About 125161 Fane speakers

[theWalrus]

Got this from "Sticky Suggestion - Hiwatt FANE Models"

updated to add:
122231 with stamped/pressed steel frames as early as the second week of 1974
125161 50 watts 16ohm.
used for approx. 6 months in early-mid 1978 replacing 122231 in rear loaded SE4123 cabs.

So which 50w Fanes should I look into for a slightly darker sound than the others?

Look for some 122142's - or even some of the later "Legend Series" Fanes (although they don't have a standard bolt pattern).

Dave

P.S. Toward the end of the Hylight era (generally coinciding with the release of front loaded cabs), Hiwatt Fane models were 125114 and 125155. I might have it backwards, but I think the 125114 was the replacement for the 122142. Judges?

From reading this without specs in front of me, it seems to me cabs with 125161's and 125155's are "not as good" as 122231's. I guess I can't really state that without specs. They are all from the Hylight era, so chances are they are all fantastic with a DR103.

I've got a 1979 front-loaded SE4123 4x12 cab with 125155's and I was thinking of adding another 4x12 with 125161 to the rig. The reasoning would be to protect the speakers from accidental blow up by splitting the load. As far as sound quality and cost/benefit goes, I'm not so sure if it's worth a shot. They do seem to be compatible and probably sound good for guitar.

Any inspirational thoughts?

Thanks

[Dr.HI-TONE]

WOW!
making assumptions like that will come back to bite you.

the 125161 is the pinnacle of the rear loaded HIWATT speakers. Only used for a short period before the switch to front loaded cabs, but these are a favorite of mine and those whose opinions I value.

[theWalrus]

Hi Doc, I didn't assume much if you take a closer look. While I did think the earlier drivers were the best, I didn't express that as an opinion. I don't know and that's why I came by to ask. I'm just trying to figure out if it's worth getting those.

[theWalrus]

I forgot to add a picture.

Funny thing is: this cab seems front-loaded and they are 125161's. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Dr.HI-TONE]

that is right.
another oddity.

I don't know how they sound in that cab, but they are the bees knees in a rear loaded cab.

go for it.

[OldSchoolDave]

...it seems to me cabs with 125161's and 125155's are "not as good" as 122231's.

Unfair to say. I'd suggest "not as established" would be more appropriate. The 122142 and 122231 models enjoyed a long reign.

As Dr.Hiwatt said, the 125161's had a short production run during a transitional period. Only when compared historically, do they come out as clear winners (among a stellar field of competitors).

Dave

[Bossco]

FWIW - the Fane 125155 were my #1 from the shootouts with the 125161 close 2nd. T'is all about the clarity & responsiveness for me...