Serial Number registry?

[glen]

Seller supplied serial numbers

150-4C serial number 10884 and 10915
375 serial number 1962 and 2008
N500H serial number 703 (other N500H is missing label)

The relatively close serial numbers of these cabinets with matching finish and grill cloth indicate they may have been bought as an early stereo pair?
(my best guess at the date from the serial numbers is about 1957-60)

in ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1

from auction description:
Up for your consideration are a magnificent pair of Jbl Hartsfields. They consist of 375 high frequecy compression drivers and 150-4c bass drivers, all four in original unmolested condition with red seals intact. Please contact me if you would like additonal information. I bought these recently for my listening room but they are just too big for my living space. These are in good condition with black laquer and silver grill cloth. One of the speakers needs the plinth repaired which is an easy fix and the grill cloth is a little loose on this ons as well. Again an easy fix. I will crate these for 200.00 and work with the buyer to figure out the best way to ship. These do have to be picked up by a frieght company as they are too large for me to deal with. These are about 250 pounds each for an estimated 800 lbs
Q:Hi ChevyChevelle1965, Wow! What magnificent speakers! Can you please tell me the serial numbers of the drivers and crossovers in them? Thanks and good luck with your auction! Glen
A:Sorry for they delay Glen. I had to take the backs off. The 375's are 1962 and 2008. The 150-4c are 10915 and 10884. One N500H is missing the label and the other serial number is 703.

[glen]

C49 Dales with S5 system:

LE10 serial number 4360 and 4361
LE30 serial number 1812 and 1823
LX3 crossovers serial number 3799 and 3800

in ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-C49-DALE-SPE...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
*** GORGEOUS PAIR OF ORIGINAL JBL C49 DALE SPEAKERS ***
***** with S5 SYSTEMS LE30 TWEETERS/LE10 WOOFERS/LX3 NETWORKS ***** ***** MIRROR IMAGED DESIGN *****

You are bidding on an original pair of VERY RARE JBL C49 Dale speakers that utilize S5 systems that consist of LE30 tweeters, LE10 woofers & LX3 crossovers. The famous JBL MINIGON speakers use these exact S5 systems as well.
Both LE30 aluminum domes and LE10 domes are a little uneven and both LE10 woofers need new surrounds, but all drivers work fine. DC Resistances are 6.0 ohms/6.1 ohms for the LE30 tweeters and 5.3 ohms/5.4 ohms for the LE10 woofers. Serial numbers for LE30 tweeters are #1812 & 1823. LE10 woofers have consecutive serial numbers #4360 & 4361 so as the LX3 crossovers #3799 & 3800. These speakers are ALL ORIGINAL. The cabinets stand 23-3/4" tall, 11" wide, and 11-5/8" deep. The cabinets are in very good condition for their age except one large dent on one speaker's front edge which can be easily restored. The original grills are in nice shape except the badges are missing. The hanging latches on the back can either be mounted on the right side or left side. The front of these speaker cabinet design was genious. They are not symmetrical, they are mirror imaged (see pictures below).

[glen]

D130 serial number 87711 in it's original box dated November 9, 1972

[glen]

C60 serial number 10710 containing
LE15A serial number 13921
375 serial number 9211
LX5 serial number 29096*
H93 serial number 12166
L91 serial number not present
075 serial number 4289*
N7000 serial number not supplied
PR15 serial number 12754
*these serial numbers do not seem to be contemporary with the rest, the LX5 being later, and the 075 earlier, than the other components

C60 serial number 10711 containing
LE15A serial number 13924
375 serial number 9207
LX5 serial number 16275
H93 serial number 12167
L91 serial number 17755
075 serial number 61088
N7000 serial number not supplied
PR15 serial number 12757


in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-C60-S8R-Sove...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
This is a pair of JBL S8R C60's. Complete w/ no missing pieces. Issues are: Although both LE15A's appear to have been re coned (2-17-92 & 2-20-92), the foam surrounds have begun to deteriorate, & need to be replaced again (a cheap, easy fix). One cabinet, besides having normal paint wear, and scratches, has a large gash in the front molding. This occurred before i had them, and I don't know how it happened. One L91 is missing its badge. The 375's still have seven of eight Red Wax "JBL" seals. Each 075 has 3 of 4 Red Wax "JBL" seals.The grills are clean with no rips or tears. They came with glass to cover the tops of the cabs, which look to be original to me because of a small, round undulation in the wood (and the marked remains of 7 others) at the corners; as if to hold glass slightly above the surface. The Cabinets are paired serial #'s. The 375's and the speakers are very close in serial #s. Because of their size and weight, these are available for pickup or personal delivery up to or around 300 miles from Downtown Sacramento, California for an average price of gas round-trip.

