Any way to tell if a Peavey has a BW speaker?

[30hrz]

I have an opportunity to buy a Peavey TKO 115. I asked and there doesn't seem to be any indication of what kind of speaker it has. No label at bottom of the combo for example. So I was wondering if there was another way to tell. Maybe off of serial #?

[Plstrns]

I don't think the TKO ever came with a BW. Quick check, if the speaker doesn't have a cast frame, it's not a BW.

[1n3]

Originally Posted by Plstrns

I don't think the TKO ever came with a BW.

I've seen a few, odd as it seems. They should have a BW badge at the bottom. The BW usually has an aluminum dust cap. The outer edge of the aluminum frame is about 1/8" thick, and is normally visible through the grill cloth. That's probably the best indicator. By comparison, the OEM Eminences don't have a shiny edge, and the Scorpions have wider machined aluminum surfaces at four corners.

[MNAirHead]

Originally Posted by 1n3

I've seen a few, odd as it seems. They should have a BW badge at the bottom. The BW usually has an aluminum dust cap. The outer edge of the aluminum frame is about 1/8" thick, and is normally visible through the grill cloth. That's probably the best indicator. By comparison, the OEM Eminences don't have a shiny edge, and the Scorpions have wider machined aluminum surfaces at four corners.

aluminum dust caps are not universal to the BW... it's actually not a high percentage.

Some TKO came with an Eminence type driver.

A scorpion has a matte squared off almuminum machined plate and 4 mounting bolts.

REally you'd have to remove the speaker... pull the front grille.. then unbolt it... Easiest way to "see" what a widow looks like is go to the peavey site and check for instructions for the "field replaceable basket"

Some say a Widow is an upgrade.. some don't

[1n3]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

aluminum dust caps are not universal to the BW... it's actually not a high percentage.

That might be true, across the entire Peavey product line and history. The BW-equipped TKOs I've seen were from the early-mid 80s, and had aluminum dustcaps. I'd say it's a strong positive indicator; absence is less definitive.

Pulling the speaker is best, but also a PITA, especially if the grill has never been off before. So if the speaker can be identified without resorting to that, much the better. That thin shiny machined outer edge is usually pretty easy to spot.

Some say a Widow is an upgrade.. some don't

Yeah, I think it's debatable.

[MNAirHead]

matte almuminum (machined) is the one that eludes toward a scorpion

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by 30hrz

I have an opportunity to buy a Peavey TKO 115. I asked and there doesn't seem to be any indication of what kind of speaker it has. No label at bottom of the combo for example. So I was wondering if there was another way to tell. Maybe off of serial #?

Go to the Peavey site, or anywhere else where Peavey drivers are sold, look at the pictures. BWs are easy to identify from the rear view.

[MNAirHead]

Bill is right.. the magnet structure looks peculiar.. it has (normally) 3 bolts that hold on the magnet to the basket.

[30hrz]

Thanks for the tips.