Deluxe Reverb RI Speaker Suggestions

**jamesego** · Today, 11:41 AM

I recently procured a ‘65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue (DRRI) with low hours and the stock Jensen C12K in place. I’ve been hoping playing the speaker in some would make it more appealing, but it hasn’t.

My beef is two-fold:

1) It’s kinda quiet. I have a ‘72 (non-Vibro) Champ that can keep up until the volume on the DRRI is turned past 4. I thought I was losing my mind (along with my hearing) until I used a dB meter app. Both amps were putting about 85 dB out at approximately one meter. For reference, my Champ has a Warehouse G8C (ceramic). I have the Bass and Treble knobs around 2 1/2 to 3 on both amps, and I use the Normal channel on the DRRI.

2) There’s a little raspiness in the upper-mids even when everything else is otherwise clean. In styles outside of jazz, this wouldn’t be much of an issue. As is, it stands out.

I was aware of the volume issue before I purchased the amp since I had demo’d several beforehand and A/B’d them with my trusty Champ. I should probably mention that the Champ is ridiculously clean and stock apart from the speaker—I replaced it mostly to preserve it.

I’d love to stick an EVM12L in the Deluxe until I’m reminded of a ‘68 Twin with stock JBLs I played one gig with. It was at The Bottom of the Hill, and they had a tall stage. I thought I’d be a hero and lift it up rather than walk up the stairs. I sold the amp the following day. I should mention this was 25 or so years ago, so it isn’t like weight is currently less of an issue.

This leads to the Eminence EM12N, but opinions are all over the place on that one. Still, it’s where I’m leaning.

Lighter is better than heavier, so that has me thinking neodymium or ceramic magnets.

Any lightweight, efficient gems out there to recommend? TIA

**DawgBone** · Today, 12:00 PM

I'd take a Twin with JBL's over anything but tbh I'd love to have Eminence 12n's in one of my Twins for when I gotta tackle staircases. Otherwise I got a dolly for straight runs. The 12n's seem very promising to my ears and are on a short list of gear I'd like to have but a deluxe with a JBL isn't all that big of a deal IMO.

**jads57** · Today, 12:32 PM

Celestion BN300 8 ohm or Celestion Copperback for volume and light weight.

**andrew** · Today, 12:59 PM

The Eminence GA-SC64 is a great ceramic speaker for a Deluxe Reverb. There is a new Neo version of it out now, too.

**Gitterbug** · Today, 01:00 PM

Jensen N12TR (Tornado) Special Edition.

**omphalopsychos** · Today, 02:05 PM

I recommend clipping the bright cap before changing the speaker.

I have tried a lot of speakers in my 1964 Deluxe Reverb. Currently it has a Tone Tubby Amsterdam. I think it’s a perfect match.

**Jimmy Mack** · Today, 02:38 PM

I second the Eminence GA SC 64. I've used one for years. For a diff. tone, I use an Eminence Lil Tonker with a Neo magnet

THese speakers are in my Fender Princeton II which is almost the twin of a DR, and they are now broken in, so, I
am very happy with them.

**jamesego** · Today, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

I recommend clipping the bright cap before changing the speaker.

I have tried a lot of speakers in my 1964 Deluxe Reverb. Currently it has a Tone Tubby Amsterdam. I think it’s a perfect match.

If I was using the reverb channel, I’d certainly consider clipping the cap. As it is, I stay on the Normal channel, so it isn’t a concern.

Tell me more about the Tone Tubby: it’s described as an Alnico Nashville, so more of an EV sound? Everything seems appealing but the weight.