Big-G
Hi Folks,
A friend of mine has an original AC30, but it has a blown speaker. I'd really like to get this amp back up and running for him, so I wondered if anyone can point me in the direction of a replacement? I believe its the 'blue' speaker, but I'm awaiting confirmation on this?
Anyone any idea what we could realistically expect to pay for such a replacement?
Regards
G!
greetings
I think a Celestion Alnico Blue is around R3500. I'm not sure who supplies them. You could look at the Weber variant too, it doesn't have to be Celestion.
Gearhead
Disagree with the Weber option or others, you want to keep the AC30 as it was: equipped with the Celestion Blue. The new version is made as close to the original in terms of sound as Celestion could get it.
You used to be able to get it through takealot UK imports, but I think they stopped the whole section.
AlanRatcliffe
It's the Celestion Blue. Tradelius in KZN are the distributors, but last time I enquired (about a year ago), they weren't bringing in the Blue or Gold except by special order. Price then was R3,200 ea.
Big-G
Ouch! Thats quite a lot more than I was expecting! Thanks for the replies though! I'll have to do some more investigating, and see if I can find a cheaper source?
Many regards!
G!
makepeace
how about... fix the speaker. no need for a new one. resonant frequency, brakenfell: 0219196073. talk to riaan.
?
AlanRatcliffe
Actually, I made a mistake - they were more like R6K ea. ☹ It's not so much a case of cheaper sources - Alnico speakers are expensive. Wantitall lists the Blue for R5,200 and RRP in the US is $440 (street $300, but shipping is expensive).
I brought in a pair of Weber Alnicos (Blue and a Silver) a couple of years ago and including all costs it was over R6K.
Reconing is more of a viable option if you already have a Blue and the reconer has access to the right cones and coils.
Big-G
Yer, I'm not exactly sure what happened to the original speaker? At present he's using a cheaper speaker in the place of one of the 'blues', and it sounds OK, but to have such a special amp sitting there, it seems a real shame not to have it singing properly.... Currently, to my mind, or ears, its kind of like a great singer with terrible bronchitis!
I'll try and find out some more info from the current owner, and see if I can discover what happened to the original speaker?
If this was my amp, I would save up, and 'afford' the new speaker, as I'd consider it worthwhile, but I don't think the current owner is in a position to afford it? I've already asked him for first refusal on the amp should he decide to part with it, but I doubt he'll ever part with it?
EDIT: Flippin Nora!! R6k! Alan, I think you've just stopped me from sleeping! The irritating thing is that I have just spotted a used one for R1k, but by the time its shipped here etc, it ain't gonna be cheap!
Regards
G!
makepeace
i would guess it might not even need reconing. its 'blown'. which could mean any number of things, but what's most likely is that a wire between the terminal and the coil has broken. which should be quite an easy fix. in the case that the coil has cooked, he should be able to replace it as well. in the rare case that the cones the problem, i'm sure you could order a recone kit for an alnico blue. in fact...
http://www.lean-business.co.uk/eshop/recone-kit-celestion-alnico-blue-15ohm-p-411.html
IMO, take it to riaan and see what he says. if he says no dice, which i'm pretty sure he won't have to, then you can start thinking about replacement.
edit: fixing the original speaker would actually the better idea, in terms of the worth of the amp. an old celestion alnico blue is worth far more than a brand new one. and an entirely original AC30 in full working order is quite special.
Big-G
Cool, once I get more info as to whats happened to the 'old' speaker, I'll get in touch with Riaan. I do hope my friend still has the original speaker!
Cheers
G!
AlanRatcliffe
makepeace wrote
what's most likely is that a wire between the terminal and the coil has broken.
Actually, more than likely a blown coil. AC30s have a tendency to do that to Blues.
makepeace
:-[
sorry, was cuffing it in order of severity - haven't done the research. but good to know ?
regardless though; if the cone is not stuffed, it should be a relatively cheap and easy fix - and the best part is you still have your original speaker.
Manfred-Klose
yes take the speaker to riaan, that guy is pretty good with speakers
lapdawg
If you do buy, its cheaper to get it online & have it shipped. I think you can get one for for about R3.2K - thats shipping (same week courier)& duties included. Its always more expensive to get only one. The shipping is always a big part of the cost & 2 speakers ship cheaper, 4 even cheaper & so on.
vic
makepeace wrote
how about... fix the speaker. no need for a new one. resonant frequency, brakenfell: 0219196073. talk to riaan.
?
Yip....first take the speaker to Riaan at Resonant Frequency. He once did a re-coning on a Silver/Grey Vox alnico (same speaker as the "blue") for me. Unfortunately these speakers are very rare here and if Riaan can't fix it, I suggest you import one from the UK.
Failing that...I could also suggest getting a Celestion (8 ohm) greenback to partner the original " blue" or "grey" still in there....quite a good combination imho.
I will also keep my eyes open for a replacement "blue" for you.
Big-G
Once again, thanks everyone for your assistance.... Lets hope I can get this beauty singing once more!
Cheers
G!
greetings
Gearhead wrote
Disagree with the Weber option or others, you want to keep the AC30 as it was: equipped with the Celestion Blue. The new version is made as close to the original in terms of sound as Celestion could get it.
You used to be able to get it through takealot UK imports, but I think they stopped the whole section.
I only suggested the Weber on the basis of cost because, as the OP has since said, the Celestion is very expensive. But, the Celestion would be the most true to the original amp, yes.
Reinhard
I am in the same boat. My grey panel has one non-original speaker. Karel just serviced it, so I either have to get a silver alnico or pair the original with a modern blue.
Looking forward to get it back ?
