06/10/2026
Bolivar Speaker Works Model 18 4 ohms 3 Way Wood Speakers Rare Vintage £250
Amazing speakers, pictures do not do the justice of being able to hear the sound they produce.
I am no sound expert, so it’s personal opinion I can only give, but they sound amazing.
In good working order, minimal marks, good condition for there age, small amount of wear.
Only main issue is one of the speakers at the bottom is starting to delaminate, please see picture.
Please see pictures for condition.
I have tested them and they sound lovely.
Please bare in mind that they are vintage though, so the parts inside are vintage as well.
Large speakers, in wooden case.
Collection is from Watlington, Oxfordshire.
The Bolivar Model 18 is a vintage 3-way loudspeaker manufactured by Bolivar Speaker Works during the late 1970s.
History and Background
• Origins: Bolivar Speaker Works was established by Harman International (parent company of JBL and Harman Kardon) in Bolivar, Tennessee, operating roughly from 1977 to 1983.
• The JBL Connection: The company was created by former JBL personnel—including designer Ed May and industrial designer Arnold Wolf—who had previously worked on the famous JBL L100. The goal was to offer high-value, West Coast-sound speakers to compete with imports.
• Naming Convention: Models were named after local highway routes running through Bolivar, Tennessee (such as Highway 18).
Key Specifications & Design
• Design: 3-way system featuring an 8-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange driver, and a dome/phenolic ring tweeter, often equipped with a rear-mounted tone control.
• Impedance: 4 ohms
• Power Handling: Approximately 100 watts
• Enclosure & Build: Built using pressed particle board with wood-grain vinyl or veneer finishes, stamped woofer baskets, and heavy grill frames, mirroring the style of classic JBL monitors at a lower price point.
• Sound Profile: Renowned for punchy, dynamic "West Coast" bass and efficient performance, though their 4-ohm load requires an amplifier capable of handling lower impedance safely.
