Black Widow magnets

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 8 Nov 2004 7:17 pm

I've been reading through old posts concerning shallow baskets and magnet design. Here's one that doesn't fit what I'm reading:
I have a new 15"BW shallow basket with a flat spider web magnet on it. I compared it to an older 15"BW shallow basket that is roughly 5yrs old. This older one has the super structure magnet on it. I measured and compared the baskets and they are identical. Both have aluminum dust covers. I've been reading that the old flat spider web magnets won't fit the shallow baskets. So what do I have here?
Thanks
DD

Dyke Corson · Post by **Dyke Corson** » 8 Nov 2004 8:32 pm

If I remember correctly, the original Black Widow (25+ years ago)had a totally flat magnet with a black spider-web decal and 3 flat head allen screws to hold on the basket. These were the very first BWs ever (they replaced the JBLs in the Sessions)and the baskets they make today will not fit. The BW magnet has changed several times since then, but most of them fit today's basket. The "Super Structure" magnet had a curved surface, where todays magnet is somewhat flat again, but not like the original. Mike Brown could help with this for sure.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 8 Nov 2004 9:19 pm

My 1979 BW 15 inch speaker finally gave out and became unglued. I tried 2 replacement baskets and both of them rubbed the windings on the coil. The last one was replaced by the local peavey tech. I haven't brought it back out of frustration so far.

I'd STILL like to know what the width of coil slot specs was in 1979, and whether they've gotten wider. I'll buy a new magnet if they've got a wider slot.

In thousanths of an inch if possible.

Any time.

EJL

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 8 Nov 2004 10:16 pm

I just AB'ed the two speakers using a 1976 Session 400 amp. Each speaker is in identical cabinets and both on the floor. The flat spider web magnet (newer spkr) has a much punchier, deeper tone. The older super structure has less bottom end and brighter mids and highs.
DD

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 9 Nov 2004 1:06 pm

The latest BWX series of magnets have a wider gap due to the different wire used in the windings of the coil. Every magnet prior to the "X" series should have the same gap dimension. So, if you order the non "X" version magnet, it will have the same gap opening as an older BW. I don't have a number spec though.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 9 Nov 2004 3:49 pm

Thanks Mike.

Am I to suppose that I got the BWX series baskets? is there a way to tell?

So you suggest I get a BWX magnet, or a non X basket. I never did more than took it home, put it in, plugged it in at the gig and canned the idea of playing thru it. I don't think it was damaged.

EJL

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 10 Nov 2004 6:11 am

It should indicate "X" on the magnet. But, we still sell the older one under item number #00010070.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 10 Nov 2004 8:55 pm

Thanks Mike.

How do I tell if the basket is for an "X"? I'm just seeing the standard 1501 4 ohm printed onthe new basket(s). Am I SOL on getting a basket that will clear?

TIA

EJL