"Modern" alternatives for JBL D130?

Joined: May 03, 2020
Posts: 44
4 Security Pins

Posted on Dec 18 2024 10:58 AM

Hi.
What does the community think about K130 speakers in a 1x15 or 2x15 setting for Surf? Or what other speakers can you recommend?

How do the K130 and D140 compare to the D130 and why are they less desirable?

Background:
I had one K130 six years ago - got it with my Blonde 1x15 cabinet - but it got blown after a week or two - probably due to the stupidity of a former rehearsal room colleague (we wanted to see how it sounded on its own, together with a 2x12 and whether it was better on top or on bottom... and he was turning the amp on and off as well as switching the amp's impedance switch and after 15min of testing - the speaker was quiet)- or was it the various gain stages and octavers that it didn't like (not my pedalboard either).

I sent it off to get it reconed - and switched to a Celestion Full Back in the meantime (got V30s in the 2x12 - so I figured they might work well together).

Do JBL speakers have troubles with Fuzz or other distortion pedals? Is it due to the alu dome or is it something else?

Once I saw my reconed JBL (no more aluminum dust cover - even if that was the one thing I insisted on keeping) I never cared to reinstall it.
I wanted to put it in the diagonal Bassman Cab - but the screws weren't long enough (somehow the mounting was different to the speakers in there).

But now another K130 came up locally - currently listed for 187€ which I find a bit expensive... given the fact that you sometimes can get a D130 for 200ish.

I also passed on a Quilter speaker as it was not labeled as the Steelaire but Blockdock (it's sold now too so never mind).

EV15L come up recommended pretty often too - would probably be cheaper too.

What other speakers are you playing?
What (modern) alternatives can you recommend.

Also how about K120s in a 2x12?

I'm planning to either buy a(nother) Supersonic 2x12 or some other 2x12 Fender style cab (but this time in black), or buy/build a 1x15 myself - or finally exchange the Eminence Bass Speakers that are in my 2x15 diagonal Bassman cab for something else.

Also I'm getting closer and closer to have a real Surf-centered band project. So that is something to get excited about!

Thank you!

—

TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock
Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram

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Wellens_

Joined: Nov 05, 2023
Posts: 58
Brussels Area
Belgium

Posted on Dec 18 2024 12:29 PM

You can't go wrong with a EV15B or 'L'.

—

Cheers,
Wellens

https://m.facebook.com/TheArousals
For the daring... and lusty!

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dannylectro

Joined: Aug 18, 2008
Posts: 368
Orange, CA
United States

Posted on Dec 18 2024 07:16 PM

https://www.quilterlabs.com/products/replacement-guitar-speaker-steelaire-15-speaker

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SixStringSurfer

Joined: Sep 23, 2014
Posts: 1401
Memphis, TN
United States

Posted on Dec 18 2024 10:00 PM

Get the Quilter speaker in the link that dannylectro posted above. They are the best speaker I have ever played through in my life. You can hear what it sounds like on my site (Finish Line, Paradiso, or tap the "click here" button on my home page).

I did blow one, but it was because I had my 8 Ohm '62 Showman cranked into the 4 Ohm speaker. I have since corrected that issue with a Weber Ohm converter, so far so good. Let us know what you decide to do.

—

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.

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Igorilla

Joined: Sep 09, 2013
Posts: 42
Berlin
Germany

Posted on Dec 19 2024 02:19 AM

For years I've been playing through D130F, K130, D130 (without F) and the Eminence EPS-15C in 1x15 tone-ring cab.
I believe that the EPS 15C is essentially the same speaker that Quilter uses in his 1x15 cabs.
These are all very, very good speakers.
D130 vs K130: K130 has more headroom, is slightly warmer in higher frequencies and is clearer than D130(F). Otherwise, both have that typical JBL sound. For me, it just depends on the mood which one I prefer. An advantage of K130 over D130 is its higher power rating.

Quilter vs JBL: People often compare the Quilter/Emi speaker to K130 on the internet, but I find that the Quilter/Emi EPS-15C sounds different. Cleaner, clearer, a bit more emphasis on higher frequencies. Nevertheless, it is an excellent speaker, but is very expensive new and rarely comes up for sale used.

I have no experience with EV15L.

In Germany, K130s go for 100-150€ and pop up frequently at Kleinanzeigen. D130s got stupidly expensive.

—

Boris Bond @ Bandcamp

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MayTheFuzzBeWithYou

Joined: May 03, 2020
Posts: 44
4 Security Pins

Posted on Dec 19 2024 03:28 PM

That‘s exactly the info I was after!
Thank you guys! I will look into those Eminence too!

my Bassist loves the EV stuff! He plays a 80s 2x15 Fender cab with 15B and 15L (at least I believe so).

yeah, I‘m a regular at Kleinanzeigen too - and I paid 100€ for my first JBL - but as I‘m still undecided these occasions often slip.

