Eminence Tonkerlight - Super light 12" guitar speaker rated 125W

[docdosco]

Anyone tried it?

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

[neatomic]

extremely high resonant freq...which means not a full low end tone..don't think its a jazzers dream

but...also neo mag with great low end, is double t---bit heavier weight, but super low 53hz resonant frequency and rated 300 watts!!..

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

my 2¢


cheers

[docdosco]

I saw that one. Also there is this:

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

and the bass 12" too:

http://www.eminence.com/speakers/spe...Basslite_S2012

[MaxTwang]

The Tonker Lite has intrigued me for a long time as I really like the Tonker, but what I liked about the Tonker was the big low end and nice highs - the Tonker Lite has less low end and more highs.

The Delta Lite looks interesting. It's a Pro Audio speaker so might be a good choice for jazz.

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

[docdosco]

The Tonker Lite has intrigued me for a long time as I really like the Tonker, but what I liked about the Tonker was the big low end and nice highs - the Tonker Lite has less low end and more highs.

The Delta Lite looks interesting. It's a Pro Audio speaker so might be a good choice for jazz.

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

That looks promising too.

At NAMM I talked to an Eminence rep about artist pricing (which is just buying direct at wholesale I assume). That being the case, I will order one of these. Dunno which yet. There are 5 models so far that are linked here. Maybe we can all come up with the best option for a 4 to 5 lb speaker jazz guitar speaker and I'll try to get one a wholesale cost deal from Eminence. (of course they may just laugh at me when I try to get one at wholesale)

I have a couple of small Fender amps that need better 12" speakers, a Sidekick 35 and a late 80's Sidekick Switcher. I also want to upgrade a 60 watt tube amp I have. This seems the cheaper option than buying a DV Mark 12, which just doesn't seem to have enough juice (although I haven't played one yet), or the Rumble 100, which I am really interested in. I suspect getting a super blowout $250 price somewhere could make the Rumble 100 attractive... and it already has an Eminence neo speaker in it, so maybe... just maybe.... sigh.

Tomorrow I get the midget 50 watt, 18 lb PA delivered from MF. It has 2 channels, so in a very small venue, it may be enough for a mic, and the guitar. It will be interesting to see if the guitar sounds OK or is way too thin. Otherwise, I know it will handle my voice, or 2 mics, and still have an input to play canned break music. It should sit nicely sideways on top of my guitar amp, taking up little room. I always have my mic in front of the PA/amp I use for vocals, (I control the feedback by not playing too loud), so this new set up may be really nice for doing a jazz single, duo or even trio w/ drums.

I can then retire my JBL EON, which weighs a friggin ton!

[MaxTwang]

Quilter uses this in the Micropro HD which is for jazz players or people who like EV 12L's, but it's almost twice the price of the Eminence.

Bass - BN12-300S (8) - Celestion - Guitar, Bass & Pro Audio Speakers

[HighSpeedSpoon]

I saw that one. Also there is this:

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

and the bass 12" too:

Speaker Detail | Eminence Speaker

The S2012 is new to me and it looks great on paper, but I wonder how a neo magnet will sound. I have the same concern about the Deltalite that Max mentioned; I've been toying with the idea of putting a Deltalite in a cab I own to cut some weight.

For some time, I've had my eye on the Celestion Cream (alnico). They are not light, but they get good but limited reviews - limited because they cost a fortune. OTOH I'm thinking that for $95, the S2012 might be worth a shot.

Hmmm ...

[Cavalier]

I run 15" speakers in my big amps and recently put the Deltalite 2515 in my modified silverface twin. I really like it, it doesn't color the sound of the amp in any way, what you'd expect from a full range monitor speaker. The tone and dynamics are very even up and down the volume range, I haven't noticed any cone breakup. This may not work for somebody with a Marshall who needs Celestion speaker distortion for part of the sound but it works for me. It handles pedals and overdrive preamps well. When I contacted Eminence about speakers they put it like this, "what you put in is what you'll get out." They also assured me I wouldn't blow it out using it with any instrument within the power range.

I contemplated the steel speakers and found out the steel players use Deltalites as well. The steel models seem to have a high end peak that may take eq to mellow for jazz.

Apparently the size and shape of the magnetic structure influences the sound more than the magnet material. The eminence sound samples for the guitar models let you compare tones, in the case of the Deltalite it won't add a tone color to your amp. I've used mine with other amps and been equally happy.

[medblues]

I have the Basslite 10 inch size in a closed-back Mojotone cab, together they weigh 19 lbs. Nice grab and go rig with the GK MB200.

[Woody Sound]

Quilter uses this in the Micropro HD which is for jazz players or people who like EV 12L's, but it's almost twice the price of the Eminence.

Bass - BN12-300S (8) - Celestion - Guitar, Bass & Pro Audio Speakers

And twice the power handling.

[docdosco]

I left a message for the Eminence guy I talked to at NAMM. Eminence is closed from Friday to Sun. Nice hours, huh?

