Lansing

[bfish]

Does anyone know the story on the later-production (late 70s, early '80s, I think) Altec drivers labeled simply "Lansing"? I don't have one handy to look at, but I think it said they were of Anahiem origin. Thanks in advance, as I'll be away for a few days.

[Steve Schell]

I have a pair of 515-16Gs that have this logo and are labeled Oklahoma City. Have also seen it on 515-Es; not sure where those were made. The fancy Lansing script logo was derived from the logo used by the Lansing Manufacturing Company. It was used as early as 1928 - 1930 on armature type radio speakers, and all through the 1930s on many products, including the Iconic.

[bfish]

Thanks, Steve,

Later 515s are the only drivers I've seen with this labeling, so an OKC source sure makes more sense. I wonder if the deviation in labeling was done in tribute to Jim's contributions and design of the earliest 515s? I'll ask Bill next time we visit to see if he knows.

Brad

[Todd W. White]

"LANSING" was used by Jim Lansing on his products, and the trademark was purchased by All Technical Service Co. when the bought Lansing Mfg. Co.

When Jim Lansing left Altec Lansing, Altec kept the "Lansing" trademark. Most notably, it remained on the 515 woofers.

In the 1980's, as I recall, JBL tried to file "Lansing" as a trademark, and make Altec quit using it, claiming it was no longer in use in their product line, only in their company name.

Someone quickly pointed out (seems like it was Ted Uzzle) that the 515 label had never been updated to the point that the word "Lansing" - in script - was removed from the decal, and JBL lost their claim to it.

[bfish]

I figured somebody knew...Thanks, Todd!