Speaker technology for electric guitar amplifiers remains relatively stable using the same basic technology foundations, because there's a profound respect for vintage tones and what essentially is perceived already as a "classic sound". AlNiCo magnets and paper cones are part of that tradition and the Jensen R&D department tried to combine innovation into that foundation with the Blackbird 40. "We listened to the market's request for a lower powered version of our flagship model, the Blackbird 100, and explored all possible ways to develop a speaker with a distinct vintage flavor, keeping intact the snap, sparkle and chime of the classic Jensens, but adding a firm, powerful response in the bass range."
The all-new Jensen Blackbird 40 in the Jet series is able to sound classic and innovative at the same time, featuring the company's exclusive Reinforced AlNiCo magnet technology to create a bold, powerful tone. This new take on the classic AlNiCo tone, delivers all the versatility needed to accommodate guitar players who enjoy a solid foundation in the classic, clean electric guitar tones, while allowing the scope to continue to sound extremely musical with all overdriven sounds.
The development of the Blackbird 40 focused on achieving these different goals, starting to capture the classic vintage character and chime, in order to resemble the tone of one of the most popular Jensen speakers ever, the P12Q. Secondly it tried to offer a significantly increased sensitivity and a stronger magnet to achieve a firmer and more powerful bass response. These characteristics make the Blackbird 40 perfectly suited for more modern applications, including those requiring higher gain and crunchy, overdriven tones, with a brilliant, detailed response.
The Blackbird 40 is the first speaker in the Jet Series to feature thus exclusive Reinforced AlNico magnet technology that results in a reinforced and more efficient magnet, raising the overall flux density (the “strength” of the magnet) by over 30%. This results in the behavior of a much bigger and more expensive magnet without the added cost and weight (it weights 2Kg/4.4lbs even with the pressed steel basket).
The 300g/11oz “Horseshoe” AlNiCo magnet was reinforced to deliver a flux density of 1.28 Tesla, while the 32mm/1.26" voice coil is wound with copper wire on a Kapton former. The increased flux of the magnet contributes to a remarkable sensitivity of 96dB @1W/1m. The paper cone membrane features a specifically-designed corrugation pattern, treated surrounds, and an acoustically-transparent cloth dust cap.
The outcome is that the Blackbird 40 delivers a stronger, firmer foundation, making it great for an upgrade to a classic vintage amplifier, yet equally suited to modern, more versatile amplifiers. The speaker is specified for 40W (AES) rated power (80W continuous) with 8/16 Ohm nominal impedance (Fs is 93.2 Hz @8ohm or 90.1 Hz @16ohm).
The Jensen Blackbird 40 will be available in early 2021 with a retail price of $195.00.
All Jensen speakers for guitar and bass are manufactured by SICA Altoparlanti s.r.l., based in Trecastelli, in the heart of Italy, under a license agreement.
CE Distribution handles the distribution of Jensen Loudspeakers in the US, supplying music stores, repair shops and OEMs. Pre-registered wholesale businesses can order directly from CE Distribution. For retail sales visit Amplified Parts at amplifiedparts.com
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