Jensen Silverbird 1050
Jensen Silverbird 1270
Following up to the recent introduction of the highly successful Blackbird 40 “Reinforced AlNiCo” 12” and 10” speakers, Jensen developed the Silverbird line, aiming to transfer the unique voicing of the BB40 in a more affordable platform, with a specific attention to the top end response, carefully tailored to make the Silverbird speakers greatly suited to overdrive and high-gain applications.
Both the SB12and the SB10 share a new 1 ½” (38mm) aluminum-wound voice coil with a Kapton former, designed to retain the trademark clarity of the Jensen clean tones, paired with a smooth, progressive contour of the top end response, so critical to achieve a detailed yet controlled tone with lead tones. The medium-sized Ceramic magnets provide the necessary strength to have generous yet tight bass, while the new cone membranes, with a specific treatment on the paper surrounds, deliver a balanced response in the midrange and “presence” zone.
The SB12-70 is of course fatter and fuller sounding, while the SB10-50 has a more focused and present response with the typical immediacy of the best 10” speakers. Versatile enough to deliver an open, airy response in open back cabinets, both models can morph into powerful rock’n roll tone machines in closed back enclosures.
The Silverbird line will be available worldwide in the sprinf of 2024, and the prices will be:
Silverbird 12 - C12/70 SB: MAP $93.95, MSRP $144.50
Silverbird 10 - C10/50 SB: MAP $117.95, MSRP $181.50
Each year, musicians and instrument collectors alike look forward to the annual special Limited Edition Series LTD model from Takamine Guitars (NAMM Booth 208A/B). For year’s release, Takamine has debuted LTD2024.
“Takamine's LTD2024 honors the solar system, humanity’s home in the galaxy,” says Tom Watters, Director Product Development for Takamine Guitars. “Everything from its faded finish to its color-matched component materials allow the theme of the solar system to shine through. It’s one of the most unique and spectacular LTD models that Takamine has ever created, and we’re excited to show it off at NAMM!”
Painstakingly handcrafted in extremely limited quantities by Takamine’s respected luthiers in Japan, LTD2024 offers a finish that fades from a very deep Penumbra Blue to the natural gloss of its solid Sitka spruce top. The faded finish is matched on the guitar’s headstock. Intricate inlays on its striped African ebony fingerboard represent all eight planets, with the Sun located at the 12th fret position. Other aesthetic details on the LTD2024 include abalone purfling around the guitar’s body and in its circular rosette, and black chrome hardware on its tuners.
The internal bracing on LTD2024 uses wood that is hand-voiced by Takamine’s master craftsman Tohru Hirokawa, shaved thin to reduce its mass to offer the most resonant interaction with its top. Its back is solid Indian rosewood, while its neck is African mahogany. Its NEX cutaway shape is a longstanding favorite among Takamine players, providing the power of a dreadnought with balanced tone that perfectly complements the vocal range. LTD2024 also includes Takamine's renowned Palathetic pickup system and the retro-inspired CTF-2N FET preamp. Design details of this guitar include a lively-sounding carbon graphite saddle, and bridge pins with black marble-textured inlays.
For more information, please visit esptakamine.com.