Cabinet Serial Number 10711
LE15A....13924
PR15.....12757
H93......12167
375......9207
L91......17755
075......61088
LX5......16275
Cabinet Serial Number 10710
LE15A....13921
PR15.....12754
H93......12166
375......9211
L91......no badge
075......4289
LX5......29096

[glen]

Identified by seller as D34001 system being offered in four different auctions.

From the date-code serial numbers the components were apparently assembled in February & March of 1955.

C34 style cabinet (no Lansing decal or label visible in pics)
130A serial number 503169
175 serial number N-50274
1217-1290 serial number 503-153
N1200 serial number 502170


cabinet in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JIM-LANSING-C-34...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
I have had many of these C-34 cabinets through the years, they have always been one of my favorites. They sound great and look even better, I've been impressed with the build quality and design. The wood is extremely thick and they are built very rigid. This auction is for one cabinet only, NO drivers or crossover, however I do have them on ebay. The cabinet is in very nice condition, grille has NO holes or tears, just has a few faint stain spots. I did not try to clean it. Wood has NO bad cracks, broken corners, bad gouges, deep scratches, etc. Does have many small light scratches and some small chips. On the back panel just below the crossover cut out is masking tape residue. The previous owner taped the speaker cable to the back panel.

130A woofer in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Early-Vinta...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
This is a rare early Vintage JAMES B. LANSING SOUND INC 15" speaker model 130A, it is 16 ohms serial #503-169. This speaker was used in a C-34 enclosure with the N-1200 crossover, & 175 Tweeter, all are being made available on ebay. Stamped on the cone is 130 202. hand written in white is #5. Magnet cover and frame are in beautiful condition and very clean. The cone also very clean with NO holes, tears, dents, etc. Under very bright light and close inspection of the surround I noticed 3 tiny cracks that do not affect performance. This speaker was still in use and I was able to hear it before acquiring it. It sounded great, bass was deep and sound was clean and undistorted. There are many excellent rubber adhesives that can be used on the surround to keep it in its beautiful original condition.

175 driver and 1217-1290 horn in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Early-Vintage-JI...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
This is a very early vintage JAMES B LANSING SOUND INC high frequency driver and horn lens assembly. Driver model #175 serial no. N-50274. 16 ohms. Horn model #1217-1290. Everything is in wonderful condition, NO dents, scratches, rust, etc, just has mild wear. I listened to this speaker before acquiring it, it was still in use, and being used with a low powered receiver, the model number of the speaker that this was part of is D-34001. Consisting of this model 175, C-34 cabinet, D-130A & N-1200 crossover. All of these are being made available on ebay, and like this driver/horn, all work perfectly.

N1200 crossover in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Early-Vintage-JI...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
This is a very early original vintage JAMES B. LANSING SOUND model N-1200 speaker crossover. It is a 2 way with 3 position H.F. Gain control, inputs and outputs are attached by means of a very strong screw and spacer. Serial # is 502170, this crossover is 16 ohms, and was used in a C-34 enclosure along with D-130 & 175 that are also being made available. It is in the best condition, and is very clean.

[glen]

I believe this particular set of components was offered as System 20-1 in 1979.

Consisting of:
LE15H serial number 11143 and 11150
LE85 serial number 61614 and 61615
LX13 serial number 5991 and 5856
077 serial number 104965 and 10498
N8000 serial number 3747 and 3748
H92 serial number 10477 and 10105
L91 serial number 82006 and 82306

in ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1

from auction description:
This combination of JBL drivers was from the very rare S20-1 home builders package. This system is very similar to the factory build L300 but will allow even higher system sensitivity, perfect for use with low power tube amplifiers. This auction includes 2xLE15H, 2xLE85, 2xH92, 2xL91, 2x077, 2xLX13, and 2xN8000. No cabinets are included in this auction. All drivers have intact foil cals and are in excellent working order. Included in this system is a pair of LE15H woofers. These woofers were used in the Urei 813 as well as the last production years of the JBL Paragon. They will work in bass reflex or horn enclosures. The foam surrounds on these woofers was replaced in August 2006. The LE85 compression drivers have consecutive serial numbers 61614, 61615 and are in perfect working condition. These compression drivers were also used in the L300 and L200 systems. The H92 horns have serial numbers 10477 and 10105. These horns can also be used in an L300. The L91 lenses are in good condition, however, one has a crack in one vane and another has a small section that has broken off of one vane. Serial numbers are 82006, 82306. The 077 supertweeters are very rare and are also in excellent condition with serial numbers 104965 and 104981. The crossovers include two LX13 800Hz crossovers and two N8000 crossovers for the 077 super tweeters. The S20-1 kit can be built into either a 5 or an 8 cubic foot cabinet. The LE15H woofer has higher sensitivity than the 2231 model used in the L300 but requires a larger cabinet to produce deep bass. It uses a very deep 19mm gap for low distortion and high efficiency. I can provide layout for either of the JBL cabinets. If this system does not sell in this auction the individual parts will be sold separately. If you want to own this rare and unique set of drivers buy them now.

[glen]

001 system components in three different ebay auctions

130A serial number
175 serial number
1217-1290 serial number
N1200 serial number

Although the seller says this system was pulled from a 1960s cabinet I believe it is from the late 1950s (note "L" exclamation point logo on 175 driver)

130A in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-James-B-...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
You are bidding on a vintage James B. Lansing 130A 15" speaker in very good condition. This is a recent pull from a '60s era JBL cabinet. The paint and label are in almost new condition. The cone has no rips or tears and this speaker sounds awesome. Tested and ready to go. No reserve.
16 ohm
serial #13264
See my other auctions for the N1200 dividing network and the 175 driver with1217-1290 horn from this cabinet.


175 and 1217-1290 in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-James-B-...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
You are bidding on a vintage James B. Lansing JBL 175 driver with 1217-1290 horn attached in very good condition. This is a recent pull from a '60s era JBL cabinet. The paint and label are in almost new condition. This driver sounds awesome. Tested and ready to go. No reserve.
16 ohm
serial #5185 driver
serial #2927 horn
See my other auctions for the N1200 dividing network and the 130A 15" speaker from this cabinet.


N1200 in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-James-B-...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
You are bidding on a vintage James B. Lansing N1200 dividing network in very good condition. This is a recent pull from a '60s era JBL cabinet.
16 ohm
serial #2929
See my other auctions for the 130A 15" speaker and the 175 driver with1217-1290 horn from this cabinet.

[glen]

The original 175 was not discontinued when the LE75 was introduced around 1960 and continued to be produced.
I don’t know what difference there was between the 175 and the LE75 (besides the LE75’s blue paint job and slightly higher price).
Sometime during this overlapping period the 175 switched from the old engraved plastic label to the black and silver foilcal still with the “JBL” exclamation point
This was presumably about this same time that the LE75’s label switched from the early decal with the model number and impedance typewritten with a printed (or ink stamped?) serial number to a gold foilcal with printed model number and the serial number stamped (debossed) into the metal foilcal.
By serial number 15007 at the latest the wax seal had also switched from the script “L” to the “JBL” stamp.
175 drivers with the black and silver foilcal:

175 serial number 11405
175 serial number 11721
175 serial number 15007
175 serial number 15178
175 serial number 17912
175 serial number 17956

[glen]

Whatever the differences were between the 175 and the LE75 they must have been too minor to merit continued production of two different versions of the smallest compression driver and JBL replaced them with the LE175.
The new LE175 would inherit the same style black and silver foilcal with the “JBL” exclamation point used on the last 175s, but the serial numbers would not continue either the 175 or LE75 numbering, The LE175 serial numbers begin lower than the end point of prior drivers numbering, possibly commencing with 1000 since I’ve never seen a 3-digit serial number on an LE175.

The earliest serial numbers of a new model or revised labeling often reveal a bumpy transition, and this is reflected in the first LE175 nameplates as well.
This may have been compounded because this was also the time chosen to change the impedance rating on the drivers which had previously been listed at 16 ohms on the label.

