of lower headroom of cleans and faster breakup--I still want that classic 60s Fender PR clean sound as much as I can have--but have the amp handle gain/distortion better without flubbing out at higher volumes.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello Gregory! Well, all tracks in this video played with the Strat are powered by my 1965 (original) Princeton Reverb (AA764 circuit), that has been modded with a plywood baffle to host 12" speakers. Comparing the Blackbird 40 with the P12Q: slightly smoother in the upper midrange, with the presence peak shifted a little higher (3-4kHz) than the P12Q that peaks at 2kHz. A bit more extended in the top end. A more solid, firm and powerful bass range, because of the 30% stronger "Reinforced AlNiCo" magnet. I really like the Celestion G12H-65 and the Greenback, and they sound nice with with Fender Blackface amps in general, BUT you will give away the classic sparkly american tone, and gain some of the typical british midrange aggression. Not a bad thing, but different. Being about 3dB more efficient than the P12Q, the BB40 will give you substantially more clean headroom. Hope this helps!

[@ivan_emege]

Recently I’ve put the BB40 in my ‘62 Princeton Chris Stapleton and, man, sounds amazing, even better than the factory custom Eminence (a monster of speaker, 101db and weights 5kg!). I’m very happy with it. It’s something like a bold P12Q. Two things: the BB40 mounting holes fits very very tight in the bafle screws, they need more room; and the Jensen sticker came very scratched (no spare stickers available?)

[@bcguitarteacher7328]

Would love to hear it paired with the P12n - I have the P12n with my early Marshall clone.

[@harounel-poussah6936]

P12 is really what you want with old-school Fender combos : Blues Deluxe, Vibroverb, etc.

[@drakeallen3501]

thanks for this informative video. would be nice paired with a 5 watt head

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Well, you heard it paired with a 1965 Princeton Reverb, about 15W (all Strat tones), with a 40W MESA/Boogie California Tweed (All Collings I-35LC tones) and with a THD Univelve with a single EL34, about 6W (All MusicMan Axis tones, including the outro...) :) Pretty good, huh?

[@carlhuffman6792]

I might get your new 10”inch but would really like to see more reviews and more reviews of the p10rf as well is the p10rf better with dirt than the p10r? I’m stuck on the sparkle of the p10r thanks for all you do great products imho

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Replaced all my Fender combo speakers with new alnico Jensens....and after a few hours of dedicated intense use they eventually "open up" and begin to bring a smile to your face. , amps thst I was going to get rid if have now become irreplacable to me.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

So glad they worked fine for you! I'd love to know more - which amps, which speaker models... It's always great to share information among the community! Thank you!

[@romperdep]

A new jet to look forward to.....

[@BrendaEM]

Dear Jensen, Have you experimented with adding a whizzer-cone to such a speaker? BTW, I still wish the color was blue-green, as it should be. : ) The portable transmission-line cabinet is designed and more than half-way done. It may be the very first transmission-line guitar speaker cabinet. : )

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Well, we did not, at least on this speaker. Our factory manufactures a wide range of OEM dual-cone speakers for PA, FRFR, and acoustic instruments amps, and for such applications, this solution works fine. It is a relatively simple and inconspicuous way to extend the frequency response of a speaker well above 12, sometimes up to 16kHz, v/s the usual 5-6kHz of a guitar speaker. For an electric guitar speaker this extended range is not really useful, unless for super, pristine clean tones, almost "direct to desk". It does not sound truly pleasant for any pushed, crunch or lead tone. Too much energy in the trebles, resulting in a hard, abrasive sound, as it pushes forward the added harmonics generated by a overdrive amp channel or by pedals. So, we don't think it has a proper application for a guitar speaker. About the color... our vintage reissue speakers obviously retain the blue-green basket color. We wanted a more modern look for our contemporary, original speakers as the Blackbird is, hence the satin black finish. And finally, very curious to hear the transmission-line speaker you're working on! Keep us posted! Thank you!

[@BrendaEM]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos ? Thank you for taking the time for the reply.

[@curtahnlund3758]

Just ordered one....

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Very glad to hear about it... Get in contact with us on facebook or instagram, we'll be glad sharing your experience with the Blackbird 40!

