Altec 417B
At 12 inches and clad in a steel basket with an unmistakable aluminum dust cap, this driver was built to sing — and sometimes scream — in vintage guitar amps.
Overview
The Altec 417B isn't a microphone. Despite early confusion in listings and forums, the Altec 417B referenced in collector circles is a 12-inch full-range guitar speaker, not a vocal mic. Manufactured by Altec Lansing during the 1970s — with one source tentatively suggesting 1968 as a possible start, though unconfirmed — it found its way into notable amplifier cabinets, including Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverbs. These speakers were part of a generation where American PA and studio gear bled into the guitar world, and players began chasing tone through repurposed full-range drivers. The 417B, with its paper cone and aluminum dust cap, became a quiet legend not by marketing, but by being pulled from old amps and dropped into boutique cabs by curious tonehounds.
Owners report a sound that’s warm, articulate, and surprisingly dynamic for a full-range design. When in good condition — or professionally restored — it delivers what some describe as a "Santana sound," referencing Carlos Santana’s use of similar Altec-equipped rigs in the late '60s and early '70s. The speaker doesn’t roar like a British ceramic; instead, it sings with a rounded midrange and a top end that’s present without being harsh. According to user accounts, well-used vintage examples often sound "sweet," with less brightness than their pristine, unused counterparts — a phenomenon some attribute to subtle cone break-in over decades.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Altec |
| Product type | 12" Guitar Speaker / Full Range Driver |
| Size | 12 inches |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Cone material | Paper |
| Dust cap material | Aluminum |
Aluminum Dust Cap
The most visually distinct feature of the Altec 417B is its domed aluminum dust cap — a design choice that separates it from the cloth or paper caps common on other vintage speakers. While it contributes to the driver’s rigid motor structure and clean aesthetic, collectors note it’s also the source of its most persistent flaw. The aluminum cap, rigid and unyielding, is cited across forums as a "biggest problem" for Altec and JBL speakers of this era. Over time, mechanical stress or physical impact can cause the cap to deform slightly, leading to voice coil rub. Once that happens, the speaker buzzes or rattles at low frequencies, rendering it unusable without repair.
Reconable Design
One of the 417B’s saving graces is that it can be reconed — a critical factor in its survival today. Unlike sealed or proprietary drivers from the same period, the 417B’s construction allows for full restoration. Professional reconing services, including Great Plains Audio, have developed kits specifically for these drivers. Aftermarket recone kits are available through niche suppliers, though user reports on forums suggest mixed results depending on the installer’s skill and the kit’s quality. A professionally reconed 417B can reportedly sound "fantastic awesome" — a far cry from its fate as a discarded amp part.
Collectibility & Value
The Altec 417B has no original price, power rating, or factory specifications documented in available sources, making it a speculative item in the vintage speaker market. It trades almost exclusively on the used market — Reverb and eBay listings show individual units and matched pairs changing hands, often pulled from old Fender amps. There is no established resale value, but condition dictates price: unrestored units with torn cones or voice coil damage sell for minimal amounts, while professionally reconed examples command higher interest. Common failures include torn surrounds and dust cap misalignment, both repairable but requiring specialized work. Given the lack of official specs and inconsistent availability, the 417B remains a niche player — cherished by a few, overlooked by many.
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