I'm getting a 5F6-A. I know people say that the Bassman likes alnico speakers. The Bassman reissue uses Jensen P10R. But I need a 12". I'm going to use the Bassman for cleans only. I don't want early breakup. I don't want ice-pick, but I do want it a little on the bright side - with a decent low end.
What speakers do you recommend? (both alnico and ceramic)
But what 12" ceramic speaker would be good also?
I think you would be super happy with a blackhawk Alnico.
Other than that ... taking what you say:
"I'm going to use the Bassman for cleans only. I don't want early breakup. I don't want ice-pick, but I do want it a little on the bright side - with a decent low end."
I'm going to go a bit out on a limb and say a Retro 30. It's a very shimmery/sparkley speaker in the above 4kHz range ... but without the prominent 2k "ice-pick" and, it also has a nice solid bottom end.
Another good ceamic choice would be the Reaper HP.
In the American series, I'm afraid the G12C would have a bit too much 2k for you ... and the G12C/S would be too dark and smoky.
Thanks for your input, Vaughn. I appreciate it. I'm also contemplating a 2x10 cab. Not sure yet.
Thanks!
After listening to the Blackhawk and Retro 30, I think the Blackhawk has more woodiness - at least to my ears. It just sounds smoother. I like the Retro 30, but I think the Blackhawk is more along the lines of what I'm looking for.
From the clips, the Blackhawk HP sounds brighter (which I like) than the 50 watt version.
What is the difference in tone between the Blackhawk 50 watt and Blackhawk HP?
The HP isn't really brighter, it's just "stiffer" ... which means it has less bottom end and less touch sensitivity. If it were really lit-up hard for about 10-30 hours ... it would probably loose a little of that ... but would never open up as much as the 50-watt Blackhawk. That's always the trade-off with extremely high-wattage speakers ... they have to be built heavy & stiff enough to take extreme power!
...my first idea was staying with the tens and considering the G10C as a pair or even in a 410?
to me
"I'm going to use the Bassman for cleans only. I don't want early breakup. I don't want ice-pick, but I do want it a little on the bright side - with a decent low end."
this sounds like a pair of G10C (fatter than a good part of the 12"s I know). Bright enough, no ice-pick, clean and tight but prominent lows. One of the best speakers out there, 12s of any kind included.
I've already ordered the 1x12 cab. I was considering 10's. But I decided on a 12". I suppose I could always put in a 2x10 baffle if I every change my mind.
With a Blackhawk, that should make a KILLER little grab-n-go vintage combo for giging ... please post your results!
Does the Blackhawk have a tight bottom?
Like she's been on a stairmaster for the last six months :-)