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Amplifiers
Alnico
speakers
produce a sweet, warm, vintage tone. They sound best at low levels and
are great for blues, jazz and mellow rock. Alnico speakers respond quickly,
giving the musician a “one with the amp” feel. They are world
renowned as the premium speaker with the best tone.
The very first speaker ever used in a guitar amplifier was a Jensen®
Alnico speaker - the P15N. The first Fender® Bassman® and Bandmaster®
amplifiers were loaded with Jensen® P15N Alnico speakers. In fact,
Alnico speakers were originally used exclusively by Fender® and other
amp manufacturers. The P10R was the signature speaker in Fender's legendary
Super Reverb®.
Alnico speakers are made with magnets containing aluminum, nickel and
cobalt. They are often featured in print as “AlNiCo”, symbolizing
the three respective elements. Cobalt is difficult to procure these days
resulting in Alnicos being the most expensive speakers in the Jensen®
line.
All Jensen® Alnico speaker model numbers begin with the letter P,
and are therefore often referred to as the P series. Next in the model
number is the diameter of the speaker. Alnicos are available in the following
diameters: 8”, 10”, 12” and 15”. Following the size
is a letter which traditionally is used to designate the speaker power
rating. For example, R (25 watts), Q (35 watts) and N (50 watts).
Therefore, a P12Q speaker has an Alnico magnet, a 12” diameter and
is rated at 35 watts. After determining what impedance is needed, you
are ready to choose your Alnico speaker!
Alnico speakers are available with or without an end bell (purchased separately).
The end bell is for aesthetics only and has no effect on thesound of the
speaker.
Vintage Ceramic speakers are designed to sound
similar to the Alnicos, and were first developed in the 1960's as a cost
effective alternative to the Alnicos. The advantage of the ceramic speaker
is its ability to handle more power as well as a player's front end pedal
accessories. Vintage Ceramic speakers are recommended for all types of
music, and sound best at loud volumes.
The Vintage Ceramic Jensen® speakers were the heart and soul of guitar
amps made throughout the 1960's and are still widely used today.
The C10Q was one of the most popular ceramic 10” speakers for mid
1960’s Fender® amps and continues to be a very popular and excellent
choice today.
The C8R was predominantly used in small practice amps throughout the 1960’s.
Jensen® Vintage Ceramic speaker model numbers all begin with the letter
C and are sometimes referred to as the “C” series. Next in the
model number is the diameter or size of the speaker. Vintage Ceramics
are available in 8, 10, 12 and 15 inch diameters. Following the size is
a letter which designates the speaker power rating. For example, R (25
watts), Q (35 watts), N (50 watts) and K (100 watts).
Therefore a C12N speaker has a ceramic magnet, is 12” in diameter
and is rated at 50 watts. After determining what impedance is needed,
you are ready to choose your Vintage Ceramic speaker!
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