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SWR Fan Club

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Hey everyone I have a question. I need to replace the diaphragm on my Golliath Jr. It is a Foster. Does anyone have any pointers to find one? Also, have your changed your horn in your cabinet to something else? If so, what did you change it to?

eBay has Music Parts Guru who is in Ill. He stocks lots of SWR items at BIN prices, no bickering with auction bids. The genuine SWR horn is $35 from him. Diaphragm only is $20.

http://stores.ebay.com/Music-Parts-Guru
 
I'm able to buy a Basic 350(redface) together with an Henry the 8x8 cabinet.
I was looking for a bigger set-up since I play in a Hardcore band now, so my Markbass won't cut it.
Do you guys think this set-up will be able to handle it?
I already played some SWR gear and I really like the sound!
 
I'm able to buy a Basic 350(redface) together with an Henry the 8x8 cabinet.
I was looking for a bigger set-up since I play in a Hardcore band now, so my Markbass won't cut it.
Do you guys think this set-up will be able to handle it?
I already played some SWR gear and I really like the sound!

I've always wanted an 8x8, they are loud and punchy with good bottom. The Redface 350 is a good box, has more bottom than the silver face unit (I've had both at the same time). The 350 can run to 2ohms so you could add more cabs. The preamp design is based on the Redhead, a proven masterpiece.
 
I'm able to buy a Basic 350(redface) together with an Henry the 8x8 cabinet.
I was looking for a bigger set-up since I play in a Hardcore band now, so my Markbass won't cut it.
Do you guys think this set-up will be able to handle it?
I already played some SWR gear and I really like the sound!

First, let me say that after I heard my first Redhead back in the day, and of course, couldn't afford it, I wet out not long after and saw a guy usin an old Bass 350 wit an 8x8. Still one of the purest, best tones I've heard from a live rig. The old Redhead, and thus Bass 350, preamp is still one of the best sounding pres ever put on an SWR head. Simple and easy to dial in great tones. And the 8x8 is a great sounding, balanced cab wit a lot of lows and a smooth top end. They also, because of the size and power handling of the drivers, respond really well to effects, especially overdrive. A loud rig for sure, but I may say that you'd be better wit a hair more power. For the style of music you're playin, It's possible you'd run the amp to its limits for long periods, and the volume may not be where ya want it. I could be wrong, but I play several different heavy styles, and use a bigger rig, creating a bit more headroom, and allows my amps to stay cooler. If you can afford, try a newer 750x. I think in the long run, you might be happier, though the 350/8x8 rig is a killer rig.

And, on another note, finally found a deal on an old Goliath II in MINT condition. Ready for this? A big, fat, walloping $100 dollars. And I'm payin for that in trade. I'm settin up and goin over the electronics in a friend's Roscoe. Heh. One speaker needs re coned, but actually have two spares, cuz I knew this day would come. Heh. So, anyone out there know someone that would recone an old PAS 125w driver to original specs? Tryin to keep the aesthetics as well as the originality of the cab. I LOVE the old, rear ported designs. DO wish they were lighter. Heh. And, Have a mint condition 8x8 right down the road, if anyone lookin and near Charleston, SC.
 
As another poster said, you'll need to look at a 750 if your Markbass isn't cutting it. I'm assuming you're using an LMII or comparably-powered MB combo..

I'm able to buy a Basic 350(redface) together with an Henry the 8x8 cabinet.
I was looking for a bigger set-up since I play in a Hardcore band now, so my Markbass won't cut it.
Do you guys think this set-up will be able to handle it?
I already played some SWR gear and I really like the sound!
 
im gonna replace the tube in my Bass 750 today. its starting to act up and make crazy noises. i currently have a groove tube in mine right now. idk what the stock tube is, as i got this amp used. any recommendations for tubes?

I prefer Groove Tubes 12AX7M (Mullard design) in my SWRs. Have used them in Bass 350s, Studio 220s, SM400s, Redheads and Baby Blues with great results. Long lasting, smooth and beefy. Can be hard to find at times. Mullard has returned as a supplier, but haven't tried them yet.
 
