Problem with Spider Web Black Widow

Andrew Buhler · Post by **Andrew Buhler** » 18 Jan 2005 9:54 am

I've recently been having trouble with my early spider web black widow speaker (great speaker BTW). For some reason, it intermittently loses most bass/volume response and produces a shrill distorted sound. If I pump the volume pedal a bit the speaker returns to normal performance. I read through other postings about cone cry, voice coil failure, etc. but this seems like something different. In addition, it doesn't sound like a blown speaker. I've run the speaker with two different amps and the problem persists; I've also used different speaker cables--same problem. Any advice? I'd really like to keep this speaker if possible, but I don't want to take chances in a live situation. Thanks.

Bob Tuttle · Post by **Bob Tuttle** » 18 Jan 2005 11:18 am

It sounds like the foam dust filter inside the hole in the magnet has disintegrated and gotten down into the voice coil groove. Take the three screws out that hold the magnet onto the basket. Lift the magnet off and check the hole in the center. It probably has some black gooey looking stuff in there. Clean all that out with alcohol, or something similar. Clean off any black stuff off of the voice coil. Then you'll need to clean the groove in the magnet. Pour some alcohol or solvent into the groove and let it set for a little while. Pour it out and take a small piece of cardboard and run it around inside the groove. You can fold some masking tape, sticky side out, and run around the groove to pick up any loose particles. Once you get everything good and clean, reassemble the speaker, and it should be good as new.

I had one of the spider web Black Widow's that the same thing happened to. After cleaning it up, it sounded great. Hope this helps.

Andrew Buhler · Post by **Andrew Buhler** » 18 Jan 2005 11:23 am

I'll try that tonight. Thanks Bob.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 20 Jan 2005 9:08 am

Let me know if I can assist. I can be reached toll free at 1-877-732-8391, ext. 1180.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation

Rick Johnson · Post by **Rick Johnson** » 20 Jan 2005 1:00 pm

Mike

Does it help to rotate the magnet
around??
I did that once and it helped my
problem.

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Rick Johnson

Jennings Ward · Post by **Jennings Ward** » 25 Jan 2005 9:14 pm

HEY PARDNER, YOUR DESCRIPTION OF THE TOUBLE SOUNDS LIKE A COLD SOLDER JOINT ON THE VOICE COIL, OR THE CONNECTOR WIRE BRAID FROM VOICE COIL TO LPADE LUG ON BACK OF SPEAKER....CHECK VERY CAREFULLY WITH AN OHM METER WHILE MOVING THE CONE IN AND OUT, SLOWLY AND THEN FASTER AND SEE IF YOUR METER FALL TO ZERO.. IF YOU LOOK VERY CLOSE WITH A MAGNAFIYING GLASS [STRONG] YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SEE IT......BE CAREFULL.. THESE WIRES ARE VERY FRAGLE......HOPE THIS IS SOME BENIFIT...JENNINGS

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EMMONS D10 10-10 profex 2 deltafex ne1000 pv1000, pv 31 bd eq, +

Andrew Buhler · Post by **Andrew Buhler** » 26 Jan 2005 7:40 am

This problem has been a complete mystery to me. I removed the magnet to look for the gunk produced by the foam dust filter. To my surprise it was relatively clean. Regardless, I cleaned the voice coil per Bob's recommendation and the problem persists. I also rotated the speaker per Rick's recommendation and I will try Jennings' suggestion as well. To be safe, I may just go with a new Black Widow, but I want to give her all I got before I give up. I appreciate all the advice.