65 Showman 15 Tone Ring Breakup JBass

[Tcheairs]

I have (inadvertently) become a collector of older Fender amps. I recently acquired a 65 Showman piggyback with an original 65 tone ring cabinet. A JBL K130 in installed. At any volume level over 4, I run completely out of headroom. Everything in the cabinet appears to be tight, so I don't think the cabinet is rattling. Is it possible that a JBL k 140 or D 140 would carry the load of my Jazz bass and allow me to gig with it in small venues? When I plug in my SWR Son of Berta extension cabinet to the amp head, the sound is very clean and strong. Is it possible that the Showman cabinet (ported via the tone ring) is just not going to be a good bass guitar setup? (By the way, I also own a 6L6 early Bassman piggyback and it rattles at any volume)..T

Thanks for your comments..Tcheairs

[TN WOODMAN]

I'm a huge Fender lover-guitars, basses and amps-but I'm convinced the early stuff makes for a great guitar rig, not so much for bass in this day and age. The newer TV combos sound great though as do the more recent 300 watt tube heads.

[Tcheairs]

I suppose I could invest $150 in a later model woofer and try that. As you say, it is more than likely the cabinet..I have a SWR Super Redhead and extension cabinet for serious stuff. But I really wanted to show up with the Showman. Which TV model do you think would carry the bass with some headroom for small venues?

[billfitzmaurice]

The K130 is a guitar driver, it can't take more than 30 watts before farting out. The K140 or E140 won't have that problem.

[Tcheairs]

Thanks, I appreciate your advice. What about one of the newer Eminence 15" woofers? Would it be superior to the JBL? Any other 15" speaker recommendation which would eliminate the possibility of speaker breakup at level 6 or 7 on the Showman?