[@Elaleyelunivese]

Hi!, very nice demo.Could I use one of this beauty on my Fender Princeton Reverb?. Cheers from Chile!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Thank you, glad you liked the tones. About using the Blackbird 40 speaker in a Princeton Reverb, you have to consider it's a 12" speaker. Nearly all variations of the Princeton Reverb amps generally use a 10" speaker. You would need to change the speaker baffle, and get one with the larger hole to host a 12". Exactly what I did! OF course it will sound great with your amp... that's what I have used with the Strat in the video!

[@samuelmorales9657]

How can I make the purchase for the speaker? I want to get it for my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. When I go to the Jensen website it only shows me the description, it doesn't tell me where to get it...

[@samuelmorales9657]

Sorry spoke to soon!!! It will be out before the en of the year. Well I play guitar in a Spanish church, that means that while some days I will be playing lead guitar and some other days I will be strumming my electric guitar. And I like how it sounded on this video. Wen he was doing that light strumming. I need that.

[@Ukwahguy]

I want 2 right now! Who’s stocking these in the UK??

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello, and thanks for your interest! The Jensen Blackbird 40 is brand new, just announced yesterday. It is open for preorders at our good friends www.hotroxuk.com/ - check out with them! The speaker will be available in a few weeks from now, hopefully some units before the end of the year!

[@raulgrangeiro]

Ignazio, would you help me with an info about a Jensen C10Q? I have here a speaker with the Serial number 2200016, which means it was made in 2000 year. I was looking for the specs of it and found a spec list saying it has 95,2dB SPL and the nowadays info in the Jensen's website says it has 94,7dB SPL. The sticker behind the speaker says the Jensen was part of the Recoton Corporation at that time. Do you know which info is correct for this Jensen?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello Raul! That is correct, you have a 2000 C10Q. A pretty early one, we just started the reissue of the Vintage series in those days. About the specs, once we fix the set of specs for a given model, we don't change them. If we do, we would change the model number. This may happen on a new/original speaker, but not on a vintage reissue. So, your C10Q is built with the same set of components of the current production ones. Nothing has changed. What has changed is the measurement procedure and the environment. We renewed our anechoic chamber in the factory and upgraded our equipment in the course of the last few years, and "any" change in the processing chain may determine a slight change in the results of the measurements. -0,5dB difference is honestly negligible, as an average sensitivity data. I would not worry at all if I needed to mix and match your C10Q with one or more brand new ones in a 2x10 or 4x10 guitar cab, after having played the new ones for - say - 20/30 hours to break them in. You can see the details of our measurement system here: www.jensentone.com/what-is-frequency-response-chart and download the spec sheet of the C10Q here sica.it/prodotto/c-10-q/ Hope this helps!

[@raulgrangeiro]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos Ignazio, you helped me a lot now. Thank you so much for this answer. Now I know it is the same as new ones. God bless you, friend!

[@raulgrangeiro]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos Ignazio, I would like to thank you for making such a good speaker. It sounds awesome. God bless you!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@raulgrangeiro Thank you! It is SO rewarding to hear you're happy with it!

[@davedaveleadguitar]

How does the BB 40 compare to its big brother BB 100W? similar frequency response?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello, it shares part of the “voicing” process, enough to put it in the same “sound family”. However, the technical differences are quite relevant. The most influential on the tone of the speaker is the much smaller voice coil. The BB40 has. a 32mm (1 1/4”) voice coil, while the BB100 has a 50mm (2”). This gives the BB40 a more present tone in the high-mid range. The BB100 is smoother in that area. The BB40 bass is tighter, while the BB100 is fatter…. . So in general they are not two identical speakers,just with a different power rating. The BB40 may be more snappy and “forward” while the BB100 may be more “elegant” and relaxed, if this descriptions may make some sense :)

[@davedaveleadguitar]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos your reply satisfies my curiosity, Thank you. I recently had the privilege of trying out the BB 100 and and after watching this video i'm interested in the lower wattage bb40 for an application. The BB100 is so different in tone, feel and warmth from any other speaker i have tried, way different in a positive way, I'm hoping the BB40 would still be able to achieve similar results. Good luck with this new speaker!!

