JBL C38 Baron (1955)

Name: JBL C38
Brand: JBL

A horizontally oriented floor-standing bass reflex speaker system released by JBL in 1955, sharing core design with the C36.

Overview

The JBL C38 Baron is a floor-type loudspeaker enclosure introduced by JBL in 1955. It uses a bass reflex system for extended low-frequency response and was designed for stereo use, sold as a left-right pair. The C38 shares its basic design with the C36 but differs in orientation. The C38 is the horizontal version. The low-profile footprint gave wide dispersion and let it fit into living spaces.

Specifications

Manufacturer	JBL
Product type	floor-type enclosure that uses a bass reflex system
Production years	Released in 1955
External dimensions	Width 600 x Height 610 x Depth 400 mm
Original price	¥ 83,900 (around 1965), ¥ 65,500 (around 1967)

Design

The C38 follows the same basic design as the C36, built as a horizontal floor-standing enclosure. It is a bass reflex system, and the ported cabinet boosts low-end output. It was meant for stereo installations, with dedicated left and right units available as a pair.

Context

Introduced in 1955, the C38 was part of JBL's early line of high-fidelity speaker systems aimed at the home audio market. Its horizontal shape set it apart from the more conventional vertical floor speakers of the time, with a different look and a different acoustic layout.

Market

Original pricing for the C38 is documented at ¥83,900 around 1965 and ¥65,500 around 1967, so the price dropped over time. No data is available on current market value, condition trends, or common failure points.