Polytone 15“ Speakers

[maxiim]

Good ol polytone thread at it again

howdy yall, ive been curious to what speakers fit in the cab of an polytone mini brute?

i wonder what are some of you guys experiences and how do you like the sound?

been playing mine for a while now and kinda want to experiment with it a bit


i have a random Monacor 15“ alnico speaker installed currently that came with it when i first bought it for $120 (killer deal!!)

i also saw a good deal on a older
EVM 15L speaker, anyone tried those?


~max

[maxiim]

might have added that im looking for a better clean than right now- idk maybe thats just the 15“ polytone thang -

how clean does it get ?

those heavenly warm cleans that purifies the soul in bliss and melts with the universe - becoming one

[Herbie]

Heh, You said it: ”those heavenly warm cleans that purifies the soul in bliss and melts with the universe - becoming one” – that’s what we all are after!

I have been satisfied in my Mini Brute IV stock speaker. But among those who have swapped speaker there is two schools: a) nothing but the 4 ohm stock speaker is good enough! and b) different speakers give different results, some good some better.

I had once a Polytone 102 which stock speaker had to be replaced. I used the common recommendation, Eminence Beta 12A. Very faithful to Polytone sound.

But somewhere here is a thread where one Mini Brute II owner used the Jensen Tornado and according to she/him it took the amp to another, higher level.

So my humble advise is: go ahead and tell us how did it sound!

[vintagelove]

I've used a bunch of different speakers, honestly they all sound good.

[jazzkritter]

Ain’t much out there cleaner than an EVM 15L.
Nor are there many speakers out there heavier than it.
I stopped using my 12Ls due to their weight. Replaced my 12Ls as well as my Polytone (horrible not original) 15 with Eminence DeltaLight Neo. They are not ‘guitar’ speakers but general pro sound ‘Reinforcement’ designs so they are pretty flat in response especially compared to guitar designs which are trying to provide a unique sound… usually not a jazz sound lol.
Wonderful smooth speaker, but can still bite when pushed.
YMMV, IMHO.
jk

[maxiim]

shit i might just go for the EVM speaker then, the speaker currently really has that weird muddyness going on aaaaaaaaa

i hope it fixes that & i hope that speakers fits into that tight ass cabinet - does it?

weight really isnt a problem for me, its not like i have gigs that i‘d have to carry arround that sweet biggie black box

[maxiim]

1139589[/URL]]Ain’t much out there cleaner than an EVM 15L.
Nor are there many speakers out there heavier than it.
I stopped using my 12Ls due to their weight. Replaced my 12Ls as well as my Polytone (horrible not original) 15 with Eminence DeltaLight Neo. They are not ‘guitar’ speakers but general pro sound ‘Reinforcement’ designs so they are pretty flat in response especially compared to guitar designs which are trying to provide a unique sound… usually not a jazz sound lol.
Wonderful smooth speaker, but can still bite when pushed.
YMMV, IMHO.
jk

how‘ did you like the EVM compared to the Neodyn speaker?

Does the EVM still have that thick smooth sound or does that get replaced extrem sharp cleans?

[maxiim]

thats a really good comparison video of 2 polytones,

1 with the Eminence Beta
1 with the Original Speaker

the solution would be to have 2 polytones

[Gitterbug]

Ain’t much out there cleaner than an EVM 15L.
Nor are there many speakers out there heavier than it.
I stopped using my 12Ls due to their weight. Replaced my 12Ls as well as my Polytone (horrible not original) 15 with Eminence DeltaLight Neo. They are not ‘guitar’ speakers but general pro sound ‘Reinforcement’ designs so they are pretty flat in response especially compared to guitar designs which are trying to provide a unique sound… usually not a jazz sound lol.
Wonderful smooth speaker, but can still bite when pushed.
YMMV, IMHO.
jk

You raise an interesting question. Do speaker (and amp) preferences actually separate jazz guitarists from the rest of the crowd? Typical guitar speakers with their dB valleys and peaks in the 1-2 kHz zone are far from hi-fi or flat response. I believe this is more important when playing out-of-focus, i.e. for the overdriven sound. Jazz guitarists like it more linear. To name an obvious example, from early on, Henriksen cabs were loaded with Eminence's midrange PA speakers. Many jazz guitarists used/use bass speakers, which are more linear. Celestion's BN12-300S and the DeltaLites are obvious examples. I'm not familiar with the respose curves of Jurassic monster speakers.

I also think 15" speakers have fallen from grace due to sound and weight considerations equally. Compared to smaller calibers, they project a narrow beam, and with PA available almost anywhere, their volume resources are no longer needed.

Finally, more and more floor space of an average guitarist is covered with stomp boxes. Any digital sound processing, not just a modeling amp, benefits from a more neutral speaker and cab.