I own (or have owned) the following SWR gear and love it:

SWR SM 900
SWR SM 400
SWR Redhead Combo (original version)
SWR Goliath III (2x, 8 ohm)
SWR Grand Prix
SWR Mr.Tone Control
SWR California Blonde

Really cool stuff, very reliable and great sounding gear (at least before Fender got their hands on them :)
 
I prefer Groove Tubes 12AX7M (Mullard design) in my SWRs. Have used them in Bass 350s, Studio 220s, SM400s, Redheads and Baby Blues with great results. Long lasting, smooth and beefy. Can be hard to find at times. Mullard has returned as a supplier, but haven't tried them yet.


i picked up a Groove tubes silver series 12AX7 today. i havent installed it yet, but im sure ill like it. from what ive researched, the tube doesnt really have a huge impact on the tone in my Bass 750.

my question now is im really trying to learn how to use the built in limiter. how do i set it to help tighten my tone some?
 
So, anyone out there know someone that would recone an old PAS 125w driver to original specs? Tryin to keep the aesthetics as well as the originality of the cab. I LOVE the old, rear ported designs.

I have 4 of these that need overhauls...
I bought my GII for $75 as is. The original owner said his amp blew during a gig and the cab made a funny noise. I guess it blew everything. All 4 speakers reproduce sound with a lot of distortion and lack of bass.
I contacted my local shop and they said it would cost more than its worth...but I guess if you're into keeping it "real" then it would probably be worth it for you.

However, I found this place online, and they do PAS speakers:
about 3/4 the way down the page....a little on the expensive side

http://www.speakerrepair.com/ocsrepairprice.html
 
i picked up a Groove tubes silver series 12AX7 today. i havent installed it yet, but im sure ill like it. from what ive researched, the tube doesnt really have a huge impact on the tone in my Bass 750.

my question now is im really trying to learn how to use the built in limiter. how do i set it to help tighten my tone some?

The limiter will even out the high volume notes, usually bass amps have the bass boosted, it will allow you to control boomyness. And with a 750 protect your speakers on the BOOM.
A compressor will squeeze the sound, making louder quieter, and quieter louder. Too much compression will cause you to totally lose any dynamics your trying to convey. The best thiing about bass is digging in and letting up with your fingers...it's all about dynamics. Compression will definitally add punch, but too much will squeeze the dynamics right out of your sound.
I believe that's why Steve Rabe designed in limiters rather than compressors. The compression in SWR amps is a Fenderization of the original attempt to perfection. Yea, I'm a little biased to pre-fender I guess.
I do use a dbx 163x on my Super Redhead just to add a little more fullness, no squeeze. The 163x is an over easy box from the 70-80's that's cheap and sounds great on bass, if you don't over do it you will keep your dynamics.
Let us know about that GT Silver Series.
 
The limiter will even out the high volume notes, usually bass amps have the bass boosted, it will allow you to control boomyness. And with a 750 protect your speakers on the BOOM.
A compressor will squeeze the sound, making louder quieter, and quieter louder. Too much compression will cause you to totally lose any dynamics your trying to convey. The best thiing about bass is digging in and letting up with your fingers...it's all about dynamics. Compression will definitally add punch, but too much will squeeze the dynamics right out of your sound.
I believe that's why Steve Rabe designed in limiters rather than compressors. The compression in SWR amps is a Fenderization of the original attempt to perfection. Yea, I'm a little biased to pre-fender I guess.
I do use a dbx 163x on my Super Redhead just to add a little more fullness, no squeeze. The 163x is an over easy box from the 70-80's that's cheap and sounds great on bass, if you don't over do it you will keep your dynamics.
Let us know about that GT Silver Series.

so the limiter will sort of help me from blowing my speakers if they clip to hard on accident?
also by the way my amp is pre fender.

the silver series honestly sounded the same as my previous gold series. i really didnt notice a huge change in tone.
 
so the limiter will sort of help me from blowing my speakers if they clip to hard on accident?
also by the way my amp is pre fender.

the silver series honestly sounded the same as my previous gold series. i really didnt notice a huge change in tone.

Yes, save your speakers and even out the volume level without destroying your dynamics. You can over do the limiter too, I usually run about 10 - 11 o'clock on my Studio 220 and SM 400. It will pop in only when high volume notes come through. Pre Fender, good man!
 