LE175 serial number 1034 claimed1963
This has a black foilcal with a debossed model number
and does not even have a place to show the impedance rating.
In fact the foilcal looks like those used on some horns, lenses and crossovers.
LE175 serial number 1638 has a printed model number,
and impedance is listed as “8-16 ohms”


Then JBL seemed to settle on an 8 ohm impedance and the run of the classic version of this driver began in earnest:

LE175 serial number 5479
LE175 serial number 6600
LE175 serial number 6665
LE175 serial number 7469
LE175 serial number 7470
LE175 serial number 10145
LE175 serial number 10161
LE175 serial number 10220
LE175 serial number 10235
LE175 serial number 10595
LE175 serial number 10595
LE175 serial number 10605
LE175 serial number 10605
LE175 serial number 13465
LE175 serial number 13675
LE175 serial number 15835
LE175 serial number 15855
LE175 serial number 22071* japan
LE175 serial number 27027 japan
LE175 serial number 27369
LE175 serial number 27646 japan
LE175 serial number 28445
LE175 serial number 31132 japan
LE175 serial number 36021
LE175 serial number 36174
LE175 serial number 37202** japan
LE175 serial number 38971 japan
LE175 serial number 38985 japan
LE175 serial number 39877 japan
LE175 serial number 40018 japan
LE175 serial number 40025 japan

*Most of the LE175s after around serial number 22000 are in Japan, which I would take to mean that JBL was still distributing these overseas even as they gave up on marketing home components in the US.
**And the later LE175s (after 37000 or so) seem to no longer have the wax seals.

[glen]

For the venerable LE175 the long and winding road ended in Northridge, California. After JBL’s 1976 move to the Nortridge facilities where they remain today they redesigned the foilcal again. The last few LE175s, which I’ve found only in Japan, display the Northridge foilcal but continue the serial numbering sequence from the classic black and silver foilcals.
All in all not a bad run for this unassuming little driver that Jim Lansing designed and built in his barn and survived to be built on the assembly lines at Northridge in a form essentially unchaged from the days when he crafted it with his own hands. And some would argue that the 175 was THE key component that made possible the revolution in home audio that Lansing dreamed of.

LE175 41255 japan
LE175 41427 japan
LE175 42464 japan

[glen]

C60 sovereign with S8R systems, very nicely described on ebay:
C60 cabinet serial number 12312 and 12313
LE15A serial number 26929 and 26927
375 serial number 17978 and 17976
LX5 serial number 27302 and 27300
075 serial number 99953 and 99969
N7000 serial number 20260 and 20300
PR15 serial number 19867 and 19875
H93 serial number 17819 and 17820
L91 serial number 41789 and 41692

in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-C60-S8R-Sove...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
This is a pair of JBL S8R C60's. Complete w/ no missing pieces. Issues are: both LE15A's foam surrounds have begun to deteriorate,(as can be seen in the pic) & need to be replaced (a cheap, easy fix) Both cabinets are in very good condition, with just some minor edge wear, there are no deep scratches or gouges. The 375's still have all of the Red Wax "JBL" seals. The 075's have all of the Red Wax "JBL" seals. The grills are clean with no rips or tears. The Cabinets are paired serial #'s. The 375's and the speakers are very close in serial #s. Drivers are tested and work fine. Have not tested crossovers. Because of their size and weight, these are available for pickup or personal delivery up to or around 300 miles from Durham, NC for an average price of gas round-trip. Auction winner gets all components and cabinet. You do not have to take the cabinets if you don't want the trouble of shipping and handling them, as they are large and heavy. I WILL NOT SHIP THE CABINETS INTERNATIONALY. I will ship the components internationaly. This means if you are not in the U.S., auction is for components only. Thank you, and good luck. Cabinet Serial Number........12312
LE15A..woofer................26929 is 8 ohm
PR15....passive radiator.....19867
H93......midrange horn.......17819
375.......midrange driver.....17978 is 16 ohm
L91.......midrange lens........41789
075.......tweeter...............99953 is 8 ohm
LX5......crossover..............27302
N7000..crossover..............20260
Cabinet Serial Number.........12313
LE15A..woofer..................26927 is 8 ohm
PR15....passive radiator......19875
H93......midrange horn........17820
375.......midrange driver......17976 is 16 ohm
L91.......midrange lens........41692
075.......tweeter...............99969 is 8 ohm
LX5.......crossover.............27300
N7000...crossover.............20300

[glen]

I recently got a private message from LH member Rudy Kleimann wondering if I had mis-read the serial number of an L100 auctioned on ebay a few months back. The speaker auction included the original, dated sales receipt from 1-19-1978 making it a rare bird indeed, and important to try and get right.