[jazzkritter]

Hi Maxim and Gbug…..
I’m sure I will get some flack cause I have no facts and figures, just my ears. We shall see.
The first Neo I tried was the Jensen 12-100 12” and it was an ice pick. Shrill, thin sounding to me, and the sound pattern coming out was a narrow beam. Was disappointed and that’s when I started to play with ‘non guitar’ speakers. I had been using the 12L quite a while at that time in a Theil cabinet but the weight became too much, so I had to find an alternative.
My Delta Pros are first generation, there was one model then. The current version is the DeltaLite II - 2512. There are three 12 “ versions now (link below).
Sound wise (again to me) they are close to a 12L but I would not say the have the equivalent creamy sound. There’s magic in the 12L/15L for sure. However…. Check the weights here and I wish I could drop 15 lbs immediately!

EVM 15L. 8.9kg 20lbs
EVM 12L. 8.6 kg 19lbs
(I guess the magnets are the same, difference is in frame and cone which is probably not a lot.)
DeltaLite II 15 2.59kg 5.7 lbs
DeltaLite II 12. 2.31kg 5.1lbs
https://www.eminence.com/pro-audio/neodymium-series/

I also experimented with bass speakers and found the DeltaPro 10” bass to maybe be my favorite in a pair. my main go to amp is a bass amp (Walter Woods 100-8) designed for the acoustic bass, so I am already on the side of bass amps for jazz guitar. (Just not those late 80’s 90’s pop/slap amps with no bottom.)))

OK that’s weird the picture appears in the post not the preview. Introducing the real JazzKritter. My insane design of Half Bassman, half Vibrolux, switchable tone stacks, 2 10s, 2 6L6s, Way over specked transformers. It’s being held hostage by our moving company till we settle.

jk

[sgcim]

Good ol polytone thread at it again

howdy yall, ive been curious to what speakers fit in the cab of an polytone mini brute?

i wonder what are some of you guys experiences and how do you like the sound?

been playing mine for a while now and kinda want to experiment with it a bit


i have a random Monacor 15“ alnico speaker installed currently that came with it when i first bought it for $120 (killer deal!!)

i also saw a good deal on a older
EVM 15L speaker, anyone tried those?


~max

I still have a pair of EV SRO 12's (the coffee can speakers). They made anything I played sound good, especially with a D'A with a floating Dearmond RC-1000. They were so heavy, they put a sax player in the hospital when he tried to lift it without bending his knees.

[maxiim]

1139624[/URL]]Hi Maxim and Gbug…..
I’m sure I will get some flack cause I have no facts and figures, just my ears. We shall see.
The first Neo I tried was the Jensen 12-100 12” and it was an ice pick. Shrill, thin sounding to me, and the sound pattern coming out was a narrow beam. Was disappointed and that’s when I started to play with ‘non guitar’ speakers. I had been using the 12L quite a while at that time in a Theil cabinet but the weight became too much, so I had to find an alternative.
My Delta Pros are first generation, there was one model then. The current version is the DeltaLite II - 2512. There are three 12 “ versions now (link below).
Sound wise (again to me) they are close to a 12L but I would not say the have the equivalent creamy sound. There’s magic in the 12L/15L for sure. However…. Check the weights here and I wish I could drop 15 lbs immediately!

EVM 15L. 8.9kg 20lbs
EVM 12L. 8.6 kg 19lbs
(I guess the magnets are the same, difference is in frame and cone which is probably not a lot.)
DeltaLite II 15 2.59kg 5.7 lbs
DeltaLite II 12. 2.31kg 5.1lbs
https://www.eminence.com/pro-audio/neodymium-series/

I also experimented with bass speakers and found the DeltaPro 10” bass to maybe be my favorite in a pair. my main go to amp is a bass amp (Walter Woods 100-8) designed for the acoustic bass, so I am already on the side of bass amps for jazz guitar. (Just not those late 80’s 90’s pop/slap amps with no bottom.)))

OK that’s weird the picture appears in the post not the preview. Introducing the real JazzKritter. My insane design of Half Bassman, half Vibrolux, switchable tone stacks, 2 10s, 2 6L6s, Way over specked transformers. It’s being held hostage by our moving company till we settle.

jk

dude thats awesome, i would love to hear that thing - that looks like some premium stuff there

& 3x lighter speakers for a similiar sound of godly evm‘s -
i see i unterstand

how much does that thing weight?

i built the courage here to buy an evm folks

shit i hope it sounds decent
it cant be worse than the noname speaker installed right now

the polytone wont really leave my house so (or room) so no torn muscles - though i wonder how much the cabinet by itself weights, ima def put that thing on a scale to measure it

good stuff

[maxiim]

1139654[/URL]]I still have a pair of EV SRO 12's (the coffee can speakers). They made anything I played sound good, especially with a D'A with a floating Dearmond RC-1000. They were so heavy, they put a sax player in the hospital when he tried to lift it without bending his knees.

god **** damn poor lad
what was that? sounds like a 2x12 tube amp lol

& mmmh love me some floating pu‘s one day ~ dat clear round sound

[sgcim]

god **** damn poor lad
what was that? sounds like a 2x12 tube amp lol

& mmmh love me some floating pu‘s one day ~ dat clear round sound

Yeah, it was a Peavey Vintage amp with two 12"s in it. I had wheels for it, but the guy insisted on lifting it.