December's issue of Bass Player gave a stunningly good review of the Golite series of Neodymium-equipped speakers (the entire line: 4x10", 2x10", 1x15" and the Signature Marcus Miller Sealed 4x10") as well as their Headlite and Amplite 3.6 & 2.9 lb Class D 400-watt Ultralight head and Power Amp. They were compared *directly* to legendary Goliath cabs and came out extremely well, stating "All in all, the cabs sounded quite similar... compared to the Goliath, they were a touch quicker and more delicate with perhaps a slightly more textured and rich midrange. The Marcus Miller 4x10 is a different animal... (having) substantially more present and aggressive midrange and an overall more focused, quicker attack"

As a longtime SWR fan and preamp user it pleases me that they've finally made it onto the Neo bandwagon, and more then that the new line still has the classic SWR tone but with increases in areas that modern-day players might very well enjoy. My main issues are two-fold: that it's very hard these days to even find SWR gear outside of a bass-specific store, and that they fumbled the ball rather badly with their 12" cabinet line earlier in the decade, hardly promoting their "12-Stack" 4x12 and "12-Pack" 2x12 which were from all I've heard killer rock-based tweeter-less 12-inchers that were actually fairly low in weight considering they were not Neo cabs... and that pretty much keeps me away from SWR cabs in general, as I've found that 12" speakers are an essential part of my rig sound (Right now I'm running an Avatar 2x12"/2x10" stack, but I'd also like to pick up a 4x10" to use on top of the 2x12 for bigger gigs as well as two 1x12s as a lightweight & easy-to-move "Small Gig" setup. But at least they're now in the Neo/Class D amp area, as what was once such a leading Bass Amplifier company should be doing.
 
I been around awhile, and have friends that can get speakers re coned for a pretty good price. Gettin four re coned may well put it out of reach as far as worth goes, but one ain't so bad. I also have, cuz been playin a LONG time, a couple of replacements here. One Eden, One PAS. And, just found an original Goliath I 2x10, wit cloth grille and a crazy lookin horn that may or may not be original. I can get it for a song, then use those drivers as well. But, thanks for that supply link. Quite frankly, I'd rather just buy parts for the cab, saves a lot of hassle. The cab, carpet and all are mint. But it may need a horn, or crossover components. Or I may need a speaker later. I love the Goliath II cabs, not only aesthetically, but tone wise. Somethin about a rear ported cab. And, I like that they only handle 500w. The way I run my rig, over powering the speakers a hair and NOT turnin up my master very high, gives a presence to the tone, and adds to sustain. The Goliath IIIs are great. But I like my cabs to handle a hair less power, an the IIs sound better runnin my 900 stereo in certain apps.

Wow, reparin PAS speakers IS quite expensive! heh. I wonder why more than Edens? Also, just so ya know, I do know that to use some of the drivers I've listed may not be possible, due to ohm loads and all. I gotta make sure all lines up. And Eddie, if ya end up not wanting to fix those cabs, I might be interested. I'd also like to get an old grille and badge for my Big Ben 18, to match the II's aesthetics. If you, or anyone hears of one, I have a chrome grille from the cab I'd trade, or, just buy outright.
I have 4 of these that need overhauls...
I bought my GII for $75 as is. The original owner said his amp blew during a gig and the cab made a funny noise. I guess it blew everything. All 4 speakers reproduce sound with a lot of distortion and lack of bass.
I contacted my local shop and they said it would cost more than its worth...but I guess if you're into keeping it "real" then it would probably be worth it for you.

However, I found this place online, and they do PAS speakers:
about 3/4 the way down the page....a little on the expensive side

http://www.speakerrepair.com/ocsrepairprice.html
 
December's issue of Bass Player gave a stunningly good review of the Golite series of Neodymium-equipped speakers (the entire line: 4x10", 2x10", 1x15" and the Signature Marcus Miller Sealed 4x10") as well as their Headlite and Amplite 3.6 & 2.9 lb Class D 400-watt Ultralight head and Power Amp. They were compared *directly* to legendary Goliath cabs and came out extremely well, stating "All in all, the cabs sounded quite similar... compared to the Goliath, they were a touch quicker and more delicate with perhaps a slightly more textured and rich midrange. The Marcus Miller 4x10 is a different animal... (having) substantially more present and aggressive midrange and an overall more focused, quicker attack"

