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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fivewattworld]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@lifeafterarmy3019]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@angusorvid8840]

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

[@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!

[@dochopper5981]

Been loving this channel! Wanted to say thanks Zac! Great stuff!

[@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!!!

[@JS-nf1sn]

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

[@GTRalso]

Enjoy your show and your playing Zac. Blessings to you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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 👏

[@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.

[@TheGuitologist]

Thanks for the cool videos, Zac.

[@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.

[@jimsalman7257]

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

[@rosslunato8111]

@Don Kanis Please be respectful of the deceased.

[@rosslunato8111]

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

[@andrearecchia8859]

Best sound I have ever heard!

[@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

[@jonnybeck6723]

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

[@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!!)

[@dalehamon4295]

Love this! I’m glad I’m in the Patreon club

[@AskZac]

Thank you, Dale!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@christianhoerold1715]

Another great episode. This 57 Esquire sounds fantastic whatever amp or speaker is used.

[@dannymarks988]

Nice riff off the top. Great history too Zac. Leanring about the JBL spectacular amp. Thanks for all you do.

[@AskZac]

My pleasure!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Great episode!

[@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!

[@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 ...

[@robertmitchell2178]

Great video Zac! There are also a few videos on KZbin with Wes Montgomery and his trusty Standel in the background.

[@paullemieux100]

Love that little ditty you played before you started talking! 🎼🎸🔥

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Zac you're the best man, like an old friend😊

[@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!

[@herringbone72]

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

[@Guitar5986]

Excellent as always Zac!

[@AskZac]

Wow, thanks!

[@guitboy007]

Good topic! Thanks again.😊

[@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...

[@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.

[@Southern.child86]

Headphones on, enjoying this episode, listening more than watching……. I wasn’t ready when you started playing after describing the “chirp”. 😵‍💫😬 But that chirp was glorious!!!! 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@tacmason]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@copperaudio9664]

Good stuff Zac, you sound great, the best I've ever heard you sound with the JBL's. Bright -vs- honest that is the question. A great speaker is honest and gives no quarter. A cheap speaker is bright. The great players thrive on honest and us mortals pair them with Celestion G12M-65 Creambacks. Paring different speakers is worth the time investment if you can swing it. I find the Creambacks make good partners to the JBLs, EVM12Ls, Celestion Gold Alnicos, etc... Thanks for another great show.

[@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

[@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 ".

[@238839]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@h.sinclair]

Zac you sound killin sir.

[@ScottAnders62]

That speaker sounds great in your Deluxe!

[@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!

[@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.

[@voyxu143]

Good info well presented.

[@austinskinner]

The speakers make me think of players that I like and sounds they got that I like. So, that’s the sell to me. Big fan!

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@richardpierce7819]

I like the EV 12L zakk wilde speaker I use them for my Marshall. I did use JBLs when I played down in Fla. Right now I have a celestion cream back in my deluxe reverb.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FerdnandFreeholi]

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

[@Badhands55]

Great video

[@zummo61]

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

[@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.

[@32251]

And the amp sounded twice as good.

[@zummo61]

@@searing7549 this is perhaps the most retarded comment I have ever seen.

[@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.

[@Teleman73]

Harvey Gerst was the man behind the D120s. Dickey Betts, JBLs with a Marshall. Elvin Bishop "Fooled Around And Fell In Love" 50 Watt Marshall into a Fender cab with D130s.

[@justinpedalpusher]

I love my Standel Custom 15. D-130 of course

[@stratocaster1greg]

My Deluxe Reverb has a D-120 JBL and 5992 tubes. I use it to drive my Fender Rhodes rotating speaker that has a JBL. Real cool video Thanks for posting.

[@AskZac]

Very cool!

[@tomcooley3778]

I put one in a B 15 Ampeg and sounded great !

[@brownmonkeybananayellow]

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

[@bobboitt3126]

I had a E-120 JBL in a Marshall Combo that just killed! Back in the 70's.

[@robamaral9089]

Excellent job. !!

[@AskZac]

Thanks Rob!

[@weschilton]

Great video Zach! Hey have you ever played through an Altec Lansing 417 8-H Series II? That's another speaker that a lot of guys in the '80s replaced in their Deluxe Reverbs... including Carlos Santana and Steve Lukather. It has a similar silver cone and cast aluminum frame.

[@jfinester]

I used to have a Kustom K-200 with three 12” Altecs in it. It was a behemoth (but not quite as big as the 3-15” version!) and LOUD!

[@Johngonefishin]

I had a Boogie in the 70's that had one, I hated it, no personality at all, just flat.......