[@antonix_81]

come sono confrontati con i c12n e q? soprattutto sulle alte e midrange ? grazie

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Buongiorno! Allora, partendo dai bassi profondi, il C12N è il più asciutto e il C12Q il più "morbido". Il BB40 è il più performante, nel senso che ha sia profondità che fermezza, quindi è particolarmente solido e "tight" per essere un altoparlante "vintage voiced". Il mediobasso è simile tra tutti e tre, nella zona da 160Hz fino a 1kHz. Il C12Q è il meno efficiente dei tre. Le grosse differenze sono sugli alti. Il C12Q ha il suo picco a 2kHz e poi la risposta cala in maniera sensibile, nel senso che a 5kHz la curva è oltre 20dB sotto il picco dei 2kHz. Anche il C12N ha il picco a 2kHz, ma poi scende in modo molto più dolce. A 5kHz la curva è calata solo di 10dB. È sicuramente quello dei tre con la risposta in frequenza più estesa. Il BB40 è circa in mezzo ai due. Il suo picco è lievemente più in alto, attorno ai 2.5kHz e poi scende con una bella regolarità, non così rapidamente come il C12Q ma non è così "aperto" come il C12N. Tutto questo cosa significa in termini di suono? Secondo la nostra esperienza, più l'altoparlante è aperto in alto, più avrà ricchezza e freschezza con i suoni puliti, ma più sarà difficile farlo suonare bene con suoni high-gain, proprio perché la distorsione genera armoniche alte in quantità industriale, e se l'altoparlante è molto chiaro, si rischia un suono molto aggressivo. Certamente il C12Q sarà il più "facile" da accoppiare con pedali (o ampli) aggressivi. Ancora una volta, il BB40 è a metà strada, mentre con il C12N si ottengono suoni distorti bellissimi, ma ci vuole un po' di accuratezza e cautela nelle regolazioni di ampli e pedali. Consiglio di confrontare gli altoparlanti usando il nostro player, qui: sica.it/demo/ Il BB40 non è ancora stato integrato nel player, ma se si carica il P12Q, non si va molto lontano, è il più simile al BB40. Per guardare e confrontare le risposte in frequenza, si possono visualizzare tutte qui: www.jensentone.com/frequency-response-comparison Spero che questa risposta sia utile! Non esiti a contattarmi se vuole ulteriori dettagli! Ignazio Vagnone - [e-mail]

[@antonix_81]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos grazie tante per la risposta , do un'occhiata sul sito! mi trovo molto bene con il c10q , che presumo sia simile in risposta al c12q , al momento sto usando dei vecchi anni 80 g12t75 ma non sono soddisfatto al 100% perchè appunto manca quel grit e apertura che hanno i jensen , quindi penso che i blackbird sono degli ottimi candidati , pensavo anche ai c12n per via della potenza , l'ampli è una variazione del 5f8a , quindi non così tanti medio alti come una plexi e molta pancia, quindi penso mi serva qualcosa di un pò più aperto come suono , grazie tante per i consigli

[@thetheoryguy5544]

Wow I'm happy I stumbled across the website and found this speaker! I'll be building a 6G3 amp kit very soon and was looking for a speaker that would complement it. I think this resembles a modern day Oxford 12K5-3 that came in those Brownface deluxe amps. Think the amp is rated 15 to 20 watts, I remembered hearing get a speaker at least twice the watts of the amp so 40watts is perfect range. I'm looking for those classic sparkly fender cleans at lower volumes but crunchy velvety breakup once I crank it. Do you think this speaker will be a good fit for what I'm looking for? I've looked at all types of other options but this one I get the feeling that it will be like peanut butter and jelly with the 6G3.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello! Glad you liked the Blackbird 40! We do think it could be a great match for your amp kit. The BB40 retaines the classic sparkly Fender tones, but paired with a stronger, firmer foundation in the bass range, to have more "body" to the notes. The 6G3 will deliver aggression when pushed, and the BB40 will translate it to your audience, pretty certain you will love it. Have fun, and once completed, post your video on our @jensenspeakers facebook page! Have fun with your build!

[@thetheoryguy5544]

​@@JensenSpeakersVideos Thank you so much for your reply. I can't wait either! Btw will these be available in January sometime? My kit will take 2 to 3 weeks to get here I saw the price of this speaker is $195 correct?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@thetheoryguy5544 Yes, correct. If all things with the shipping companies will be OK in such difficult times, I would believe you will be able to get your speaker by the end of January. However, I would recommend to pre-order it, as the demand is very high!

