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Blackface Bassman 12" replacement speaker - what is best

Before getting into this further, consider that it is unlikely that you will find suitable replacement drivers with the tone from those vintage drivers. so if you really like that tone, but need more volume, try finding another similar cab.

If you want to go ahead with replacing the drivers, a little information will help us make good recommendations. We need to know the internal volume of the cab and if it is sealed or ported. We can get by with external cab measurements. If the cab is not sealed, we need to know the number of ports, and their dimensions.

A ballpark budget for the drivers is also helpful. The stock drivers are probably at least moderately efficient. To get significantly more volume will require the replacement drivers to have higher efficiency (sensitivity - specified as db/w/m). Drivers combining high sensitivity and good bass will not be dirt cheap. you may get something like another 6 db this way. If you really need more, consider a 2x15 or a second 2x12.

I have the dimensions for a Bassman 2x12 cab as 20x32x11 1/2, sealed. Internal volume would be about 1.5 cf per driver. Please confirm, or provide the above information. If this is what you have, a pair of eminence Beta 12A's will provide an additional 4-6 db of output at a cost of about $80 per driver. You will want to add some dacron stuffing (get rolled sheets) to line the back and 2 sides (to start) if there is no acoustic insulation in the cab.
 
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I used a 2x12 Bassman cab from the late 60's. Until recently, I had some 80's Eminence speakers in it. They are a very close sound to the Rola's or others used originally. Without the huge magnets on newer speakers, these will get closer to the vintage sound that your talking about while giving you more head room and a little more umph. They are 8 ohms each like the originals and do about 150 watts each. They were professionally rebuilt by The Speaker Doctor in 2013. Like AstroSonic says, line the cab. I used backed insulation and stapled here and there to keep it in place.

BTW - I recently sold that cab, but kept the speakers. If they are something that you'd be interested in, I would consider selling them rather than them sitting idle. :)
 
I used a 2x12 Bassman cab from the late 60's. Until recently, I had some 80's Eminence speakers in it. They are a very close sound to the Rola's or others used originally. Without the huge magnets on newer speakers, these will get closer to the vintage sound that your talking about while giving you more head room and a little more umph. They are 8 ohms each like the originals and do about 150 watts each. They were professionally rebuilt by The Speaker Doctor in 2013. Like AstroSonic says, line the cab. I used backed insulation and stapled here and there to keep it in place.

BTW - I recently sold that cab, but kept the speakers. If they are something that you'd be interested in, I would consider selling them rather than them sitting idle. :)
12's? Are you using the cab for guitar or bass?
I'm playing bass - mostly old rock and blues
 
Before getting into this further, consider that it is unlikely that you will find suitable replacement drivers with the tone from those vintage drivers. so if you really like that tone, but need more volume, try finding another similar cab.

If you want to go ahead with replacing the drivers, a little information will help us make good recommendations. We need to know the internal volume of the cab and if it is sealed or ported. We can get by with external cab measurements. If the cab is not sealed, we need to know the number of ports, and their dimensions.

A ballpark budget for the drivers is also helpful. The stock drivers are probably at least moderately efficient. To get significantly more volume will require the replacement drivers to have higher efficiency (sensitivity - specified as db/w/m). Drivers combining high sensitivity and good bass will not be dirt cheap. you may get something like another 6 db this way. If you really need more, consider a 2x15 or a second 2x12.

I have the dimensions for a Bassman 2x12 cab as 20x32x11 1/2, sealed. Internal volume would be about 1.5 cf per driver. Please confirm, or provide the above information. If this is what you have, a pair of eminence Beta 12A's will provide an additional 4-6 db of output at a cost of about $80 per driver. You will want to add some dacron stuffing (get rolled sheets) to line the back and 2 sides (to start) if there is no acoustic insulation in the cab.
YES - this the cabinet I have. I'm looking to use either a Black Face 1965 Bassman amp head or my 1967 Showman head - I like the way they look, it will miced and I just want more volume before it starts breaking up. Any other speaker suggestions? Thank you.
 
YES - this the cabinet I have. I'm looking to use either a Black Face 1965 Bassman amp head or my 1967 Showman head - I like the way they look, it will miced and I just want more volume before it starts breaking up. Any other speaker suggestions? Thank you.


Bass cabs differ wildly from guitar cabs. There really are no good solutions for just dumping any old speaker in to a generic cab.
 
YES - this the cabinet I have. I'm looking to use either a Black Face 1965 Bassman amp head or my 1967 Showman head - I like the way they look, it will miced and I just want more volume before it starts breaking up. Any other speaker suggestions? Thank you.

The Eminence Beta 12A is IMO the best candidate for a plug-n-play solution with this cab. The PRV 12W700 would produce a richer bass, but require some upper mid and treble boost - a better choice if you are going for a more vintage, thumpy tone without much high end. If you decide to add bass ports there are many more choices. But you may actually like the Beta 12A sealed better... it's a very good match.