—

TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock
Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram

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Igorilla

Joined: Sep 09, 2013
Posts: 42
Berlin
Germany

Posted on Dec 19 2024 04:28 PM

MayTheFuzzBeWithYou wrote:

Do JBL speakers have troubles with Fuzz or other distortion pedals? Is it due to the alu dome or is it something else?

No, they don't have troubles with fuzz. They have troubles with fuzz AND heavy reverb. I use fuzzes (fuzzrite-style and surfy fuzz) and I have to use Surfy Industries' Drip Switch when switching the fuzz on to turn down the mix control on my 6G15 in order to get a good fuzz sound.
The dream solution would be a Surfy Fuzz version with an integrated Drip Switch that can be activated via a toggle switch (either fuzz only or fuzz and drip switch mode), so that you don't have to press two switches at the same time (for fuzz and for separate drip switch).

—

Boris Bond @ Bandcamp

Last edited: Dec 19, 2024 16:29:29

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kick_the_reverb

Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 1337
Escondido, CA
2 News Pins

Posted on Dec 19 2024 06:51 PM

The Quilter Steelaire and the Eminence EPS-15C are not voiced the same, although they are built similarly (both Eminence). The EPS-15C is darker. It's also out of production so not a readily available option.
When I have money to have two more cabs made I will compare the two, but it's going to be a while until that happens.

If you see a good, original cone K130 you probably won't be disappointed if you get it at a reasonable price.

Fuzz and aluminum dome can get unpleasant. If you play fuzz all the time, then it may be worth it to try some other type of speaker.

Good luck,
Ran

—

The Scimitars

Last edited: Dec 19, 2024 18:57:27

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MayTheFuzzBeWithYou

Joined: May 03, 2020
Posts: 44
4 Security Pins

Posted on Dec 22 2024 02:53 PM

Thanks for the heads up, Ran!

For me it‘s actually an space-related issue.
As we lost our rehearsal room earlier this year. Currently all my amps amps keep sitting in the flat and only the Princeton gets played regularly.
But I‘m looking forward to a new room and will probably build or buy another cab then.

—

TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock
Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram

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MayTheFuzzBeWithYou Joined: May 03, 2020 Posts: 44	Posted on Dec 18 2024 10:58 AM Hi. What does the community think about K130 speakers in a 1x15 or 2x15 setting for Surf? Or what other speakers can you recommend? How do the K130 and D140 compare to the D130 and why are they less desirable? Background: I had one K130 six years ago - got it with my Blonde 1x15 cabinet - but it got blown after a week or two - probably due to the stupidity of a former rehearsal room colleague (we wanted to see how it sounded on its own, together with a 2x12 and whether it was better on top or on bottom... and he was turning the amp on and off as well as switching the amp's impedance switch and after 15min of testing - the speaker was quiet)- or was it the various gain stages and octavers that it didn't like (not my pedalboard either). I sent it off to get it reconed - and switched to a Celestion Full Back in the meantime (got V30s in the 2x12 - so I figured they might work well together). Do JBL speakers have troubles with Fuzz or other distortion pedals? Is it due to the alu dome or is it something else? Once I saw my reconed JBL (no more aluminum dust cover - even if that was the one thing I insisted on keeping) I never cared to reinstall it. I wanted to put it in the diagonal Bassman Cab - but the screws weren't long enough (somehow the mounting was different to the speakers in there). But now another K130 came up locally - currently listed for 187€ which I find a bit expensive... given the fact that you sometimes can get a D130 for 200ish. I also passed on a Quilter speaker as it was not labeled as the Steelaire but Blockdock (it's sold now too so never mind). EV15L come up recommended pretty often too - would probably be cheaper too. What other speakers are you playing? What (modern) alternatives can you recommend. Also how about K120s in a 2x12? I'm planning to either buy a(nother) Supersonic 2x12 or some other 2x12 Fender style cab (but this time in black), or buy/build a 1x15 myself - or finally exchange the Eminence Bass Speakers that are in my 2x15 diagonal Bassman cab for something else. Also I'm getting closer and closer to have a real Surf-centered band project. So that is something to get excited about! Thank you! — TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram Top
Wellens_ Joined: Nov 05, 2023 Posts: 58 Brussels Area	Posted on Dec 18 2024 12:29 PM You can't go wrong with a EV15B or 'L'. — Cheers, Wellens https://m.facebook.com/TheArousals For the daring... and lusty! Top
dannylectro Joined: Aug 18, 2008 Posts: 368 Orange, CA	Posted on Dec 18 2024 07:16 PM https://www.quilterlabs.com/products/replacement-guitar-speaker-steelaire-15-speaker Top
SixStringSurfer Joined: Sep 23, 2014 Posts: 1401 Memphis, TN	Posted on Dec 18 2024 10:00 PM Get the Quilter speaker in the link that dannylectro posted above. They are the best speaker I have ever played through in my life. You can hear what it sounds like on my site (Finish Line, Paradiso, or tap the "click here" button on my home page). I did blow one, but it was because I had my 8 Ohm '62 Showman cranked into the 4 Ohm speaker. I have since corrected that issue with a Weber Ohm converter, so far so good. Let us know what you decide to do. — MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website. Top
Igorilla Joined: Sep 09, 2013 Posts: 42 Berlin	Posted on Dec 19 2024 02:19 AM For years I've been playing through D130F, K130, D130 (without F) and the Eminence EPS-15C in 1x15 tone-ring cab. I believe that the EPS 15C is essentially the same speaker that Quilter uses in his 1x15 cabs. These are all very, very good speakers. D130 vs K130: K130 has more headroom, is slightly warmer in higher frequencies and is clearer than D130(F). Otherwise, both have that typical JBL sound. For me, it just depends on the mood which one I prefer. An advantage of K130 over D130 is its higher power rating. Quilter vs JBL: People often compare the Quilter/Emi speaker to K130 on the internet, but I find that the Quilter/Emi EPS-15C sounds different. Cleaner, clearer, a bit more emphasis on higher frequencies. Nevertheless, it is an excellent speaker, but is very expensive new and rarely comes up for sale used. I have no experience with EV15L. In Germany, K130s go for 100-150€ and pop up frequently at Kleinanzeigen. D130s got stupidly expensive. — Boris Bond @ Bandcamp Top
MayTheFuzzBeWithYou Joined: May 03, 2020 Posts: 44	Posted on Dec 19 2024 03:28 PM That‘s exactly the info I was after! Thank you guys! I will look into those Eminence too! my Bassist loves the EV stuff! He plays a 80s 2x15 Fender cab with 15B and 15L (at least I believe so). yeah, I‘m a regular at Kleinanzeigen too - and I paid 100€ for my first JBL - but as I‘m still undecided these occasions often slip. — TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram Top
Igorilla Joined: Sep 09, 2013 Posts: 42 Berlin	Posted on Dec 19 2024 04:28 PM MayTheFuzzBeWithYou wrote: Do JBL speakers have troubles with Fuzz or other distortion pedals? Is it due to the alu dome or is it something else? No, they don't have troubles with fuzz. They have troubles with fuzz AND heavy reverb. I use fuzzes (fuzzrite-style and surfy fuzz) and I have to use Surfy Industries' Drip Switch when switching the fuzz on to turn down the mix control on my 6G15 in order to get a good fuzz sound. The dream solution would be a Surfy Fuzz version with an integrated Drip Switch that can be activated via a toggle switch (either fuzz only or fuzz and drip switch mode), so that you don't have to press two switches at the same time (for fuzz and for separate drip switch). — Boris Bond @ Bandcamp Last edited: Dec 19, 2024 16:29:29 Top
kick_the_reverb Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 1337 Escondido, CA	Posted on Dec 19 2024 06:51 PM The Quilter Steelaire and the Eminence EPS-15C are not voiced the same, although they are built similarly (both Eminence). The EPS-15C is darker. It's also out of production so not a readily available option. When I have money to have two more cabs made I will compare the two, but it's going to be a while until that happens. If you see a good, original cone K130 you probably won't be disappointed if you get it at a reasonable price. Fuzz and aluminum dome can get unpleasant. If you play fuzz all the time, then it may be worth it to try some other type of speaker. Good luck, Ran — The Scimitars Last edited: Dec 19, 2024 18:57:27 Top
MayTheFuzzBeWithYou Joined: May 03, 2020 Posts: 44	Posted on Dec 22 2024 02:53 PM Thanks for the heads up, Ran! For me it‘s actually an space-related issue. As we lost our rehearsal room earlier this year. Currently all my amps amps keep sitting in the flat and only the Princeton gets played regularly. But I‘m looking forward to a new room and will probably build or buy another cab then. — TENTACULA: Garage-Psych-Heavy-Surf-Rock Tentacula @ Bandcamp Tentacula @ Instagram Tentacula @ Facebook my gear collection @ instagram Top

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"Modern" alternatives for JBL D130?