[@thetheoryguy5544]

@@JensenSpeakersVideosYeah it sucks, hope it all works out. Any links where I can preorder?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@thetheoryguy5544 Check the www.amplifiedparts.com/ site, it's one of the web sites of our US distributor. The BB40 is not up there yet, not being available, but get in touch with them... :)

[@nelsonasolo]

I have a Vox AC30 CC2 with 2 wharfedale speakers and I wanted to replace them ... Can these Blackbird 40 compare to Celestion Alnico Blue?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello Nelson. It certainly does, they are in the same league (top league!). Note that a) the Jensen BB40 is a 40W speaker, so two of them can take the punishment from the 30W Class A Cathode Biased output stage of the Vox, very, very easily. The Celestion Blue is a 15W speaker. If you plan to play your AC30 really loud, you might be getting close to the danger zone. b) The Celestion speakers (nearly all of them) have a 44mm (1,75") diameter voice coil that is a key ingredient to the British tone, and classic for the AC30. The BB40 has a 38mm (1,25") diameter voice coil, that give a different color to the midrange. Yes it works great with both cleans, crunch, fuzz and classic rock gain, but the flavor will be different. More "Led Zeppelin" than "Rory Gallagher", maybe... Hope this helps! You can check the tones from the BB40 here: www.jensentone.com/jet-series/12-blackbird-40 and my demo video in the same page. Have fun!

[@nelsonasolo]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos Many thanks for the reply. Jensen P12R is a 25w speaker, maybe it is a better option for my Vox AC30 ...

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@nelsonasolo to be honest I don't think so. It's very bright. IT works great with tweed style amps, and pine cabs with floating baffles. An AC30 is VERY different, much brighter circuit and with a much less resonant cabinet build. I would NOT recommend this match, in all openness. Of all AlNiCo speakers we have, the BB40 is certainly the one that fits the best.

[@nelsonasolo]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos OK, thanks for the advice.

[@Bob.Silverstein]

Great video but if you're gonna play If It Makes You Happy, you need to play in open G tuning :)

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hey, totally correct..., and you'd also need a Tele... But, hey, I really did not want to mess up with the setup of my floatin' strat bridge, and after all, it didn't turn out "that" bad :)

[@BrendaEM]

Dear Jensen, I bought one of your Blackbird 40, 12" speakers. I am designing and building a custom transmission-line cabinet for it. I know that these cones/spider were really meant to run open-baffle. There is more bass to be had by keeping the backwave from meeting the front, but I don't think either a sealed or ported enclosure would work as well. I am still looking forward to hearing it, but spec and purpose, The Blackbird 40 is exactly what I want: vintage voice with a fortified bottom end, BUT it is saddening that the speaker is not the proper green color. I understand your position; you either had to: make a vintage speaker for the Jet line, or make a Jet speaker for the vintage people. Please change the color to the same as the P12Q, or at least most of it, say, except for the special magnet, which could be a nice gold color. Thank you for shipping the sticker separately. And don't you think it's time to reintroduce the mighty Jensen G610 triaxial driver? img.usaudiomart.com/uploads/large/2046503-7223791b-jensen-g610b-15-triaxial-3way-ultra-high-fidelity-vintage-speaker-v22-rp302.jpg The original G610 drivers now cost $2,500 to $5,000/each. The 15" driver cones you have may be similar to the original, leaving the basket, which would need to be cast, the spider which you have on hand, the bell cover which can be the same one you use, plated with something goldish like TiN or perhaps even yellow zinc, and the crossover, which can be much smaller now, or not included. If you have an old, bare G610 basket to loan me, I can draw the casting in Rhino 3D for you, for casting, but I am going to need a pair of drivers after : ) The reintroduced Jensen G610 would have a classic cone and surround materials. Perhaps the cones from the P15N/C15K could work for the G610. The G610, being a triaxial full-range driver may work well for music creation applications as well as music reproduction. It may make a exceptional acoustic guitar speaker. Some bass players use tweeters, too. From the same basket, coaxial magnet, and tweeter bracket design, your could also introduce the G610p for public-address and sound reinforcement applications, with a modern paper cone with a doped surround. Perhaps the Mod-15 or BS-15N cone would work for the G610p. A triaxial driver might allow a greater density of speakers for a given cabinet because compression drivers needn't be mounted in separate horns. With the same basket, a G611 triaxial full-ranged speaker for audiophile use could be made, with butyl rubber surround and a stiffer cone. Even unaltered, the original 1950s basic is a good design. It appears to be stiff, with consideration of reflective/diffractive surfaces. Lastly, with the same basket, and a uncored magnet assembly, the basket could be used to expand your bass speaker lineup.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Hello, Ignazio here; thanks for being part of the Jensen family. We totally appreciate this kind of feedback, it is super interesting. Here are our thoughts about your comments: 1) Agree that this kind of speaker usually finds the best tones in open-back cabs, maybe lightweight, responsive cabs, maybe even with floating baffles. We like them best in those cabs than in closed backs. A well-calculated and engineered ported box will however sound really good. Never tried a proper transmission line, simply because no one of our industrial customers ever asked. It's probably because of the potentially large size of such a cab, while in today's market, the requirements are for cabinets to be as small and light as possible. 2) The choice of color of the basket. A loooong time ago, we made the decision to use the green color for the Vintage series, and the satin black for any speaker that was not a vintage speaker reissue. Therefore the Blackbird has to have the Jensen Jet color scheme. We need to keep the two product families each with its own, clear identity. 3) Non-guitar products (triax G610). That is SUCH a great design and a great sounding speaker. But anything that is "not" guitar or bass is not (and won't be) in the future of our Jensen development. There is a complex frame of agreements that we have set, and focusing exclusively on the guitar/bass products is a definite road map. Thanks once again! All the best!

