• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

JBL L-88 Need some info

goinslow

goinslow

Turn me on dead man
Picked up a pair of JBL L-88 speakers, and 1 has a white woofer, while the other has a black woofer. Serial #'s are 14480/black, and 15976/white woofer. Did JBL at some time change the production run and use the Aquaplas treated woofers, and if so, when was the change made? Because the serial numbers are so far apart, was it standard practice for the company JBL, or the dealer to sell mismatched pairs to the buying public? Or maybe a woofer was replaced later on from a previous owner. Just curious.
 
Register to hide this ad
Lansing Heritage Forum

This may have been possble, with future improvements-changes, with a given model, but I very much doubt that they came from the factory-dealer to the original owner this way, as I would bet the original owner would've brought back the pair to the dealer for a cosmetic matching set of speakers.

I would pop both drivers from thier enclosures, and see what the model numbers are? It could be possible that both are the same model, but one was maybe reconed at some point in time with a different recone kit?

Some JBL Drivers could use a couple of different kits I understand. I don't consider myself a big JBL authority, especially the L-88, even though I'm a continuing JBL owner, 34 years, or so, and running.

I know some vintage models had upgrades during thier history, take for example the L-65, then the later models such as L-65A, and L-65B. Same with the L-300, L-300, with successive A, and B versions, which often had different Bass Drivers, and requisite minor changes to the X-Overs as well.

There's no doubt, the boys on the Lansing Forum can be a better help that I, and should you find mis-matching driver models, you could no doubt acquire the needed driver there, possibly trade, and/or unload the unwanted driver from your driver consist. Hope this helps. Mark
 
Just a couple of tips if you've never removed JBL Drivers before. Lay Cabs on thier backs, and very carefully hold onto the Screwdriver with both hands when removing mounting screws.
One slip with screwdriver could be fatal to the drivers with a mishap.

Often, after the passing of time, the Driver's frame will become bonded to the front Baffles. With a small putty knife, carefully slip the putty knife in between driver frame, and baffle, taking care not to gouge up the cabinet's baffle. Once they loosen from the baffle face, carefully lift with both hands, and do make note which wire goes to which speaker terminal. Mark
 
Agreed on the bonding of frame to box. I have limited time with JBLs, but the ones I have opened have reversed spade connectors thereby making plugging out of phase an impossibility. Good thinking on their part.
 
Sometimes the Aquaplas is on the back of the cone (don't know if this model came that way). Sometimes they're re-coned with the incorrect (or aftermarket) kit, too.

je
 
JBL L-88 woofer

markd51 said:
This may have been possble, with future improvements-changes, with a given model, but I very much doubt that they came from the factory-dealer to the original owner this way, as I would bet the original owner would've brought back the pair to the dealer for a cosmetic matching set of speakers.

I would pop both drivers from thier enclosures, and see what the model numbers are? It could be possible that both are the same model, but one was maybe reconed at some point in time with a different recone kit?

Some JBL Drivers could use a couple of different kits I understand. I don't consider myself a big JBL authority, especially the L-88, even though I'm a continuing JBL owner, 34 years, or so, and running.

I know some vintage models had upgrades during thier history, take for example the L-65, then the later models such as L-65A, and L-65B. Same with the L-300, L-300, with successive A, and B versions, which often had different Bass Drivers, and requisite minor changes to the X-Overs as well.

There's no doubt, the boys on the Lansing Forum can be a better help that I, and should you find mis-matching driver models, you could no doubt acquire the needed driver there, possibly trade, and/or unload the unwanted driver from your driver consist. Hope this helps. Mark
Click to expand...


Thanks all for the help and tips. I will probably get around to pulling both and see whats in there. They seem to sound alike, so cosmetics aside will leave as is. Of course, if I should find a matching woofer, then make the swap.

Thanks again
 
I've had two pairs of L88's and all four woofers were white. 123A-1 in the first pair, haven't checked the second pair yet (a nice set of Novas!):banana:
 
L-88 woofer

Zilch said:
I also have a pair of L88s, one white, and one black:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=123070#post123070

Later in that thread, you'll find a pic of the cone number stamped on the rear, which is definitive.... :yes:
Click to expand...

Just pulled the non treated woofer (black) and the number is 20005P. same as your woofer in the other forum's thread. It is not treated on the back side of cone as was mentioned earlier. So, how difficult would it be to find the non treated woofer? I see the white 123a on a regular basis online, but to be honest, I like the look of the black woofer. If there is a difference in sound, my ears cant tell.
 
I can't tell any difference, either.

Same number should be on the back of the white one, I believe, maybe.

I assume you're not local to me.... :dunno:
 
L-88 woofer

Zilch said:
I can't tell any difference, either.

Same number should be on the back of the white one, I believe, maybe.

I assume you're not local to me.... :dunno:
Click to expand...

Havent pulled the white woofer, but will do so later tonight. I am up in Seattle, so not local. :no:
 
Both of my L-88 Nova woofers have black cones. As I understood and IIRC from Gordon W. (whom I bought them from a couple of years ago), the black cones were an earlier production woofer -- white came later in the model's build run.

Mine also have the grills that have spring clips to plug into wood blocks with holes mounted on the cabinet's face board. From what I have seen on ePrey, later L-88 models (usually with white cones) had grills that attached with velcro. YMMV.
 
L-88 woofers

Wornears said:
Both of my L-88 Nova woofers have black cones. As I understood and IIRC from Gordon W. (whom I bought them from a couple of years ago), the black cones were an earlier production woofer -- white came later in the model's build run.

Mine also have the grills that have spring clips to plug into wood blocks with holes mounted on the cabinet's face board. From what I have seen on ePrey, later L-88 models (usually with white cones) had grills that attached with velcro. YMMV.
Click to expand...

Yes, my 88's have the clips, and not velcro. These seem to work well in keeping the grill on nice and secure. I am listening to them right now, and am really impressed with these. They really have the ability to play louder than what i am normally used to. I am pushing them with my Kenwood KR-9600 and they are singing beautifully. :music:
 
Join and then look up the L-88 Nova on the Lansing Heritage website. The forum link is: http://audioheritage.org/vbulletin

You'll see Zilch over there (the same Zilch that posts on AK). He's done some (many) mods to the L-88 -- plugs the bass port for one -- and that improves the overall sound. I play mine "stock" (for now).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom