Cheap Speaker Alternatives?

[jakebrown5]

Hello everyone. Let me just say that I'm a beginner to the amp-building process but learning quickly.

I recently completed my first build, a 12 series per ******'s specs with a MM OT. My problem is I'm only 15 years old and I don't have a steady cash flow to work with as I pursue the tones of EVH.

I feel the amp I've built is real close to the Brown Sound when I boost it with a Marshall (solid state ) Preamp, but I only have at my disposal some 3-way stereo speakers from the '70s. Talk about flat frequency response! I'm asking for ideas here on what you guys think I should do.

I need a way to get this amp's tonal potential into my face without using a guitar speaker of any sort (due to my lack of funds). I've tried using a simple voltage divider circuit via resistors to give me a line level output for my plexi, but it sounded way too high and brittle. I would need to do some speaker simulation after it, right? Does anybody here have experience emulating speakers using only effects or circuits?

I did find some interesting sites with information on this, about constructing reactive load circuits, line out boxes, and Marshall 4x12 frequency response simulator circuits. I don't know, though, if this information is valid or will help me achieve quiet VH sounds. I'd like to add reverb after the amp and send it to my stereo power amp, which can drive those speakers.

Does any of what I'm saying here make sense? Basically I want a way (is there one?) to take the output of a plexi, add some post-effects, and feed it into another power amplifier, while still maintaining the tone of the amp and sounding like its coming out of some vintage Celestions?

[908ssp]

You can buy a decent speaker from Avatar or Weber or better still used and build your own box you're going to need one if you ever want to hear the thing even close to properly.

Mater of fact I have a V30 with a repaired small tear sounds just fine I will sell it for $30. If you're in the 48 states shipping will cost $10 so thats $40 shipped.

[jakebrown5]

Excuse my extreme "noobness", but aren't V30s rated for 60 watts? ....meaning I would need (atleast) two of those puppies? Or does that just mean the speaker will distort heavily and breakup?

Of all the possibilities for listening to Marshalls at low volumes, speaker isolation seems to make the most sense....

[Bainzy]

Your simply not gonna get the right sound without a decent 4x12 and G12M's, although G12H's in a Marshall cab might come fairly close. I wouldn't bother wasting money on a cheap quick fix; I'm in the same situation as you (got my amp/cabs last year at 17) and just saved up long enough to buy what I needed.

Excuse my extreme "noobness", but aren't V30s rated for 60 watts? ....meaning I would need (atleast) two of those puppies? Or does that just mean the speaker will distort heavily and breakup?

First it'd distort heavily and breakup, then it'd blow. You're right, you'd need at least 2.

[jakebrown5]

I did a little more research and found this: http://www.palmergear.com/pga04.shtml . It's a Palmer load box with speaker simulation, which could completely take the place of a cabinet for quiet practice and home recording.

Not exactly "Cheap", but perhaps you are right Bainzy in saying my quest here will be fruitless without spending a lot.

In the product's desciption on the above link, Palmer claims EVH actually uses one of these things. That's not saying much though, because IMHO his sound as of late sucks.

Does this piece of gear appeal to anyone? Should it be appealing to me?

[Bainzy]

If it's a decent piece of kit, it might sound pretty good; try find out what type of speakers it simulates. If it's a vintage Celestion style speaker in a 4x12 or 8x12 cab situation, it could sound fantastic.

[yngwie308]

I think Eddie needs a Metro 12000 series,since he is no longer affiliated with Peavey,now is the time.
But my hope is that Gary Moore will start using Metro amps,since Gary is still playing well,and dosen't have a 'problem',which apparently Ed does.
Or, so I keep reading about from people around him.
Imho,as you say Ed has been going nowhere fast for quite a number of years,and I'm sure he is pissed about it.
Yngwie, is a good example of someone who knows his strengths,yet is not restrained by the type of music he plays.
He listens to what people say about him,when they said he was fat,he lost weight and quit smoking and drinking.
Ed,looks to me like a frightened,scary looking individual,and he does need help,no doubt.It's like the emperors new clothes story,everyone around him is afraid to confront him.
I am sympathetic to him,but he has been this way for a long time,so I don't know.It is painful to me to see him in the condition he is in.
What happened at the Namm show?
I read in an interview with Steve Lukather,that something happened at a Namm show,was Ed 'tired and emotional',as they say?
The special thing about Edwards sound was Edward,not his amp,speakers,phaser,ect.So when he finds himself again,hopefully,we'll hear the real Eddie again.
Regards
Yngwie308/Why is this post in Marshall,Marshall.Marshall?

[Bluesgeetar]

This is what I would do if in your situation. Buy 908ssp V30 and then get another cheap V30 off Fleabay. build your own box put in one of Georges little cheap MV mods for a lower volume and there you go. That is what I would do if seriously strapped for cash.

[jakebrown5]

Thanks for all your replies guys. I put this post in the EVH category because my purpose was to get very close to his sound. I don't believe that is possible with a homebrew 2x12 and a Master Volume that chokes off the power tube saturation. I haven't tried a PPIMV yet, but I can't see how they're so popular being the power tubes aren't distorting at low levels.

My opinion is:

Power tube distortion = A big part of the Brown Sound

I feel this way because through my POS stereo speakers right now I can HEAR my power tubes, and other than the fact that I can hear all those nasty fizzy sounds with them (8-10KHz I'm assuming), it sounds great. I'll work on getting some recorded clips, so you guys can hear the amp.

[45auto]

impressive young man. what of power scaling?

[jakebrown5]

what of power scaling?

Funny you say that, because I just read up on that over the last couple of days, and here's my opinion NOW:

I'm sticking with my theory that the Brown Sound is not possible without opening up the wallet. That being said, anybody in my situation would either:

A) Give up the quest

or

B) Save up for the proper equipment

Since EVH is so influential to me, I cannot see how option A will work.

I checked out the sound clips comparing a Power Brake to a Hot Plate to Power scaling (http://bruceclement.com/music/psk.htm), and it's pretty obvious that's the way I should go.

It's not a fix-all-your-problems thing, but I will have the ability to play quietly and perhaps that will sound OK coming out of my stereo speakers.[/url]

[bmf5150]

the cheapest you will find is the reis greenback!if you have the money get the heritage greenbacks much better than the reis tone wise and for a few more bucks get the real deals!!