[Jedstein]

I've been really enjoying playing my IO guitar through my Maestro SMS and two Ks in my 2 X 12. But -- man -- I am really drawn to the sound that some of the Maestro players are getting with the Es -- so I went ahead and had an E re-coned somewhat recently at a JBL authorized re-coner in NYC. I've probably put 30 hours or so on the E and I have to say, it sounds really brittle compared to the Ks in my 2 X 12 cabinet (both of which are also re-coned -- I'm not sure where). I know there's some adjustment in playing needed when going from a K to an E -- but this thing is really lacking sweetness (at least to my ears). I should also say that I had a K re-coned from the same place a little while ago -- and have similar complaints about it. I know -- probably not too smart of me to go back to the same place (but they came recommended and are JBL authorized) . . . I probably only put 50 hours or so on that re-coned K . . . .

A couple weeks ago, I bought an E with the original cone off reverb, so I could compare it to the E that I had re-coned, but of course, the Post Office destroyed it, and it arrived completely busted. So -- now I'm sitting here with this busted E, and I'm wondering whether to try getting it re-coned elsewhere (maybe Spiral Recone -- who I know did great work for Mattman?). Or do you think my complaints about my newly re-coned JBLs have more to do with the fact that they haven't been broken in yet?

Thanks for any input!

[playingdead]

I've found that the K's sound sweeter and better when you're playing on your own, but when you're playing with the band, and in the mix, the Es are just exactly perfect. But they are a little harsher sounding by themselves, but that's what makes you cut through everything like ol' Jerry did.

[Jedstein]

I've found that the K's sound sweeter and better when you're playing on your own, but when you're playing with the band, and in the mix, the Es are just exactly perfect. But they are a little harsher sounding by themselves, but that's what makes you cut through everything like ol' Jerry did.

Really good point, and one I tend to forget. It's interesting. I do find the Ks are a bit less sparkly with the band. They break up just a bit more than I want them to (or that they do at home). Still found my E to be a bit brittle, though, more so than a lot of the ones I've heard others play. Might just be be a problem with the fingers I suppose . . . .