Need Speaker Opinions

B

Benji2204

New member
Hi,

I’ve finally decided to buy new speakers for my cab.

I currently have three original G12M Greenbacks and one G12H-30-RI in my early 70s Marshall cab. These worked out OK (just OK) with my 2204, but now that I have a new JMP 2203 I need to upgrade the cabs power handling. I’m already sure I want two G12-80s in there for power handling and articulation. What I’m not sure of though, is what the other two speakers will be. I think I’d like a clean/crunch split...here are some of the options I’ve thought of....

Two G12H30s - Pros: This would definitely give that classic Celestion crunch, plus I already have one. Cons: Low power handling. If I went with these, the total rating of my cab would be 120w, which is the lower limit I would use a 100w with. Also, since these are basically Greenbacks with heavier magnets, do they have the same “reedy” breakup? It’s hard to tell since I only have one.

Two- Webber 1265Cs - Pros: I’ve never tried these speakers but the idea of a Celestion type speaker (G12-65) with a slightly pulled back, and smoothed out treble appeals to me. How are the mids? Cons: Is the treble *to* smooth and is the power rating too high for a little crunch?

Two Vintage 30s - Pro: High power handling but sounds like a 30 watt (or so I’ve read), Cons: I’ve heard from some people that these have a very smooth top end and from others that they very sharp in your face speakers, which is it?

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks,
-Benji
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

Benji2204 said:
Hi,

I’ve finally decided to buy new speakers for my cab.

I currently have three original G12M Greenbacks and one G12H-30-RI in my early 70s Marshall cab. These worked out OK (just OK) with my 2204, but now that I have a new JMP 2203 I need to upgrade the cabs power handling. I’m already sure I want two G12-80s in there for power handling and articulation. What I’m not sure of though, is what the other two speakers will be. I think I’d like a clean/crunch split...here are some of the options I’ve thought of....

Two G12H30s - Pros: This would definitely give that classic Celestion crunch, plus I already have one. Cons: Low power handling. If I went with these, the total rating of my cab would be 120w, which is the lower limit I would use a 100w with. Also, since these are basically Greenbacks with heavier magnets, do they have the same “reedy” breakup? It’s hard to tell since I only have one.

Two- Webber 1265Cs - Pros: I’ve never tried these speakers but the idea of a Celestion type speaker (G12-65) with a slightly pulled back, and smoothed out treble appeals to me. How are the mids? Cons: Is the treble *to* smooth and is the power rating too high for a little crunch?

Two Vintage 30s - Pro: High power handling but sounds like a 30 watt (or so I’ve read), Cons: I’ve heard from some people that these have a very smooth top end and from others that they very sharp in your face speakers, which is it?

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks,
-Benji
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of the V30s....They are efficient speakers,project well,nice lows,mids project great also...I wouldn't say these speakers are harsh,but they are present and cut really well...They aren't dark or ice picky in the highs either....My next choice is the G12H-30s but these don't handle as much power as the V30s unless you have a 4x12 with 2 of each...Both great speakers and my personal favs for the Marshall grind!
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

OK, so it seems that the V30s *are* bright speakers, but their top end is smooth. Would you say their top end breaks up smoother than a greenback or G12H? Are the V30's uppermids and treble more prominant than on a G12H?

How do you think V30s would match with Classic Lead 80s? I'm really not that big a fan of "sizzle", remember I'm using this with a Marshall 2203 which are bright amps to begin with.

Also, I'd like to hear if anyone has any experience with Weber 1265s or Celestion G12-65s.

Thanks to all who have commented so far!
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

I use V-30s also. Very smooth,very powerful sounding,great for lots o' distortion and very heavy sounding with more mids than anything, but i am using them in a old Bassman 2x12 thats a closed back and freakin huge.

What kind of sound are you looking for? What kind of music do you play?
 
Last edited:
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

V30's are actually 60 watts each. They are great for smoothing out amps. I have grown to like the G12T-75's. They are a great rock speaker, and once broken in have nice tight bottom end and smooth highs....somewhat mid scooped, but with a Marshall that is what the Dr. ordered.

If it were my cab, I'd go GT-12's and G12-h's in an X pattern. That would be sweet.
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

Benji2204 said:
OK, so it seems that the V30s *are* bright speakers, but their top end is smooth. Would you say their top end breaks up smoother than a greenback or G12H? Are the V30's uppermids and treble more prominant than on a G12H?

How do you think V30s would match with Classic Lead 80s? I'm really not that big a fan of "sizzle", remember I'm using this with a Marshall 2203 which are bright amps to begin with.

Also, I'd like to hear if anyone has any experience with Weber 1265s or Celestion G12-65s.

Thanks to all who have commented so far!
Click to expand...

I have always thought Greenbacks sounded scratchy with more grit in the upper mids, compared to V30's.

G12H30's are even smother still, as compared to the V30, & greenback, but also with a lot more bottom end.

As far as I can tell the most popular mixed speaker combo is V30's with G12H30's.

I've never heard the CL 80's mixed with anything, but they seem to have a plainer more vanilla sonic signature than those others. They sound good with a lot of different amp & guitar combinations.

I don't really have much experience with G12-65's or their Weber counterparts.
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

I think I'm gonna go with two V30s and two Lead 80s. One more question though.... How should I arrange them in the cab? I was thinking in an X configuration. Does anyone think a stacked approach would be better? If so, which set would you place on top? Thanks again for all you guys' input!

-Benji
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

Go with the X configuration. I think they blend better that way.

More food for thought :D Weber makes the ceramic "Blue Dog" which has great mids. They come as 30w but you can ask for a 50w version. I did that and paid no extra cost. That speaker was perfect for my 2204.
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

Benji2204 said:
I think I'm gonna go with two V30s and two Lead 80s. One more question though.... How should I arrange them in the cab? I was thinking in an X configuration. Does anyone think a stacked approach would be better? If so, which set would you place on top? Thanks again for all you guys' input!

-Benji
Click to expand...

I mixed these 2 before and the classic lead sounds best on the the bottom of the cab because it is more sterile, dark and cleaner than the V30. I like the grit on top. My favorites are the Governor/Manowar or wizard/ swamp thang combos in a 4x12 with the x pattern for the governor/manowar and the swamp thang on the bottom and wizards on top in my other cab although the highs are a bit peircing from thje wizards. Could be because they are new though. I just made a bunch of soundclips tonight at my bass players house on pro tools. They are all heavy with much gain as Eminence has very little in soundclips of metal stuff. I will post them within a couple weeks.
 
Re: Need Speaker Opinions

weber alnico's of any kind
havent tried them but all reviews are good and the fact that you can get any model in alnico or ceramic gives lots of tone options that arent conventional. slightly warmer v30 type tone etc etc
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top