Best Speakers For 4×12?

5

'59

Active member
Best Speakers For 4×12?

I'm looking to replace the speakers in my Marshall 4x12. The current cheap speakers aren't really doing it for me, boomy bass, almost nonexistant mids, and ice pick highs. I was looking for some nice budget- maybe WGS- speakers that could get me a nice classic rock tone. I love the tone of my 1x10 with this amp, so I know it's the 4x12 that's the problem. There's just a volume issue with the smaller cab.

I'm looking to do the ol' 2 different sets of speakers in an x pattern thing. I want a decent, but not overbearing amount of bass, big powerful mids, and a slightly rolled off high end, but still able to do cleans. The one thing I know is I'm in the group that doesn't like V30s, but I do kinda like Greenbacks from what I've heard of them.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

If the OP is referring to the same problem Marshall 412 he has in the past, it has a set of G12E-60s. This is basically a cheap and crappy version of the G12-60, which is a special edition Vintage 30 with a slightly darker voicing. I replaced the G12Es in my MX412 set with a set of G12s and the tone radically improved, but they are a bit pricey, and you're looking for cheaper speakers.

I'll say that you should consider the impedance of the speakers to make sure they match if you do end up going with mixing and matching, as well as considering to make sure that your amp is built to work with the combined impedance of the speakers, if you do decide to change from the stock 16 ohm total. And also consider speaker efficiency, you don't want one set to over power the other.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

That is correct, I am still using the MX412. I actually just got someone to buy the speakers all four for $165, which isn't bad considering I got the whole cab for $275.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

closed back 4x12...
greenbacks if you want warm and forgiving,
or g12h30s if you want to sound like hendrix
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

I have a 2x12 with one Greenback and one G12t-75. I think that would do what you’re looking for.
The greenback is actually a Splawn Small Block. They are made by Eminence and are basically a 55W Greenback. They sound fantastic. You have to buy them through Splawn though. Iirc $95....?
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Thanks for the options, but some of these are too pricey, I'm trying to stay in the sub-$100 per speaker range. As for impedance being an issue, my amp can handle both 8Ω and 16Ω.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

5w, but I'm thinking about replacing it with a 20w Joyo Bantamp.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

'59 said:
Thanks for the options, but some of these are too pricey, I'm trying to stay in the sub-$100 per speaker range.
Click to expand...

If you're willing to spend up to $400 on speakers, I'd sell that MX cab unloaded on Craigslist for $100. Take the $265 you just got out of selling that MX cab, add in the $400 you're willing to spend on speakers, and get a good used cab with quality speakers. I'd recommend looking at Bogner, Mesa, or Orange depending on the flavor you're after. A good quality cab will beat that MX cab regardless of speakers. And depending on where you're located, buying a good used cab will be cheaper than fixing the old one.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Well, Green Berets are WGS's take on the Greenback.

And if you're replacing them all four speakers, take a look into the Eminence Legend GB12's.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

I've been doing some research and came across mostly positive reviews for the Eminence Legend V12 and Legend GB128. Which do you think I'll like more? Given they total up to $240 for all speakers, either looks like a good choice.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Considering that Amazon is selling the MX 4x12 for $260, brand new and loaded, I doubt he can get $265 on craigslist for that cab, empty, or loaded. I'd take the $165 for the speakers.

I got an MDF 4x12 that I paid next to nothing for ($25). It had no back panel, grill cloth was all but gone but the "tolex" and everything else was in good shape. I built a new baffle board out of decent ply, built a back panel out of the same (and covered it with tolex) and installed grill cloth. I've got less than 100 bucks in it. It's a big cab (1960 sized) the shell is still MDF, it's heavy, and I wouldn't drag it out to gigs but it sounds fantastic.

I wouldn't put any real money into trying to improve an MDF cabinet that I paid full price for. However, new speakers can always be transferred to a better cabinet at a later date. But as speed2dirt points out, one consideration is whether you can buy a better cabinet (maybe used but nice condition) already loaded with speakers that you like, for the price it will cost you to load up the MX with new speakers. Otherwise, that $165 is only 80 bucks shy of 4, brand new Emi GB128's. Or, about 1/2 of the way there to 4 x WGS's.

ps. I really dig my WGS Invaders.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Everyone has an opinion, but I really think you would be better off selling the empty Marshall and then look into a quality 2x12. There is simply no reason to spend the extra coin on a 4x12 when you are already on a budget.

$450 will get you this cabinet would be perfect and you can have your choice of premium Celestions. One G12H and one G12M would be fantastic

https://avatarspeakers.com/shop/favorites/g212-vintage-sp/
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Can't regular greenbacks be had for $99 each and done? Or otherwise the Eminence equivalents. They sound great and should solve the original complaint.
 
Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Re: Best Speakers For 4×12?

Occasionally the Greenbacks can be found for 100 bucks. Probably common enough, used. See them all the time at around $120 or so from big retailers as returns.
The Emi GB128's are only 60 bucks new.
WGS are around 80 bucks, new.
 
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