Skip to content

Looking for the fonts used in 1940's JBL logo

Featured Replies

I am looking for the fonts used in the attached vintage JBL logo. Particularly the "signature speaker" one. This logo was used in the '40s and '50s. There are some versions available on various Logo websites but the fonts don't match actual product logos from the period.... Thanks!  

jbl-075-super-tweeters.jpg

Solved by Kevin Thompson

  • Author

Thanks for the reply @Kevin Thompson.

Here is a slightly better pic I found.

The bottom of the g is definitely a closed loop (like the font used in this forum!) whereas the Century fonts have an open bottom to the g.

The century fonts to seem to match the logos available online but they are not thesame as the logos on the actual products...  

1684705-62125e1b-vintage-jbl-001-speaker-system-with-c35-style-cabinets.jpg

  • Author

Running that last pic through Myfonts identifier came up with this that I think may be close enough:

Screenshot 2024-08-29 141351.jpg

  • Author

Thanks @Kevin Thompson. I see some of the features match better but the horizontals are noticeably thinner in that font... 

Keep in mind the means of production—printing on label material, or even silkscreening on metal, is going to alter the type's appearance. Digital fonts are often more crisp and higher contrast than their printed (and vintage) samples.

  • Author

True. And of course the plates I need to replicate (like my sample pics) are 75mm wide overall and that script is only about 2mm high! I think I'll lay out some samples with various fonts and see if one can even tell the difference...  

  • Author

The plan is fiber laser on black anodized aluminum....

20240829_160807.jpg

Find the best match for the overall form—you can always convert the type to outlines and add a stroke to beef up the lighter horizontals/get a sturdier image for the reproduction process.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Important Information

We are placing functional cookies on your device to help make this website better.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.