George Scholz Speakers

[hipfan]

After listening to a little too much Black Crowes recently, I bit the bullet and ordered up a pair of the George Scholz speakers for a 2x12. I really like Rich Robinson's tone (both clean and dirty), and after seeing the Crowes live and listening to the Live disc, it sounds to me like his speakers play an important part in that tone. He had a pretty unique tone going on there, IMO. Of course, the Harry Joyce amps help with that too.

I know there's been a little bit of talk here about them in the past, but I haven't heard anything recently. Anyone want to share any experiences?

 

[n4p226r]

got a link? i cant seem to find any info at all other than some harmony central reviews

 

[hipfan]

Here's the only link I have: Scholz Flea-bay auction

I'm basically going off of my appreciation of Robinson's tone and the solid reviews that HJ amps get with these speakers. I have a Hiwatty/Marshally style amp coming my way, and I'm hoping that these speakers will be a good fit.

 

[tonedaddy]

The Ebay seller (userid jhe2) is Charles Bertonazzi, former Harry Joyce U.S. distributor, and long-time partner with George Scholz in the speaker and amp efforts.

You can buy from the auctions Charles offers up every few weeks, or contact him and buy direct. Either way the price should be the same.


Hipfan, we've got a pretty good discussion about the Scholz speakers going on in the current Fane thread here if you want to join in:
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/79897&highlight=fane


Good luck with the HJ/GS speakers, I think they work well with a number of different amp styles.

 

[hipfan]

TD - Thank for the info and the link. So, it sounds like Macaroni and maybe one or two other forum members gave the GS speaker a favorable review. That's encouraging. What different amp styles have you used these speakers with, if you don't mind my asking?

I've actually been dealing with Charles on this purchase. He contacted me after I submitted an e-bay question to the seller (him). He said that my two speakers are part of a batch that includes 4 replacements for Robinson. Apparently, he's replacing the prototype GS speakers in one of his half-stacks with the "new design". I didn't think to ask what's new about the design compared to the protos.

 

[Macaroni]

I'd like to know about the new design too. I just bought a used one from a GP member. The one I'm demoing is from another GP member local to me. It's a 16 ohm speaker and I'm using it with my Kingsley Deluxe 32 (4xEL84s) on an 8 ohm speaker output jack. I'm not sure what the mismatched impedance is doing to the tone, so I can't be sure my 8 ohm will sound exactly like it.

It's well balanced, detailed and articulate, with a strong low end. Even though it's 100W and my amp is 30W, it still has a nice feel and is not stiff or thunky. I didn't get a chance to play it too much yesterday, so I'll experiment more today.

I also just got my Two Rock 12-65, so that will be installed and tested today as well. Between the Fane AXA12, HJ/GS and 12-65, I'm in speaker testing heaven for a while. Big improvements over what I had, and another step closer to achieving my own unique guitar 'voice'.

 

[enharmonic]

Those Scholz Speakers rock. I have had them in an HJ 2x12 and 4x12. Nothing sounds quite like them. Highly recommended if that's your thing.

 

[ericb]

Originally posted by enharmonic
Those Scholz Speakers rock. I have had them in an HJ 2x12 and 4x12. Nothing sounds quite like them. Highly recommended if that's your thing.

Agreed entirely .. They're TOTALLY GREAT speakers.. Whether or not they work for you or anyone is a matter of personal preference and matching with your amps, guitars, cabs, style and taste.. Just as you said, nothing sounds like them... To me they blend together EVM's and Greenbacks.. I'm awful at descriptions and there's 2 speakers that are polar opposites but you blend them together and you get an HJ .. lol

ERIC

 

[Timster]

I have some... My favorite speaker

 

[SBlue]

I've got two of them in a Avatar cabinet. Then I've decided to get a closed back 2x12 with them. Now I'm saving the money to order a new HJ/GS 4x12 with their speakers from Charles. I've never had the chance to talk to George, but Charles is a gentleman. Also, since the first time I've contacted Charles, he keeps me updated about what's going on with his products, sending emails telling about cabinets, amps and speakers.
I can't wait till I get the HJ/GS 4x12.
I do have a few other cabinets that I like a lot(3 60's Marshall, 1 72 Ampeg, 1 Matchless, 1 2x12 Vox...). So, if I'm spending the time and money to get another cabinet, it's because I really like... and I like it a lot!!!
SBlue

 

[Macaroni]

Also, since the first time I've contacted Charles, he keeps me updated about what's going on with his products, sending emails telling about cabinets, amps and speakers.

So what's the scoop with the new speakers? The next time you talk to him, ask him what the differences are between the old and new models.

 

[SBlue]

So what's the scoop with the new speakers? The next time you talk to him, ask him what the differences are between the old and new models.

I don't know how long ago they updated the speakers. I've contacted him first about a month ago. They probably updated them longer than that, since I haven't got an email telling me about the update.
I'll ask next time I contact him, and hopefully, I'll be calling him to tell the money for the 4x12 is on it's way.

SBlue

 

[tonedaddy]

Originally posted by hipfan
TD - Thank for the info and the link. So, it sounds like Macaroni and maybe one or two other forum members gave the GS speaker a favorable review. That's encouraging. What different amp styles have you used these speakers with, if you don't mind my asking?