Maybe he'll clarify on the the neo speakers. I'd like to know if the bass speaker they list online is the one that is in the Rumble. Also, of the other $100 12 "speakers , which would be best for jazz guitar, the bass speaker Basslite S2012, one of the 2 guitar speakers, Lil Texas or the Tonkerlite ......or the pro audio Deltalite II 2512 speaker even?

If the Tonkerlite say, or Deltalite works for jazz guitar, Eminence should be marketing at jazz guitar players, and I am just the guy to point that out to them .... haha

[docdosco]

I run 15" speakers in my big amps and recently put the Deltalite 2515 in my modified silverface twin. I really like it, it doesn't color the sound of the amp in any way, what you'd expect from a full range monitor speaker. The tone and dynamics are very even up and down the volume range, I haven't noticed any cone breakup. This may not work for somebody with a Marshall who needs Celestion speaker distortion for part of the sound but it works for me. It handles pedals and overdrive preamps well. When I contacted Eminence about speakers they put it like this, "what you put in is what you'll get out." They also assured me I wouldn't blow it out using it with any instrument within the power range.

I contemplated the steel speakers and found out the steel players use Deltalites as well. The steel models seem to have a high end peak that may take eq to mellow for jazz.

Apparently the size and shape of the magnetic structure influences the sound more than the magnet material. The eminence sound samples for the guitar models let you compare tones, in the case of the Deltalite it won't add a tone color to your amp. I've used mine with other amps and been equally happy.

Bingo. I think maybe the Deltalite 12" is worth trying out.

[Cavalier]

You got it.
I emailed with Anthony who was really helpful. I was coming from a violin and archtop guitar angle and it seemed the market hadn't occurred to them yet. It sounds well with solid bodies and acoustics too which I want in a multi instrument amp. It is a smooth even sound without any tonal peaks in the range. I'm going to try the Deltalite 2510 sometime in my small amps.

[docdosco]

You got it.
I emailed with Anthony who was really helpful. I was coming from a violin and archtop guitar angle and it seemed the market hadn't occurred to them yet. It sounds well with solid bodies and acoustics too which I want in a multi instrument amp. It is a smooth even sound without any tonal peaks in the range. I'm going to try the Deltalite 2510 sometime in my small amps.

I had talked with Cobi Stein. I am thinking that maybe I should try the DeltaLite first. If Eminence needs guinea pigs to play jazz through their speakers, I am sure several on this forum would volunteer...

[docdosco]

I had talked with Kobi Stein. I am thinking that maybe I should try the DeltaLite first. If Eminence needs guinea pigs to play jazz through their speakers, I am sure several on this forum would volunteer...

I just got off the phone with Cobi from Eminence. He was extremely helpful. We have decided to look at 2 neo speakers for jazz guitar. They don't make a jazz guitar recommendation for any of the 12" neo speakers, but he said it's a bit of a catch 22. If you call it a blues speaker, the rockers won't buy it. If you call it a jazz speaker, then the shredders won't buy it. If you call it a thrash heavy metal speaker, then no one will buy it (just kidding... ha!).

Many speakers are really multi-porpoise.... (blub, blub)

So, the 2 we thought might be best are the li'l Texas and the Deltalite. The Li'l Texas is a brighter speaker, but seems to be more appropriate than the Tonkerlite.

I would like to get Cavalier's input here and a s many ideas as we can come up with as I want to relay them to Cobi at Eminence and then decide which speakers to put into the Fender Sidekick amps I have.

[docdosco]

I run 15" speakers in my big amps and recently put the Deltalite 2515 in my modified silverface twin. I really like it, it doesn't color the sound of the amp in any way, what you'd expect from a full range monitor speaker. The tone and dynamics are very even up and down the volume range, I haven't noticed any cone breakup. This may not work for somebody with a Marshall who needs Celestion speaker distortion for part of the sound but it works for me. It handles pedals and overdrive preamps well. When I contacted Eminence about speakers they put it like this, "what you put in is what you'll get out." They also assured me I wouldn't blow it out using it with any instrument within the power range.

I contemplated the steel speakers and found out the steel players use Deltalites as well. The steel models seem to have a high end peak that may take eq to mellow for jazz.

Apparently the size and shape of the magnetic structure influences the sound more than the magnet material. The eminence sound samples for the guitar models let you compare tones, in the case of the Deltalite it won't add a tone color to your amp. I've used mine with other amps and been equally happy.

Your input on the Delta is appreciated. I know I want a 12" Deltalite so far. I just want to decide if I should try the Li'l Texas too. It would be a good A/B test. Cobi and I talked about a ceramic too. That is still a possibility.

Cobi pointed towards a review at Amazon (first review) on the 12". This guys likes them:

http://www.amazon.com/Eminence-Neody...ence+deltalite

[Cavalier]

The Deltalite can get all the treble you need imho, still don't let me stop you from a A/B test! The best thing about the Deltalite is it's smooth and even through the freq, response. It is a full range speaker so can complement whatever instrument you plug in depending on how you set the dials. It really handled a steel string well too when I tried one out. Why not buy the first one and work with it awhile then see if you want to AB or just get another. It's sort of what I did, bought the one and tried all my amps through it. They all sounded good.