[@BrendaEM]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos , If someone else made something like it, there would be no hard feelings or litigation, then?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

​@@BrendaEM assuming you are talking about recreating the Triax G610: we do not represent the ownership of the "global" Jensen brand, which works/has worked in many other fields, from Hifi to Sound Reinforcement, to Automotive to Marine audio. We only work in our field, speakers for guitar/bass amplification. There could be no hard feelings or litigation with US, Sica Altoparlanti, the maker of Jensen Speakers for guitar and bass. I cannot speak for any other entities in the Jensen world. However, in broad terms, someone simply should not use other companies' intellectual properties, trademarks, brand names, image, and should not infringe any patent etc... These are the basic rules all should comply with.

[@brandonholguin2872]

Will Jensen be making a 15" Blackbird with a higher rated power, say 50-100 watts?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

That's a nice idea... Let us work on the feasibility of this, and check potential demand!

[@brandonholguin2872]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos Thanks for the quick reply! Hope there is enough demand to make it feasible.

[@emanoelraiffnobrega7419]

I would love a 40 Watt 15” alnico with lots of fat low end, mids at the very up side (flat) and minimum bright in high end, but with early break up.

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@emanoelraiffnobrega7419 You may want to check the P15N... it's pretty close to your description! www.jensentone.com/vintage-alnico/p15n-no-bell

[@Ollonskog]

Oooh yes, a 15" Blackbird, please!!

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Which 10’’ speaker in your range has the most low end?

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

I would believe the Falcon 10 (used by Greg Koch for his signature amp), and the Blackbird 10... Hope this helps!

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos thanks 🤘

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@Booneville2024 Thank you! We love the Falcon 10 too! It has an almost magic mix of vintage warmth and modern bite... I often use a 2x10 cab with them and it's brilliant!

[@przecpany]

Dear ignazio, which one for metal? Slayerrrr

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

In order, from the warmest/midrange focused, to the most extreme - scooped, I would recommend: - N12/65 TR Stealth - Tornado 65 Stealth - C12/100 RT - Raptor - C12/75 NH - Nighthawk - C12/70 EL - Electric Lightning - N12/80 TR Stealth - Tornado 80 Stealth

[@przecpany]

@@JensenSpeakersVideos wow, and that is an aswer. Thanks a lot, all the best

[@sallucido7859]

Terrific demonstration, very versatile speakers. Great for blues, rock and metal. You can't ask for more. Great guitar playing too!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

@@sallucido7859 THANK YOU!!! It means a lot comin' from you!

[@robertstonecipher6431]

I put a blackbird 100 in my boss katana and im no longer trying to sound like a marshall a marshall is trying to sound as good as me !!!!!!!

[@JensenSpeakersVideos]

Haha, that’s a great one!!!

[@robertstonecipher6431]

This Blackbird 100 is fantastic in my Katana mk2 i usually have it on the 50 watt setting on the amp i know its a 100 watt speaker but can it take what ever i can throw at it on the 100 watt setting cuz i dont want it to blow I dont want to hurt it ?

[@IgnazioVagnone]

@@robertstonecipher6431 No probs, push it as hard as you want... I yet have to see a blown Blackbird 100...

[@Faydit212]

Does not really convince me very much. Sounds too thin and too shrill for my taste. Like almost every other Jensen.

[@5barkerstreet]

The 40 sucks cheep