Over the years, many companies have attempted to recapture the sonic essence of loudspeakers manufactured and installed in musical amplifiers during the 50s and 60s. Most noteable of the vintage speaker manufacturers were Celestion in the UK and Jensen in the USA. Others included Utah, CTS, JBL, Oxford, and EV.
In 1996, in an effort to gain a better understanding of that classic sound, we undertook a project to study every aspect of the vintage loudspeaker. We studied such issues as Ceramic versus AlNiCo magnets, cone types, basket styles and cutouts, paints, terminal connections, cone, spider, voice coil and dustcap materials, manufacturing and assembly techniques and glue. Our research concluded that the only way we could satisfy ourselves and those who provided us with critical feedback from listening tests was to emulate the vintage style speakers in every way, both electrically and mechanically. At first glance this would seem rather obvious, since a loudspeaker is a complex electromechanical device. However, it wasn't until we built our vintage style speakers with precision machined magnetic circuit components, hotdog slotted baskets®, etc., that we were able to convince ourselves. In addition to several models of vintage style speakers from 8 to 15 inch available with either AlNiCo or Ceramic magnets, we are introducing several 'original design' models. These include a series of high power drivers, an exclusive magnet structure available on some of our speakers which includes both ceramic and AlNiCo magnets, a line of potentiometers, chasses, and other products for the vintage equipment enthusiast. Additionally, we have developed a line of lower priced speakers for those on a budget. We are continually developing new products in addition to vintage style speakers that are meant for the vintage guitar amplifier market.
Needless to say, rediscovering the vintage tone has been very exciting for us. Accordingly, we are delighted to introduce, in this year 1996, our series of vintage style and 'original design' loudspeakers and we welcome your comments on our entire line of products.
Jensen, Celestion, Utah, CTS, JBL, and EV are trademarks of their respective companies. WeberVST, Blue Dog, Blue Pup, Silver Bell, Silver Ten, Classic AlNiCo, AlNiCo 'Plus', Emag, and NeoMag are trademarks of Weber Vintage Sound Technology. Ferromax and the three-tiered annularly slotted loudspeaker basket (more commonly referred to as "the hot dog slotted basket") are registered trademarks of Weber Vintage Sound Technology.