In fact the serial numbers were mis-identified, they actually are:
L100A serial number 288639A and 288640A

The new owner of these speakers kindly confirmed that the serial numbers of the speakers are288639 and 288640.

Besides addressing this question I should also correct the link to the ebay auction from my original post. The auction was at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1
(I must've been tired when I did the original posting because I included a link to the email I received from the ebay seller, not a link to the ebay auction) My original post about this speaker is at:
http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin/s...&postcount=133

When I originally contacted the seller to get the date of the receipt and the serial numbers I got the following reply:
"The invoice receipt is dated 1-19-78. The speakers are already boxed up, but I can see one of the serial numbers in the pictures. It looks like 280639. Thanks for the interest & have a great day."

The member that contacted me thought that the number looked more like 288639A than 280639A. (I did not note in my original post that I was using the serial number as supplied by the seller)

When I first looked at the ebay auction I also thought that the L100 serial number in the picture was 288639A. But when the seller emailed me that he interpreted the serial number as 280639A from the same photograph posted in the auction I deferred to his identification.


Thanks for catching the mistake Rudy!

Glen

L100 serial number 280639A

Seller says original receipt is dated 1-19-1978

In ebay auction:
http://us.f356.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Sho...ead=&box=Inbox


from the auction:
These have been tested & sound AWESOME. They have been owned by the same audiophile owner since original purchase in 1978. He has kept TREMENDOUS & OUTSTANDING care of these babies. He has all of the paperwork, including instruction manual. He even has the original boxes & packing foam!

[glen]

L100A's believed to have been purchased in late 1973 or early 1974

L100A serial number 121125A and 121991A

[glen]

L200 serial number 15604 and 15637
LE15B serial number 10294 and 10298
LE85 serial number 13033 and 13055

in ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1

from auction descripition:
Best condition L200 I've seen. No swollen pressboard. No water rings or cigarette burns on the veneer.
Foam on grilles has deteriorated as always happens with .these. I've left it off in favor of basic screened grilles [Included but not pictured ].I didn't want to add any non-original grille cloth. grille cloth can easily be app;ied to screens.
There is a tiny imperfection in one of the cones [see close-up] I hesitate to call it a tear because it doesn't penetrate through the cone.There are clever ways to repair this if you think it's necessary.I would't bother.
Local pickup is preferred.However I will take them to a shipper of your choice in the Bay Area at no cost and just pass on crating and shipping fees..
Serial numbers are close
Cabinets 15604 15637
Le15Bs 10294 10298
Le85s 13033 13055

[glen]

In four different auctions

L100 serial number 156839A and 157423A
123A-1 serial number 215206 and 216361
LE5-2 serial number 171336 and 176607
LE25 no serial numbers

cabinets in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...DME:L:RTQ:US:1

from auction description:
Selling a pair of JBL L100 Century cabinets. I took them apart to sell them separately. The cabinets are in good condition overall. These are vintage cabinets, so expect minor random scratches and nicks. They still come with the crossovers, and inside paddings. They crossovers may have some minor statics, but I am not sure. On the back, one of the speaker plugs is loose. Please check the pictures for the actual item.
All sales are final.
Selling AS-IS.

woofers in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-OF-JBL-123A...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
Selling a pair of JBL 123A-1 Signature Speakers. They are the subwoofer driver. I pulled them from a working L100 spakers. The condition are great. They work perfect and sound is superb. The surround is still original condition. I believe they are alnico. They look in great shape.
Serial: 216361, 215206
All sales are final.
Selling AS-IS.


midranges in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-OF-JBL-LE-5...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
Selling a pair of JBL LE 5-2 Linear Efficiency midrange drivers. They were taken from my JBL L100 speakers. These drivers work perfect, and they are in great vintage shape. They are very clean overall. Sound is superb, and they have a killer look.
Serial: 171336 , 176607
All sales are final.
Selling AS-IS.

tweeters in auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-JBL-LE-25-L...QQcmdZViewItem

from auction description:
Selling a pair of JBL LE-25 tweeters. They were taken from JBL L00. One tweeter works fine, and the other one does not work, but I am throwing it in for free. The domes and surrounds has nicks, but the one that work, works fine.
All sales are final.
Selling AS-IS.