Speaker choice for harp amp (blackface Vibrolux)

[slidincharlie (Carlo P)]

A friend of mine, good and experienced harp player, has used his bf Vibrolux for years. I know that this is not exactly a typical harp amp, but he is happy and he can get a pretty good tone out of it without major squeal (feedback) issues.
Now he needs to replace both speakers because they're blown, and he wonders if alnico speakers would fit his playing better.
He plays mostly in a sort of Kim Wilson style, saturated and compressed.
TIA,

[MWJB]

Some alnicos can sound great in a 4X10" for harp, I particularly like the Eminence 102s (not that thery sound much like any other alnicos that I've heard - but might be worth a try, I have a pair in a 2x10", John Kinder uses them in his 2x10" harp amp too), but I would generally tend to stick to ceramics in a 2x10". The Kendrick blackframes are great & would be my first choice, Eminence Alphas are warm, can be a little dark but usually can cut enough in a 2x10".

Avoid the Jensen P10Rs.

I'm not sure that there's any speaker that you can specifically attribute to the Kim Wilson sound/style. :-)

[Jaybird]

I agree with MWJB on the choice of a ceramic for use with harp. After going through many types of speakers I have decided that a ceramic speaer gives me the fullest, richest, warm sound that I seek in a harp amp. I have put the Weber Vintage series in all of my harp amps. Using a smooth cone speaker also will give you a nice smooth breakup and warm tone. Ted at Weber speakers is always willing to reply promptly to any questions you may have, and give good recommendations for your needs.

[slidincharlie (Carlo P)]

Thank you guys.
In my mind I have always associated alnico speakers with smoother, warmer and crunchier tone... I have clearly very poor experience with speakers...

[Jaybird]

Originally Posted by slidincharlie (Carlo P)

Thank you guys.
In my mind I have always associated alnico speakers with smoother, warmer and crunchier tone... I have clearly very poor experience with speakers...

Speaker choice is always a subjective and personal one. I believe when used with a guitar , your evaluatin of the AlNico is one I share. However when the harp is used, I vote for the ceramic every time. More robust and not too brassy. The bass comes through more efficiently to my ear, and the fullness of sound is more present.

[jrfrond]

I like Jensen C10Q's in that application. The early breakup Jensen tone just works so well with harp.

[slidincharlie (Carlo P)]

Originally Posted by jrfrond

I like Jensen C10Q's in that application. The early breakup Jensen tone just works so well with harp.

John, do you mean reissue Jensens?

[Alex R]

I'm with MWJB on Eminence Alphas for harp. Thick fat bottom end from these not particularly coloured speakers. Cheap too. Mix one with an alnico Weber sig.

[SatchmoeddieII]

Eminence speakers really leave me flat. I am not even a huge fan of Chinese Celestions, but they sound better than lots of other stuff. The Weber is a great choice as would be a Jensen alnico, or Warehouse even, but harp amps are quite different than a guitar amp. I foud that when I used the reject caps from a batch of wax paper and foil caps I bought on eBay from Russia the muddier sound, and an old Wurlitzer made by Magnivox alnico seemed to please everyone involved. I used a 6V6 class AB made with old trannys from an organ on one, and an actual old Thomas 6V6 organ amp rewired on the other. I have my own special criteria when it comes to using old organ parts. A 30 watt 6L6 is not a good choice. For speakers I have always had the best results with alnicos for harp amps. They seem to bring out more warmth roundness, and pleasant overtones than a ceramic. This is especially true when using an old school crystal microphone. My last 2 harp amps came with mics I made from NOS parts.