[docdosco]

The Deltalite can get all the treble you need imho, still don't let me stop you from a A/B test! The best thing about the Deltalite is it's smooth and even through the freq, response. It is a full range speaker so can complement whatever instrument you plug in depending on how you set the dials. It really handled a steel string well too when I tried one out. Why not buy the first one and work with it awhile then see if you want to AB or just get another. It's sort of what I did, bought the one and tried all my amps through it. They all sounded good.

I have 3 amps (maybe 4) amps that need better speakers. 3 are Fender Sidekicks. I am OK being a speaker guinea pig for now. Maybe the DeltaLite would sound best in my 60 watt tube amp and the Li'l Texas in the solid states. I just dunno for now. I have the luxury of swapping them in and out. This is where I wish I had a minion. One or perhaps 2. I don't need the whole crew that Gru had....

[docdosco]

Here is the DeltaLite review so folks don't have to dig though Amazon:

An outstanding speaker! This new lightweight Eminence speaker replaces a nice, but very heavy Electro-Voice EVM-12L in my jazz guitar amp. Not only is my amp significantly lighter, but more importantly, the sound it produces is noticeably clearer and cleaner. According to the Eminence data sheet info, this newly developed neodymium design is appropriate for both bass guitar applications as well as for PA systems. I completely agree. It's like my amp woke up and cleared its throat!


I'm so impressed with this speaker that I bought a second one for another amp. I now have one installed in my vintage Polytone jazz guitar amp as well as in my new Fender Rumble 100 bass amp. I slightly modified the Fender cabinet by stapling in some R13 fiberglass insulation inside and also closing off the two ports, so I now have a fully sealed cabinet. The internal volume of the cabinet is less than 1.5 cubic feet -- within the recommended sealed enclosure specs for this 2512 speaker. I now have a very portable 20 lb. Fender amp that sounds nearly identical to my rather old and heavy Polytone... and I can play either jazz guitar or bass on either amp and sound absolutely fantastic. These new Eminence Deltalite II speakers are superb. Highly recommended.

[r_cc_c]

Just to add

Fender Ultralite Jazzmaster Cabinet uses a Jensen Neo 12 inch speaker, 2 ohm 250W.

Looks like this

[r_cc_c]

Here is a video featuring the Deltalite 2512 speaker with a Sunnyside amp played by Tim Lerch

[Cavalier]

Jenson also has the neo Tornado used in the Benson Twin.

The neat thing about Eminence is how accessible they are and their willingness to take the time to get you what you need.

The Deltalite II series are very versatile, I can understand why they don't want to limit the market. One thing to remember is they will accurately reproduce what goes in. My Twin sounds incredible, a crappy amp will sound incredibly bad. Lots of guitar amps are geared around a "character" speaker sound to work right with frequency peaks and cone breakup considered essential to the sound. The Deltalite II don't have this which enables them to cope with a lot of different instruments and pickups. Mikes too, these would be great for a miked acoustic. Mine is handling a midi violin with synth and electric and acoustic guitars equally well.

If you need a certain speaker sound Eminence certainly covers the bases with their product line. When I was looking at 15s Anthony pointed out the Big Ben had a great sound with a Twin for guitar too but I needed to cover more range and wanted the light weight. That review is interesting because the reviewer was happy with the sound after replacing a Electrovoice, I'm happy with the 2515 replacing a JBL D130, these are not average hurdles to clear.

[docdosco]

I ordered a Deltalite 12" and a Lil Texas 12". I ordered directly from Eminence as Cobi was so helpful. I will get to AB them, swap amps etc.

I invited Cobi here to the forum. He said in the past some forums got steamed when a manufacturer got involved on their forums, but I said we have a lot of mellow, aging jazz musicians with nothing better to do than chirp to each other about gear. And the younger guys here are respectful (mostly) and currently we have no Trolls.

This is a very nice forum and no one would be pissed (I wouldn't think) if someone from Eminence jumped in to answer questions.

So, I will have some ideas about what the speakers sound like when I get them. Eminence are cleaned out of both models until June 6th, so it will be about 3 weeks until I get them.

More to come.....

[Woody Sound]

I ordered a Deltalite 12" and a Lil Texas 12". I ordered directly from Eminence as Cobi was so helpful. I will get to AB them, swap amps etc.

Will be very interested in your opinions. I have the LT in my Quilter. Besides the weight, the main attraction for me was the price point. Raezers Edge uses the regular Deltas, and they sound fabulous.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Just to add

Fender Ultralite Jazzmaster Cabinet uses a Jensen Neo 12 inch speaker, 2 ohm 250W.

Looks like this

How common is 2 Ohm impedance in a speaker? I know the JMUL counted on it for its 250W rating.