Why Do Amp Makers Put Ceramic-Magnet Speakers In Vintage-Style Amps And Not Alnico?

[SpruceTop]

It seems most often when making an existing amp design vintage in style, with lacquered tweed etc., the makers put a quality ceramic-based speaker in the amp and not an alnico-based speaker. A case in point is the Fender Blues Junior Lacquered Tweed 15W 1x12 Combo model from Musician's Friend. The amp has a Jensen C12-N 8ohm, 50 watt Speaker, p/n 0868508004, but I'd prefer it had an alnico Jensen P-12N. Is the ceramic-magnet speaker used because it'll sound hotter with more presence rather than the generally warmer tone of an alnico-based speaker? VOX also does this with Celestion ceramic-based speakers as opposed to Celestion alnico-based speakers. Are alnico-based speakers more costly than ceramic-based speakers of the same construction quality? Thanks!

[Dru Edwards]

Hi SpruceTop, Alnico magnet speakers are more expensive to make than ceramic magnet speakers due to the raw elements that make it up.

[jonfields45]

Aluminum Nickel Cobalt vs. Iron Filings and Clay

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

...Alnico magnet speakers are more expensive to make than ceramic magnet speakers due to the raw elements that make it up.

It's also harder to make an alnico speaker with as much power handling vs. weight/cost as a ceramic speaker - the 50W Eminence Canis Major is well over twice the cost of not only the identical-but-for-magnet Cannabis Rex, but the 150W Swamp Thang...

[Dadzmad]

To fill in for the above,

I was shopping for a 10" replacement speaker last year. From a single fabricator they made two 10" speakers with ceramic magnets for $40 and $65 while their alnico 10" was $220.

Can you picture how this would change the price point on an amp going for a few bills?

[Rumblefish]

I've never considered the Blues Jr. circuit to be vintage style. They will slap tweed cosmetics on just about any amp but it has more in common with the modern Fenders like the Hot Rod Deluxe and Blues Deluxe. Kind of a mini version of those, so less mid scooped and sag than vintage Fenders. It has much less bottom end as well, mostly due to the small cabinet. even with a vintage speaker your not likely to get those classic tones from a B-Jr.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Rumblefish

...even with a vintage speaker you're not likely to get those classic tones from a B-Jr.

Try an Eminence Cannabis Rex or Swamp Thang - more bottom end than a Kardashian family reunion as well as more output/clean headroom...

[KevWind]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Try an Eminence Cannabis Rex or Swamp Thang - more bottom end than a Kardashian family reunion as well as more output/clean headroom...

Ha! took me a minute but that's quite a visual

[Rumblefish]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Try an Eminence Cannabis Rex or Swamp Thang - more bottom end than a Kardashian family reunion as well as more output/clean headroom...

OK, that made me laugh

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Try an Eminence Cannabis Rex or Swamp Thang - more bottom end than a Kardashian family reunion as well as more output/clean headroom...

LOLlol:

[muscmp]

you hit the nail on the head-cheaper and less weight. of course, remember that ceramic have been around for a long time. some people prefer them to alnico.

play music!

[SpruceTop]

Thanks Folks!

[clintj]

Originally Posted by muscmp

you hit the nail on the head-cheaper and less weight. of course, remember that ceramic have been around for a long time. some people prefer them to alnico.

play music!

I seem to in certain cases. I'm running WGS Veteran 10s (low power ceramic speakers) in my Super Reverb now, and they sound fantastic.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[rockabilly69]

Originally Posted by muscmp

you hit the nail on the head-cheaper and less weight. of course, remember that ceramic have been around for a long time. some people prefer them to alnico.

play music!

I have two specific amps that sound better with ceramic speakers in them than their alnico counterparts. One of them is a Victoria Regal with a 15" ceramic speaker. And yes I tried it with both the stock alnico 15 and the ceramic, no contest, the ceramic works wonders in the amp. The ceramic has got a tighter low-end and spanks perfectly in the cabinet. Listen to the guitar solo at 2:44, it's my Gibson R7 Les Paul into the Victoria, you can definately hear it spanking



Actually I own a few great, vintage and vintage style point to point amps, and this one is my favorite!!!