Newbie help - what is this?

[b3jazz]

Need new diaphragm, how can I determine the model number? http://www.moodog.net/road_leslies/altec.jpg

Regards and apologies for newbie questions...

--
Bradley

[10 Watt Street]

That would appear to be an Altec Giant Voice 290B driver. For the diaphragm, check with: http://www.greatplainsaudio.com/PartsList.html

[moldyoldy]

If you're using the stock Leslie amp and XO, request a 16 ohm 'fram for the 290 (they come in 4, 8, or 16). GPA's definitely the place, but a call will get way faster results than an email order. I think Bill just doesn't like email, but he's a great guy.

I've toyed with the idea of using a 290 in a hipo Leslie, but always assumed the reflections from mounting a 1.4" exit driver directly to a ~3/4" throat would be a problem. Maybe not. Please let us know how it works out.

Also, use care when oiling the upper rotor spindle, a 290 'fram won't like oil any better than the Jensens did.

Just for the record, you can get replacement 'frams for the Leslie Jensens from Rick at www.tonewheelgeneral.com (http://www.tonewheelgeneral.com).

[b3jazz]

I've toyed with the idea of using a 290 in a hipo Leslie, but always assumed the reflections from mounting a 1.4" exit driver directly to a ~3/4" throat would be a problem. Maybe not. Please let us know how it works out.
I am happy to report that the diaphragm is not blown - it was an amplifier configured for mono instead of stereo (active x-over).

I heard the rig (Hammond B-3, the two Leslie 122s) last night for the first time, small gig, three piece (organ, sax, drums) and it was definitely one of the best setups I have heard. I have to say, I was little bit stunned by the warmth of the bass (JBL 2226) and the smoothness and balance of the treble (the Altec drivers). I have always thought that the sound of a stock tubed 40W Leslie 122 was the standard, that solid-state could not have the warmth, etc., but that sound last night made me rethink that position, certainly for anything other than the living room situation.

This was a resurrection project. The Hammond B-3 and the two Leslie 122s had belonged to a southern rocker, Stephen Miller (here's a link... http://stephenmillerblues.com (http://stephenmillerblues.com/) not the "somebody gimme a cheeseburger steve miller").

He died of cirrhosis in 2003. There is an annual charity event, the Stephen Miller Blues Bash. This year it is being held tomorrow. Two stages, 12 hours, lots of bands. Kenny Clark, the new owner of Steve's B-3 and Leslies, wanted to put them on stage for the charity event, complete with bumper stickers, road rash, beer stains, etc.. All pieces were non-functional in April but I think we are going to make it (I did the electrical rebuild) - just one more minor tweak I want to make tomorrow before the show. Kenny is playing the rig with at least three of the 20 or so bands appearing at the show.

Regarding the throat mismatch reflection, I've got to think that it can't matter - the Leslie is a whirling phase shifting machine. I'm not sure you could even tell that there was a difference. I can tell you however that it is a GREAT sounding B-3/Leslie combination. So much so that I am starting to check the usual sources for one of those Altec 290B drivers for my own high-powered rig.


--
Bradley

[moldyoldy]

Thanks for the update, Bradley. That's what I like about MI gear, you don't have near as many rules to deal with, if you end up with the sound you were looking for, nobody can tell you it's wrong.

Best wishes with your event. From my experience, when the commercial influences are forgotten, creativity and talent take over, and the results can be spectacular. Not near enough of that going on these days. Even though my home stereo only gets powered down for thunderstorms, I still prefer live music 10 to 1. Rather listen to an average band than a good record any day of the week.

When you get rested up, I'd like to hear some more, like amp and XO details.

Cheers!