[Herbie]

(...)
i built the courage here to buy an evm folks
shit i hope it sounds decent
it cant be worse than the noname speaker installed right now
(...)

I am not familiar with the EVM speakers but maybe You should check that it is not too big to the tight enclosure of the Mini Brute.

A safe "Polytone option" would be an Eminence Beta 15A. Not too pricey (99€ in Thomann), not too heavy (3,99 kg).

https://www.eminence.com/pdf/Beta_15A.pdf

In fact there is one used for sale in Germany at the moment... (no affiliation)
Eminence Beta 15“ Bassbox Bassgitarre Lautsprecher in Thuringen - Steinbach-Hallenberg | eBay Kleinanzeigen

[maxiim]

1139691[/URL]]I am not familiar with the EVM speakers but maybe You should check that it is not too big to the tight enclosure of the Mini Brute.

A safe "Polytone option" would be an Eminence Beta 15A. Not too pricey (99€ in Thomann), not too heavy (3,99 kg).

https://www.eminence.com/pdf/Beta_15A.pdf

In fact there is one used for sale in Germany at the moment... (no affiliation)
Eminence Beta 15“ Bassbox Bassgitarre Lautsprecher in Thuringen - Steinbach-Hallenberg | eBay Kleinanzeigen

interesting,

im def going to measure it before buying it but it looks like the average speaker size


the polytone on the left in that comparison video is actually the Beta Speaker - it just sounds like my speaker right now - overpowering bass and not too much presense in the mids and highs

though i wonder of any good accoustic amps out there since the stock speaker sounds pretty close to one

[maxiim]

also interesting is the
frequency response of an Jensen C15N

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

im def going to measure it before buying it but it looks like the average speaker size

I’ve used an EVM-12 in a closed back Mesa Boogie cab for many years. The EVMs are efficient, clean, and powerful - but the cost of those qualities is size and weight. Their magnets are much bigger than those on the original speakers in any amplifier I’ve ever seen, and they weigh at least a few pounds more. The frames are also deeper and sturdier.

I’ve driven my EVM-12 with many heads of all kinds, and it’s sounded great with all. That includes class A tubes, old fashioned solid state, and class D amps. It’s great driven by my DV Mark Little Jazz, so I’d expect it to sound great in a Polytone. But I’m not sure it’ll fit, and it will make the amp noticeably heavier.

Even if it fits inside, the baffle and mounting may not be sturdy enough to hold it securely. Hopefully, someone on this forum will know the thickness and composition of a Polytone baffle - I don’t. If the screws are much smaller than the holes in the frame, fit the largest ones you can get through the holes easily - and use a screw in every hole, even if the original skipped holes. I’ve had a few original speakers get loose over time in various amps.

[maxiim]

1139729[/URL]]I’ve used an EVM-12 in a closed back Mesa Boogie cab for many years. The EVMs are efficient, clean, and powerful - but the cost of those qualities is size and weight. Their magnets are much bigger than those on the original speakers in any amplifier I’ve ever seen, and they weigh at least a few pounds more. The frames are also deeper and sturdier.

I’ve driven my EVM-12 with many heads of all kinds, and it’s sounded great with all. That includes class A tubes, old fashioned solid state, and class D amps. It’s great driven by my DV Mark Little Jazz, so I’d expect it to sound great in a Polytone. But I’m not sure it’ll fit, and it will make the amp noticeably heavier.

thanks for your input

i hope it doeeeees

[maxiim]

Looks like the speaker is too big, the front board would need some modifying work as the speaker is 2.6cm taller

preamp above might be really tight but could maybe work

hmmmm

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

Looks like the speaker is too big, the front board would need some modifying work as the speaker is 2.6cm taller

No surprise there - I don’t think an EVM is a good choice for a Polytone, even though it’d sound fine. You’d probably be happier with a replacement OEM speaker for one of the blackface 15” Fenders. If you’re looking for the dark jazz tone that I like, you might also like one of the available replacement speakers for the original Ampeg B15N. I’ve never heard or played through a 15” neo speaker, but I suspect many would also be good in your amp - and they’re light. I have a Celestion 8 Neo in a RevSound closed back ported cab that really sounds wonderful.

[maxiim]

1139745[/URL]]No surprise there - I don’t think an EVM is a good choice for a Polytone, even though it’d sound fine. You’d probably be happier with a replacement OEM speaker for one of the blackface 15” Fenders. If you’re looking for the dark jazz tone that I like, you might also like one of the available replacement speakers for the original Ampeg B15N. I’ve never heard or played through a 15” neo speaker, but I suspect many would also be good in your amp - and they’re light. I have a Celestion 8 Neo in a RevSound closed back ported cab that really sounds wonderful.

the problem is that 15“ are rare in general and in germany & switzerland its even more rare, the evm 15l was the only speaker i found & the eminence beta wich herbie picked out

i was for sure the evm would clean up the amp

i guess ima have to put the polytone on a stand or something to cut some of that thumpin bass for now

uuuhhh taking that black (baffle?) board on the front out looks like a real pain in the ass

hmmmmm

[garybaldy]

I got my MBIII very early 90s to use with my Double Bass. I bought it knowing it did not produce any sound. Back then, a (recently late) good friend changed some parts and replaced the speaker. It has been very reliable for almost 30 years. I have gigged with it for most of that time. Only recently have I been playing my archtop guitars through it - I've mostly done rock, pop and country with Musicman or Fender amps and the appropriate guitars!
At long last,for the first time, I have just taken the back off to look inside! especially to see the speaker. I hadn't specified any particular speaker when I had the repairs done. Anyway, it's definitely Eminence and has ME15 2008 on the label. I believe that's 15" 200w 8ohm.
I'd appreciate opinions on that speaker and it's suitability (for guitar or bass). I think it might be the wrong impedance.
TIA

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

the problem is that 15“ are rare in general and in germany & switzerland its even more rare...i guess ima have to put the polytone on a stand or something to cut some of that thumpin bass

An amp stand is probably a much better way to control it - you'll cut the low end by at least 3 db just by getting it off the floor and another 1 or 2 by angling it upward a bit. Keep it away from any walls behind it.

You might consider using a multiband EQ pedal to further cut your lows. The Danelectro Fish & Chips pedal is decent and a bargain at about $50 USD. The MXR 10 band EQ pedal is a higher quality alternative at a little more than twice the price. And the Empress ParaEQ is a very high quality parametric EQ box at a bit more than twice the price of the MXR. There are many more out there, and all of them with the same design (e.g. parametric, 10 band, etc) and in the same price range are pretty similar, in my experience.

Amazon has several 15" alternatives from the major makers. The 15" Eminence American Standard, Jensen Green, and Celestion Fullback are all reasonable choices for your amp - and they do ship to Switzerland. But if your intent is to seriously reduce the bass, a new speaker will almost certainly disappoint you - I'd expect little or no difference from what you have now. You can only cut the bottom so far using a 15" cabinet sitting on the floor, since bass is what most 15" cabs do best. The 15" Polytone is a wonderful amp for solo jazz guitar because it has a deep, solid bottom. If that's not what you want, you might want to consider selling or trading that amp for one more to your liking.

[maxiim]

1139773[/URL]]An amp stand is probably a much better way to control it - you'll cut the low end by at least 3 db just by getting it off the floor and another 1 or 2 by angling it upward a bit. Keep it away from any walls behind it.

You might consider using a multiband EQ pedal to further cut your lows. The Danelectro Fish & Chips pedal is decent and a bargain at about $50 USD. The MXR 10 band EQ pedal is a higher quality alternative at a little more than twice the price. And the Empress ParaEQ is a very high quality parametric EQ box at a bit more than twice the price of the MXR. There are many more out there, and all of them with the same design (e.g. parametric, 10 band, etc) and in the same price range are pretty similar, in my experience.

Amazon has several 15" alternatives from the major makers. The 15" Eminence American Standard, Jensen Green, and Celestion Fullback are all reasonable choices for your amp - and they do ship to Switzerland. But if your intent is to seriously reduce the bass, a new speaker will almost certainly disappoint you - I'd expect little or no difference from what you have now. You can only cut the bottom so far using a 15" cabinet sitting on the floor, since bass is what most 15" cabs do best. The 15" Polytone is a wonderful amp for solo jazz guitar because it has a deep, solid bottom. If that's not what you want, you might want to consider selling or trading that amp for one more to your liking.

thanks for the amazon tip!

yes i love the deep bass, however i am just very curious about putting a speaker in it with an extended range to 6000khz rather than -4000khz!

that would be really interesting to hear since you cant add more to something thats not already there, but you can always reduce it when you have more

im def going to put it on something, i had it before on something but since i moved i just had it on the floor

the speakers with aluminium material have the extended range of frequencies bc of the vibrations it produces - Roland Speakers are of the same material & they also sound very flat and trebly