Altec 417B
This is a 12 inch driver with a steel basket and an unmistakable aluminum dust cap. It was built for vintage guitar amps, and it can sing or scream.
Overview
The Altec 417B isn't a microphone. Early listings and forums got that confused, but the 417B collectors talk about is a 12-inch full-range guitar speaker, not a vocal mic. Altec Lansing made it during the 1970s, though one source tentatively suggests 1968 as a possible start. That date is unconfirmed. It turned up in notable amplifier cabinets, including Fender Silverface Deluxe Reverbs. American PA and studio gear was bleeding into the guitar world in those years, and players were chasing tone through repurposed full-range drivers. The 417B has a paper cone and an aluminum dust cap. It became a quiet legend without any marketing, because curious tonehounds pulled it from old amps and dropped it into boutique cabs.
Owners report a sound that's warm, articulate, and surprisingly dynamic for a full-range design. In good condition, or professionally restored, it delivers what some describe as a "Santana sound." That refers to 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. It has 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 pristine, unused ones. Some attribute that 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. It separates the speaker from the cloth or paper caps common on other vintage speakers. The cap contributes to the driver's rigid motor structure and clean look, but collectors note it's also the source of the speaker's most persistent flaw. The aluminum cap is rigid and unyielding, and forums cite it as a "biggest problem" for Altec and JBL speakers of this era. Over time, mechanical stress or physical impact can deform the cap slightly and cause voice coil rub. Once that happens, the speaker buzzes or rattles at low frequencies and is unusable without repair.
Reconable Design
The 417B can be reconed, and that is a big reason it survives today. Unlike sealed or proprietary drivers from the same period, its construction allows full restoration. Professional reconing services, including Great Plains Audio, have developed kits specifically for these drivers. Aftermarket recone kits are available through niche suppliers. 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."
Collectibility & Value
The available sources document no original price, power rating, or factory specifications for the Altec 417B, which makes 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 sets the price. Unrestored units with torn cones or voice coil damage sell for minimal amounts, while professionally reconed examples draw higher interest. Common failures include torn surrounds and dust cap misalignment. Both are repairable but need specialized work.
eBay Listings
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