60's Jamaican Sound Systems?

rhjohnson2 · 18th February 2006

Does anyone know where I can find information on the equipment that was used in Jamaican sound systems in the 60s or 70s, I'm looking to construct an authentic soundsystem, but can't find specs or model numbers anywhere. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

dougb415 · 18th February 2006

From what I remember most of those systems were cobbled together from whatever was available. Bogen & Shure PA heads, that sort of thing.

littlelabs · 18th February 2006

I had a pair, actually still have the cabinets in a shed in my parents back yard, the JBL rear scoops came with either 1 15" or two 15". Punchy as hell. I always heard they were popular with the reggae scene, late 60s and 70s. I was in Jamaica this summer on a rainy day with lightning driving up to where Marleys Mausoleum and birth place is, and on the way in this little village a big PA was set up using those scoops, it looked so cool. I miss the old horn days of the 70s, the newer PAs are compact efficient etc. but unless it was the drugs the horn PAs of the 70s (where it took twenty semis to carry around) were to me way more dynamic and exciting.
Good luck in your quest.
Jonathan stike

18th February 2006	#1
rhjohnson2 Gear interested Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 1 Thread Starter	60's Jamaican Sound Systems? Does anyone know where I can find information on the equipment that was used in Jamaican sound systems in the 60s or 70s, I'm looking to construct an authentic soundsystem, but can't find specs or model numbers anywhere. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

18th February 2006	#3
littlelabs Little Labs Joined: Jul 2002 Location: Hollywood Posts: 234	I had a pair, actually still have the cabinets in a shed in my parents back yard, the JBL rear scoops came with either 1 15" or two 15". Punchy as hell. I always heard they were popular with the reggae scene, late 60s and 70s. I was in Jamaica this summer on a rainy day with lightning driving up to where Marleys Mausoleum and birth place is, and on the way in this little village a big PA was set up using those scoops, it looked so cool. I miss the old horn days of the 70s, the newer PAs are compact efficient etc. but unless it was the drugs the horn PAs of the 70s (where it took twenty semis to carry around) were to me way more dynamic and exciting. Good luck in your quest. Jonathan stike __________________ Little Labs Professional Audio Design, Manufacturing and Consulting http://www.littlelabs.com/ vox/fax :323.851.6860

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18th February 2006	#2
dougb415 Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 824	From what I remember most of those systems were cobbled together from whatever was available. Bogen & Shure PA heads, that sort of thing.