I've got 2 loaded in an HJ 2x12.

I've used them most successfully with amps like Harry Joyce Custom 50, Hiwatt DR504, Komet K60, Fulton Webb 30, and Rocca 18. As Macaroni said, they have a solid low end, so I like them with amps that can push that.

If you're targeting them for a Hiwatt/Marshall style amp, I think they should work well. As I said in my review, to me I think they let an amp's true tones shine through, without adding much color. So when pushed, you're getting a very solid reproduction of the amp tone, without much color added.

 

[Jac78221]

I e-mailed CB about the new speakers, here's what he wrote back.

Hey John,
Thanks for your interest.The newer version has
increased lows and tons more definition.These are high
def guitar speakers with a vintage voicing.These
Scholz speakers are super balanced straight across the
board.Some speakers may trick you into thinking they
have tons of highs when in fact they just have weak
mids and lows and the illusion is brighter highs.
The high in our speakers are super articulate to
produce every inflection of your pick.As a matter of
fact this Tuesday before a show with Tom Petty,I'm
pulling the older original Scholz speakers out of a
Rich Robinson (TBC)4x12 and replacing them with the
latest versions.These were 4 years old and still sound
great but the new ones are better as I explained.
These are the best FULL range guitar speakers out
there.Hope this helps and keep on playin!

 

[Jac78221]

Originally posted by tonedaddy
I've got 2 loaded in an HJ 2x12.

I've used them most successfully with amps like Harry Joyce Custom 50, Hiwatt DR504, Komet K60, Fulton Webb 30, and Rocca 18. As Macaroni said, they have a solid low end, so I like them with amps that can push that.

If you're targeting them for a Hiwatt/Marshall style amp, I think they should work well. As I said in my review, to me I think they let an amp's true tones shine through, without adding much color. So when pushed, you're getting a very solid reproduction of the amp tone, without much color added.

Have you tried the HJs with a D-style amp. Do you have any thoughts?

 

[ericb]

Originally posted by gec78221
I e-mailed CB about the new speakers, here's what he wrote back.

Hey John,
Thanks for your interest.The newer version has
increased lows and tons more definition.These are high
def guitar speakers with a vintage voicing.These
Scholz speakers are super balanced straight across the
board.Some speakers may trick you into thinking they
have tons of highs when in fact they just have weak
mids and lows and the illusion is brighter highs.
The high in our speakers are super articulate to
produce every inflection of your pick.As a matter of
fact this Tuesday before a show with Tom Petty,I'm
pulling the older original Scholz speakers out of a
Rich Robinson (TBC)4x12 and replacing them with the
latest versions.These were 4 years old and still sound
great but the new ones are better as I explained.
These are the best FULL range guitar speakers out
there.Hope this helps and keep on playin!

I might be the only guitarist that doesn't want more definition in my speakers, more definition in my amps, more definition in my guitars and pedals,etc.. It seems lots of people these days keep striving for more definition and to me some of the blur /smoothness is part of what I like!!!!! ERIC

 

[SBlue]

I might be the only guitarist that doesn't want more definition in my speakers, more definition in my amps, more definition in my guitars and pedals,etc.. It seems lots of people these days keep striving for more definition and to me some of the blur /smoothness is part of what I like!!!!! ERIC

Eric;
I think it all depends on what you wanna hear. I do have marshall cabs with 15w, 20w and 25w speakers, and they're far away from even medium definition. I do like the below low definition 50's Jensen in tweed fenders. And I do like a lot of the Britsh 60's low definition speakers that came with some of the low power (below 14 watts) britsh combos from the 60's. However, I played and loved the HJ/GS speakers. And since I like what my ears are pleased with, it would not be smart to no get the HJ/GS speakers. Also, it's so good to move a HJ/GS 2x12 and be able to plug a 65 100 Super PA maxed out and get the sound I want, without blowing the speakers and not having to drag 2 25w 4x12 cabinets. And I wouldn't play a Super PA through a single BW 4x12 25w with original cones. Of course I could do that all day long at bedroom to medium levels. But try doing that maxing out an amp like that on a single 100w 4x12 with original cones from the 60's during a recording session(for about hours of playing). However, if you don't mind to move 2 4x12 BWs, you would be in heaven.
So, yes, the HJ/GS are doing a great job in my 2x12 cabinet, and I'll post back here when I get my 4x12.
SBlue

 

[tonedaddy]

Originally posted by gec78221
Have you tried the HJs with a D-style amp. Do you have any thoughts?

I don't any own any D-style amps. There are a number of Two Rock owners who have posted here over the years that they worked well for them.

But your best source of information for that would be Ken Volpe at Ultrasound. He bought about 2 dozen HJ/GS speakers a few years ago, and I'm guessing they got a workout with some D-style amps there.

Ultrasound Rehearsal
Ken Volpe
203-966-2096

Also, ask Charles about that, as I know he has some specific information that may help you.

 

[Macaroni]

Can you send me Charles' eMail?

Thanks.

 

[tonedaddy]

Originally posted by Macaroni
Can you send me Charles' eMail?

Thanks.

Sure, check your email.