Replacement speaker for a Fender Blues Jr

[Joe Burke]

I have an old Fender Blues Jr amp that I never really liked for lapsteel until I swapped out the speaker for an Eminence Cannabis Rex. What a difference! On a similar note, I was listening to the Steel podcast interview with Dave Biller who said he used twin blues Jrs on gigs, and had swapped out the speakers (he didn't say to what).

Has anyone else had good results with swapping out the speaker on these somewhat little amps? I like less high end. I guess a bigger low end sound.

Thanks!

[Dave Grafe]

An 8-ohm JBL D120F or K120 will easily double the volume per watt but also increase both low and high end response. I would suggest as an alternative the Eminence TT12 but that is a 4-ohm speaker and not a good match for your 8-ohm tube Blues Junior. If JBL is not your flavor perhaps look into Weber, Telonics, BW, etc. for a decent 8 ohm option.

[Gary Meixner]

Joe,

Quite a few years ago I bought a Blues Jr to play lap steel through, and liked it but but wasnt completely thrilled with the tone,. At the time there was a fellow on the internet selling a series of modification kits specifically for the the Blues Jr. His name was Bill Marchione, aka Bill M Mods. He has since passed, but he made a very thourough study of the amp and seemed to know his stuff.

My amp had leaking power supply capacitors which was common, so I replaced those with a kit he offered along with his basic tone mod and bias adjustment mod. These were very simple and totally changed the amp. The tone controls became much more effective. The amp had a lot more guts with stronger bass respose and by lowing the plate voltage took away any hint of harshness . I got kind of hooked and ended up dong all of the mods that he offered which were quite a lot. The kits are no longer available but you probably can still find info on the mods with parts recommendations

My first try at improving the amp was to install a Cannibis Rex speaker which did help some, but nothing compared to the mods I mentioned above.

This is a great amp, I only wish they didnt use the cheesy board mounted control pots. Althouh I have to say I have lugged this thing around for years and never had anything break.

This past spring I built myself a single ended Pricenton clone which sounds incredible but the Blues Jr isn't far off.

Gary

[Joe Burke]

Thanks for the tips!

Dave - Think I'll keep my eye out for one of those speakers.

Gary - I've heard about Bill's mods. They are interesting.

An Eminence Paul Franklin just came for sale locally. Has anyone had experience with these?

Joe

[Dave Grafe]

An Eminence Paul Franklin just came for sale locally. Has anyone had experience with these?

I have not played through the PF but it receives high praise form those who have, if the price is right you may have your solution right there. Keep us posted.

[Peter Jacobs]

I know I’m late to the party, but I put an Eminence Texas Heat in mine and really like it. The lows got fuller, the highs rolled off just enough and it fits really well in a band mix.