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Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 12:52 am
by Blackburn
I finally populated my Tone Tubby 2x12 that I've had for years, sitting unused and unloaded. It originally came with the TT speakers, one ceramic and one AlNiCo. They've been gone for some time and I'd occasionally pop in a speaker to try, since it has the three jacks for single-parallel-single (8R-4R-8R) setup in back, which I find very useful, but never settled on anything permanently, with a variety either getting sent back, sold or simply removed and stored. Well, I finally pulled the trigger on a pair of old EV 12Ls on the Bay a short while back and have been digging them since they went in. They're heavy SOBs! :x It's an interesting change up from my AlNiCo obsession. I'm digging them very much and thought I'd share some pics of it loaded, also hoping that maybe someone can provide helpful info to date them. It's not a big deal since they're now officially soldered in there, but I'm just curious how old they are. Hope you guys dig! :)

DK

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 12:06 pm
by rp
Bet you're glad you don't live in a five story walk up, or at least I hope you don't.

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:48 pm
by Blackburn
I don't, but I'm sure that would be exhausting, even with a 1x12 loaded with one of these! :lol:

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:32 pm
by eniam rognab
everything's heavier in texas! :P

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 9:40 pm
by Bill Moore
I know what you mean, I have a couple of EVM12S in a 2-12 cab, and they are great!
When I built my "Twin" clone I initially just used the single EVM12L I had, still sounded great!
I can't help with the code except the 812 means it is a EVM12L made for an equipment supplier, also the connections are spade rather than the normal spring loaded type that was used in the standard design.
I had an EV dealership in the 80's, and once they sent me some marked similar to yours, without the normal black sticker like the others had in the same order. I called the rep, and he said they would honor the same warranty as the others, just ignore the mixup.

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:11 pm
by Structo
Yes they are brutes!

They like to be punished! :twisted:

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:42 pm
by Blackburn
Bill, thanks for the info! :)

If I go for more EVs, I'm gonna look for the AlNiCo version. I forget the designation, but that sounds like a great speaker for me. I suppose hearing them first would be good, rather than assuming that any swingin' AlNiCo is gonna be one that I'll love. :lol:

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:48 pm
by Bill Moore
My favorite are the SRO's, but the 12's (alnico) have gotten really crazy prices lately. I wanted to put one in my DR build, but can't bring myself to spend that much money. Maybe there is just not that many still out there.

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:29 pm
by Blackburn
I think SRO is the designation I remember. If prices are nuts, maybe finding just one for a 1x12 is in my future. I may start the hunt later this year. :twisted:

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:47 pm
by Bill Moore
There was one on e-bay yesterday with a terrible "patch" on the cone that the guy admits is noisey. I made an offer of $50, (knowing it will be $100 to recone), and he declined it. Today the make offer is gone, and he wants $140 plus shipping!

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 11:14 pm
by RCGPNY1
Be careful of the "white frame" alnico SRO's . Many of their frames failed due to the weight of the magnet.

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 6:50 pm
by Blackburn
I'll keep that in mind. I did a quick search on Google for the ones you're talking about and don't see any frames that appear white, more beige or gray. Think you can post a pic of the type you're referring to?

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:15 pm
by Bill Moore
I too am curious!

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:36 pm
by potatofarmer
IIRC the stamped steel baskets were the ones that are prone to failure.

Like this:
[img:1024:768]http://i38.tinypic.com/1z4x3kw.jpg[/img]

They made a run of 15s with this basket construction and those REALLY had problems holding the magnet without deforming. I have one of these 15s and knock on wood it's still fine.

Re: Vintage EV 12Ls

Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:52 pm
by Structo
Can you imagine a 4x12 with 12L's?

You'd need a forklift just to move it. :lol: