LDS 8's in an SWR Baby Blue II

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by RD, Jul 30, 2009.

  1. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    I've read good things about the long-throw 8's from Low Down Sound. Does anyone have experience using them in an old SWR Baby Blue II? My question is centered on the frequencies that the BBII crossover likes and if the power requirements of these speakers cannot be met by the BBII.
    TIA,
    RD
     
  2. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    Anyone? I've searched this topic and can't find the answers.
    RD
     
  3. wave rider

    wave rider

    Jan 5, 2005
    They work fine in mine. I heard something about Don getting some neo long throw 8's that sound just about as good (or better); that would sure save some weight. They are heavy but yummy little speakers.

    =wr=
     
  4. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    Thanks wave rider!
    Had you much experience with stock BBII speaks before the LDS?
    Care to elaborate?
    RD
     
  5. wave rider

    wave rider

    Jan 5, 2005
    The BB II came to me with some non-stock speakers (one of which was creased) to begin with so I've got no experience with the original sound. TalkBass research led me to contact Don at LDS, got the speakers a few weeks later when he got back from vacation. Great guy to deal with, I'd call him and ask about the various 8's.

    The long throw 8's have been reported by other more original owners to make the BB II feel a little more robust in the power handling department; I can't speak to the original speakers but the new ones feel very solid. Rattles my place quite effectively; did a geezer jam with some buddies (drummer plus two guitarists) and they were pleased what the little eights were putting out. Then I plugged in the 18" extension cab they had... :) Great tone as expected, I'm very happy with the switch.

    If your original speakers are in good shape, some have suggested the LDS change has diminishing returns; the BB II is just a fine design already for its intended purpose. If your speakers are bad, well, that's a different story...

    Hope this helps,
    =wr=
     
  6. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    Thanks again wr!
    I gotta ask. Where do you ride waves?
    RD
     
  7. chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    I'm sure a search will answer those questions. Try SWR BB II or fully spelled out. There was an active thread about this just weeks ago. The LDS 8" handle all the amp can put out. It really noticeably more robust. Eq changes are more evident. The original design is so perfect that this upgrade is for those who have sick 8"s or need more umph. The original Bag Ends were great. The Celestions were an improvement and had a sweetness. The LDS get that when they break in but allow you to eq for twice the volume presentation. Weight with Neos? I guess you'd notice some reduction but a lot is that "mil spec" cabinet.:)
     
  8. wave rider

    wave rider

    Jan 5, 2005
  9. chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    Don't ride but lived in Santa Cruz. One of the beautiful places in the world. Didn't have BBII then. Didn't exist. The Polytone 101 won out over a small warm fat Ampeg and a Fender Bassman 10.
     
  10. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    chadds,
    I've done multiple searches that didn't yeild results, hence the thread.
    I surfed many years ago mainly around Malibu and Huntington Beach. About the time of David Nuuhiwa's Surf Shop at the pier. Been to Steamer but it wasn't breaking.
    peace,
    RD
     
  11. wave rider

    wave rider

    Jan 5, 2005
    How's the Washington coast?

    =wr=
     
  12. dcr

    dcr Supporting Member

    Seems that either Tom Bowlus or maybe Mike Childee did this very thing. Might ask one of them.



    dcr
     
  13. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    There are people that surf the WA coast. The waves are large from time to time, but generally lack shape from what I've seen. I don't surf anymore. I have trouble walking at times now. But, when I see a wave with shape, I still salivate.
    dcr,
    Good idea.
    RD
     
  14. chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    Try: swr baby blue II
    Not being sarcastic but there are so many posts and threads as this is a great piece.
     
  15. tombowlus

    tombowlus If it sounds good, it is good Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 3, 2003
    North central Ohio
    Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
    I have tried the long-throw LDS 8" drivers in a variety of cabs (including my Accugroove Tri 208), and I've considered trying them in my BBII, but I haven't done it yet. I should give it a try.

    Tom.
     
  16. MikeBass

    MikeBass Supporting Member

    Nov 4, 2003
    Royal, Oak, MI.
    Endorsing artist- Suhr basses, PedalTrain, GHS, Ultimate Ears
    There is no such thing as a speaker that has a requirement that cannot be met.

    You'll be fine.
     
  17. chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    Yes I have them in my BBII. They are incredible. Forget specs crossover it only sounds as good as with the Bag Ends or Celestions. The guy at LDS recommended the ones that go lowest. He had some others. It was never a crossover issue. They have highs or high mids of their own. It's seamless.
    We joked that for about $450 you could outfit a Henry 8x8 and it would be stupid!:eek::bassist:
     
  18. RD

    RD

    Jun 17, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    Thanks you guys!
    RD
    :bassist: