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Description

The Leslie 16 amplifier is a captivating fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, specifically designed for keyboard enthusiasts and professional musicians alike. This legendary amplifier brings the iconic swirling sound of a Leslie speaker to smaller venues and home studios, offering that classic rotary effect without the need for a full-sized cabinet.

Equipped with a two-speed motor, it allows for seamless transitions between the fast and slow rotation speeds, giving you dynamic control over your sound. The amplifier's robust build ensures reliable performance, while its simplified interface invites players to focus more on their music instead of complex settings. Perfect for creating rich, immersive soundscapes, the Leslie 16 is compatible with a variety of keyboards, making it a versatile addition to any setup. It delivers the authentic tonal quality that has made Leslie a revered name in the music industry, while its compact design makes transportation a breeze for gigging musicians.

Whether you're aiming for the vintage warmth of classic rock or the lush textures of jazz and blues, the Leslie 16 is engineered to elevate your sound to new heights. Experience the distinctive tonal character and the immersive audio experience that only a Leslie can provide.

Key Features:

  • Two-speed motor for fast and slow rotation effects
  • Compact design for easy transportation
  • Simplified user interface for intuitive operation
  • Compatible with various keyboards
  • Authentic Leslie rotary sound
Guitarsenal

Guitarsenal

Vintage Leslie 16 Cabinet Demo

Video thumbnail for Vintage Leslie 16 Cabinet Demo by Guitarsenal

Vintage Leslie 16 Cabinet Demo

Guitarsenal

Guitarsenal

Video thumbnail for Leslie Model 16 Video Demo by guitary18

Leslie Model 16 Video Demo

guitary18

guitary18

Video thumbnail for Leslie Model 16 Audio Demo - TubeFi Studios by Tony Mullins

Leslie Model 16 Audio Demo - TubeFi Studios

Tony Mullins

Tony Mullins

Video thumbnail for Leslie 16 Demo (aka Vibratone) by Reo Casey

Leslie 16 Demo (aka Vibratone)

Reo Casey

Reo Casey

Video thumbnail for My Vintage Leslie Model 16 Rotating Speaker Cabinet by Joe Hart

My Vintage Leslie Model 16 Rotating Speaker Cabinet

Joe Hart

Joe Hart

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Leslie 16.

Features and functionality

  • The Leslie 16 uses a 5-pin connector for its footswitch, which can be replaced with a premade adaptor to work with modern footswitches.

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  • The original setup requires a crossover system to connect to an amp, and both Leslie and another cab cannot run simultaneously without modification.

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  • The Leslie 16 can be connected to an amp using a 1/4 cable for the speaker extension, enhancing its compatibility with various setups.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Leslie 16 can operate with a guitar amp like a 1968 Fender Dual Showman Reverb, offering versatility in sound applications.

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  • A Fender Vibratone (Leslie 16) paired with a 22-watt Deluxe Reverb delivers excellent sound quality, enhancing the Leslie's whirly Doppler effect.

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  • Connecting a Leslie to a Fender red-knob Pro185 requires a separate amp for the Leslie, as the Pro185 lacks a speaker extension output.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Users mention the possibility of modifying the Leslie 16 to bypass its crossover system, enhancing connectivity options.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Caution is advised due to potential high voltage in the connections, and schematics are available for safer handling.

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Comparisons

  • The Fender Vibratone is essentially the same model as the Leslie 16, with users sharing resources for more detailed comparisons and functionality insights.

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User experience

  • Owners report that using a clean amp with a Leslie 16 significantly improves sound quality, with recommendations against using low-quality amps for best results.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
benshenmusic

A classic gem with a beautiful sound

This cabinet, when used properly, produces the beautiful shimmering tones of artists like Pink Floyd and The Beatles. I had to replace the speaker in mine, but the sounds this cab produce are unlike any pedals replication.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Michael Beinhorn uses Leslie 16

Michael Beinhorn

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "Black Hole Sun: Inside the Song with Michael Beinhorn - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro," Michael Beinhorn mentions the use of a Leslie 16 speaker at the 28:15 mark during the recording of Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Leslie 16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Leslie 16, curated by the Equipboard community.

Leslie G27 Guitar Speaker Cabinet
Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

Designed to use with your own amp although a Hammond solid State amp is available that slots into the cab.

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