Any Altec Experts Here? Need help with a 421A

[Fender4Me]

Is it possible to front mount a Altec 421A speaker? They are optional for my Ampeg B25B caboinet but, I cant figure out how to mount them because of the design of the basket. There are slanted braces on the back that go to the outside edge of the speaker as shown in the picture below. Are there 2 versons of the 421A ? Thanks!

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

Is it possible to front mount a Altec 421A speaker?

Not that one. It pre-dates the use of front loading. Later versions could be mounted either way.

[Fender4Me]

Ok Thanks. I found a mint pair of them today and was dissapointed to find that they appeared to be rear mount only.

[B-string]

I modified the soundboard with a wood chizel. Not a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.....but it can be done.

[Fender4Me]

Originally Posted by B-string

I modified the soundboard with a wood chizel. Not a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.....but it can be done.

I guess that is one way to do it : ) Sounds like a lot of work. I was thinking that maybe I could get some thick neoprene gaskets and cut them in sections around the angle bracing. It might work.

[Oren Hudson]

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

Is it possible to front mount a Altec 421A speaker?

Actually yes. When upgrading my B25B cab with the Altecs a couple of years ago, I encountered the same problem that you've run in to. I ordered a roll of self adhesive speaker gasket and layered up around the rim. No problems. Go to Parts Express and enter speaker gasket rolls. There you go.

[coreyfyfe]

Isn't the B25 rear loaded anyways? Mine was at least...

[Fender4Me]

Some B25B cabs are sealed on the back and some are not. Both of mine are sealed allowing front loading of the speakers only.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

Some B25B cabs are sealed on the back and some are not. Both of mine are sealed allowing front loading of the speakers only.

Interesting. I wonder when/why they switched. What year are yours?

[Fender4Me]

I dont know. I think mine are around '73-'75. Hard to date these things.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

I dont know. I think mine are around '73-'75. Hard to date these things.

Do you have the 4/16 switch? What about the 4-pin cable? Mine was a 73 (speaker dates) and has the 4/16 switch. I know the first year or so (71/72) didn't have a switch.

Be glad you have the front load though, taking off the back of this cab to access the speakers was a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuge pain in the back side.

[Fender4Me]

Yes, both of mine have the 4-16 switch and 4 pin speaker jack. I think mine date closer to '75.

[JimmyM]

The ribs on the back of that mounting ring are going to prevent any aftermarket gasket from making a tight seal, making front mounting an impossibility. If I were you, I'd look for B-15 owners to sell them to (all B-15's are rear mounted), and buy a couple with front mounting capability.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The ribs on the back of that mounting ring are going to prevent any aftermarket gasket from making a tight seal, making front mounting an impossibility.

They could be ground off. Rather superfluous they are once the driver's mounted.

[JimmyM]

I would think future resale value would take a hit if you ground off the ribs. Maybe it wouldn't, since versatility would be more desirable, but you know how purist these vintage nuts are .

[Fender4Me]

I'll just pass them on to someone else. I am happy with the new Beta's that I installed anyway.

[Oren Hudson]

With all due respect to everyone here on this thread, the speaker gasket that I referenced and used on my ribed Altecs is very thick and flexible and will work for front mounting the Altecs. Not just hearsay, I did it to mine and it works perfectly. Besides, Harvey Gerst told me it's a bad idea to over tighten speakers and that most folks do over tighten them. In fact, he told me to just use a "few" mounting bolts and hand tighten. I'm not sure that I totally agree with that, but that's what he said. That principle can be more easily followed with the thicker flexible gasket since it compresses for a good seal without using as much tightness

[JimmyM]

Fair enough, Oren. I was just worried about it getting an airtight seal. I guess if it's thick enough it could, though.