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Looking to upgrade my 12" speaker

K

ksounds

Guest
Mar 7, 2015
23
12
52
#1
Hey guys,

Just getting into bass, and I just got a good deal on a Fender Bassman 60. I want to put a good quality speaker in it to breathe some life into it, the current one is a little flabby. Any recommendations for a good speaker upgrade, for say less than a c note? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
 
#2
ksounds said:
Hey guys,

Just getting into bass, and I just got a good deal on a Fender Bassman 60. I want to put a good quality speaker in it to breathe some life into it, the current one is a little flabby. Any recommendations for a good speaker upgrade, for say less than a c note? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Click to expand...

Is your's the tailback model, or the rectangular box model with driver having an aluminum dust cap? Can you provide the internal cab volume and bass port dimensions? Drivers need to be matched with cabinets for best performance and longevity of the driver.
 
#3
AstroSonic said:
Is your's the tailback model, or the rectangular box model with driver having an aluminum dust cap? Can you provide the internal cab volume and bass port dimensions? Drivers need to be matched with cabinets for best performance and longevity of the driver.
Click to expand...
This is it. I can't provide those dimensions right now, but maybe the link will help?
Fender Bassman 60 Bass Amp | Musician's Friend
 
#4
Yes that is the Bassman 60 that can be tilted back. I had one and liked it a lot. The tone was well balanced and output fine for small or controled mid sized venues. That said, there is no way I would spend about $100 on a replacement speaker. That model is about 10 years old. (correct me if I'm wrong). Be sure to play it in the vertical position (not kickback position). That will cause the speaker to couple much better with the floor surface, resulting in fuller more satisfying bass response. That amp can sound very well if you EQ it carefully. If I remember correctly the Fender special design 12" speaker was made by Eminence. I sold mine for $140 only because it was heavy to schlepp around. Play it . enjoy it as is. Its a good little combo. Save your money for other things and you wont need to be concerned if the new speaker is a good match for the cabinet volume and porting.
 
#5
It looks like the cab volume is about 1.8 cf, a healthy amount for a 12 inch driver. The Eminence S2012 and Beta 12A will both work well in that cab, but the tuning (port dimensions) will most likely have to be changed. You will also most likely find that the cab has no acoustic insulation - you'll want to line the back, bottom and one side (to start). It may be possible to lengthen the existing port (vent), which probably does not extend very deep. OTOH, it is probably easier to seal that one and add a tube port in the back.
 
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#6
bassliner50 said:
Yes that is the Bassman 60 that can be tilted back. I had one and liked it a lot. The tone was well balanced and output fine for small or controled mid sized venues. That said, there is no way I would spend about $100 on a replacement speaker. That model is about 10 years old. (correct me if I'm wrong). Be sure to play it in the vertical position (not kickback position). That will cause the speaker to couple much better with the floor surface, resulting in fuller more satisfying bass response. That amp can sound very well if you EQ it carefully. If I remember correctly the Fender special design 12" speaker was made by Eminence. I sold mine for $140 only because it was heavy to schlepp around. Play it . enjoy it as is. Its a good little combo. Save your money for other things and you wont need to be concerned if the new speaker is a good match for the cabinet volume and porting.
Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks for your first hand experience. Yeah, I guess it's about 10 or so. I paid $150 for mine, in excellent condition, which I though was fair. It does sound nice and balanced, and I will only being using it for home practice.

AstroSonic said:
You will also most likely find that the cab has no acoustic insulation - you'll want to line the back, bottom and one side (to start)
Click to expand...

Thanks! This sounds like an easy enough mod. I may just do it. What's best to use for acoustic insulation?
 

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