As a longtime SWR fan and preamp user it pleases me that they've finally made it onto the Neo bandwagon, and more then that the new line still has the classic SWR tone but with increases in areas that modern-day players might very well enjoy. My main issues are two-fold: that it's very hard these days to even find SWR gear outside of a bass-specific store, and that they fumbled the ball rather badly with their 12" cabinet line earlier in the decade, hardly promoting their "12-Stack" 4x12 and "12-Pack" 2x12 which were from all I've heard killer rock-based tweeter-less 12-inchers that were actually fairly low in weight considering they were not Neo cabs... and that pretty much keeps me away from SWR cabs in general, as I've found that 12" speakers are an essential part of my rig sound (Right now I'm running an Avatar 2x12"/2x10" stack, but I'd also like to pick up a 4x10" to use on top of the 2x12 for bigger gigs as well as two 1x12s as a lightweight & easy-to-move "Small Gig" setup. But at least they're now in the Neo/Class D amp area, as what was once such a leading Bass Amplifier company should be doing.

Ian, I agree wholeheartedly. And you forgot to mention the old Bigfoot 2x12, which, IMO, is the best soundin 12 loaded cab I've ever used, SWR or not. I love twelves for my sound as well, But since they discontinued the Bigfoot, I've been frustrated as well (Along wit fact of SWR's availability in stores, too). A friend and I just had a discussion about this very subject, and we talked of single twelve cabs, too. I'd love to have a pair of Golight 1x12s to run in smaller rooms. Let's hope SWR sees the "light", so to speak, and designs one. I have played the Golight cabs, wit said friend, and they are VERY close to the Goliath series cabs in tone. I'm sure some will say they hear a difference, and that may be true. But whatever changes in frequency response, however minor, I may have heard, they can easily be rectified by adjusting your eq to get YOUR tone, or make them sound like Goliaths. The MM cab, on the other hand, sounded killer! VERY much like the old Goliath IIs, maybe wit a hair less output. But Really old school SWR tone outta that box.
And lastly, I see you're from Akron. I'm originally from Mansfield, Oh. Kind of cool seein folks from where your from. Music scene alright up there?
 
"And, I like that they only handle 500w. The way I run my rig, over powering the speakers a hair and NOT turnin up my master very high, gives a presence to the tone, and adds to sustain. The Goliath IIIs are great. But I like my cabs to handle a hair less power, an the IIs sound better runnin my 900 stereo in certain apps."

This my friend is called having headroom and it is a good thing when used properly. Your amp never has to work to hard to reproduce the sound it is being given. It is the total opposite of why tube amps can sound great only at high volumes.
 
Agreed. "Headroom" is the secret of tone, IMO. Most guys here would wanna argue or whatever when I say I over power my cabs. Doin this won't necessarily blow your speakers. I don't turn up to ten, so never use the full output of the amp. But, wit all that power in reserve, makes the cab seem more responsive (cuz it is), adds to sustain and just simply cuts thru better. The lower the power handlin of a cab, the easier this effect is achieved. And, I don't need 3000 watts to be heard in a bandroom. Lots of these newer, boutique, high power handlin cabs are just not my thing for this reason. Tone is fine alone, but they get buried in playin situations. I do heavy styles of music, and I like bein heard against all the aggression. This way of runnin my rig, wit "headroom", gives me all I need. Of course, that ain't to say I won't bring out the Big Guns for CERtain situations. ;)
 
And Eddie, if ya end up not wanting to fix those cabs, I might be interested. I'd also like to get an old grille and badge for my Big Ben 18, to match the II's aesthetics. If you, or anyone hears of one, I have a chrome grille from the cab I'd trade, or, just buy outright.

Oh, I'm keeping the cab. I just put a set of Eminence Legend BP102's in it. Totally rips. I love it.


And can I enter the fan club now that 2/3 of my rig is SWR?

I found the Goliath II Jr. for a song [more or less] locally. This setup I seriously LIKE. The PAS speaks in the 2x10 are in perfect shape save for years of dust stuck to them (how do you get that off anyway?). If anything happens to these, not sure if I'll try a recone or replace, though...but that's neither here nor there since they should hold up for another 10 years (I hope)

I think I'm done for now....that is until any kind of GAS strikes, but I'm sure it won't for a while. I just have to get that neck pickup route done in the Dean and I'll be set (put a 3-band Bart in it last week)

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