My Clark Kanee (PR clone) doesn't have that American sparkle. Speaker swap???

[Sherman90]

Howdy friends,

Purchased a Clark Kanee some 8 months ago for use in my condo and at small-scale rehearsals. It has fit this niche absolutely perfectly.

My only complaint is that the amp sounds remarkably modern. Very lush, very full and pleasant but essentially flat with almost none of that firm low-end resolve and top-end American sparkle I got used to when I owned a '69 Pro Reverb. I don't mean the amp doesn't sound like a Pro Reverb, but it certainly doesn't "shine" like most Fenders do.

I bought the Kanee used and it came with a 10" JENSEN JET N10/100 speaker.

My main question is, is the lack of Fender sparkle due to a) the current speaker, b) my unfamiliarity with the Princeton Reverb sound, or c) the fact that the Clark Kanee was built to sound this way?

If it is, in fact, the SPEAKER (which I suspect), can somebody please recommend a replacement??? I'd like the amp to sound just a touch more Fender'y.

Thanks!

 

[JoeB63]

PR doesn't have the same high-end as a DR or SR, etc. Different circuit.

 

[Sherman90]

Any other input on the matter? I only ask because I've played PRRIs before and they certainly had more of that sparkle that I'm talking about. I was hoping someone might know a bit about how this particular Jensen could be shaping the sound.

If it helps I could always throw something down on a recording...

 

[19181911]

The addition of a small bright cap (47 - 120 pico farad) across lugs 1 & 2 on the volume pot would do the trick if you play at volumes lower than 5. Much cheaper than a speaker!!!

 

[Custom Deluxe]

PR doesn't have the same high-end as a DR or SR, etc. Different circuit.

I own a real '65 PR and a '67 Deluxe Reverb. The PR certianly has a lot of sparkle. What amps are you comparing?

That being said, the PR will break up when pushed a little easier than the DR, but it still has what I would call sparkle.

 

[Sherman90]

Thanks, guys.

Listening to Clark's own auditions here and here, it definitely seems that, whatever the difference between a Fender PR and DR, Clark himself has voiced them differently. On my Macbook's speakers it definitely sounds like the Beaufort is brighter and more shimmery than the Kanee.

Next time the amp's in the shop I'll look into the possibility of a brite cap switch.

Still, IIRC this Jensen is SUPPOSED to be a pretty modern sounding, flat-response speaker. I wonder if something else wouldn't bring out the character I'm looking for?

 

[JoeB63]

I own a real '65 PR and a '67 Deluxe Reverb. The PR certianly has a lot of sparkle. What amps are you comparing?

That being said, the PR will break up when pushed a little easier than the DR, but it still has what I would call sparkle.

I didn't say that a PR doesn't have "sparkle." I just said it doesn't have the same high-end as a DR. PR is less scooped sounding, so in comparison, it sounds a bit less trebly (for lack of a better term).

To the OP: Go ahead and try another speaker. Speakers make a world of difference in BF amps.

 

[mds]

Definitely try a different speaker. It can make a HUGE difference. I have a Weber 10f150t in my 72 SFPR and it is definitely sparkly. Quite a bit louder than stock too due to the higher efficiency.

 

[rhollyday]

I have a Allen Sweet Spot which is another PR clone equiped with a Eminence Ragin Cajun speaker.

Its a good match for this amp and you should try one for the Kanee.

Dick

 

[JDJ]

Get a Weber ceramic with the T cone. Lots of high end shimmer.