Fat One Amps

In the 50s and early 60s, AlNiCo magnets were all that was available, but as power levels increased, amplifier and speaker manufacturers turned to other magnetic materials like ceramic, to provide greater energy per weight. AlNiCo magnets impart a warmer, smoother tonal characteristic which works very well with the relatively low powered vintage amps. For more power the easy solution was multiple low powered speakers in a cabinet to handle higher power levels, but at a cost in weight, size and speakers. Ceramic magnets provide greater clean headroom and a punchier sound projection characteristic. They work differently but still sound great when overdriven and can handle higher power ratings so smaller more powerful combo amplifiers are possible (like an MB Mark I 100W 1x12 or Fat One Clubber). Neodymium magnets are relatively new to the market and can be half the weight of similarly power ceramic speakers for the same energy levels. Their tonal characteristic is considered similar to AlNiCo speakers. One ideal application is reducing the weight of a bass cabinet by providing lighter speakers with same power handling capability.