Need a speaker recommendation

[gtone]

Having spent most of my years playing low-watt tube amps and the occasional solid state amp, I have very little experience with speakers other than vintage alnico Jensens, Quams, Utahs, a ceramic Eminence or two - you get the picture. I now play a Phaez custom 14W head (2 X EL84's) with a 1X12 closed-back ply cab loaded with a Celestion G12L35. This is a pretty good sounding setup at low to medium volumes - sweet and early speaker breakup yielding a creamy, balanced pallet of tones, regardless of how much gain is dialed in. Wick up the master volume past half and things start to get pretty wooly and even muddy, however. I'm thinking that the light magnet and possibly other structural components of the G12L35 are to blame for this rather unsavory characteristic.

I'm now in a band that plays fairly loud (mostly classic rock, a bit of blues and some modern stuff). While my amp certainly has the balls to keep up (it's loud for 14W), I've been keeping it at moderate volumes and miking it/running the signal through the sound system just so it sounds its best. I'd like to get some recommendations for a 12" 8 ohm speaker that can provide some British flavor somewhat like the existing Celestion, while retain it's composure with the volume cranked past half. I'm assuming I'd probably need something a little more substantial that would probably require more headroom. Suggestions folks??

Oh yeah - likely gonna run the new speaker through a partially open back solid pine 1X12 cab w/dovetailed joints I just ordered. This may obviously have some bearing on your recommendation...

[MrGuitarguy]

I've always love vintage 30's. They have a great mid range punch, are quite efficient (read: loud) and sound killer clean and dirty (they even come is many top manufactures high end clean and dirty amps, like Bogner, Fender custom shop, etc.). I'm sure others will have a variety of recommendations, but for gigging, recording, or anything else, I've never found a speaker I liked better or with better versatility.

That said, it probably wouldn't be my first choice for say, a deluxe reverb, but it would definitely be my desert island speaker if I could only have one. I believe it's ideal for what you're looking for.

I've used them in open, partially open, and closed cabinets all with great success.

[gtone]

MrGuitarguy - Thanks for your suggestion. Do you find the V30's have a very pronounced mid-range? Do they sound good squeaky clean, if that's the case?

[HSB0531]

gtone

I don't know what a Phaez Custom 14w. amp costs, but you could simply buy another one and use both for the loud gigs.

This way you can dial in that sound you like on both, and get the right tone plus the volume you need.

[seeker]

65 watt version of the Scumback H75.

Not cheap, but just killer:

http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/h_series.html#h75

He's running a $20 off sale for the next 3 weeks or so:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=634382

[Punkavenger]

Or you could email Weber speakers and give them the specifics just like you did here. I've done this quite a few times and the reccommendations have always been spot on. Much more efficient than playing the guessing game.

I emailed them yesterday as a matter of fact and they replied the same day.

[gtone]

Or you could email Weber speakers and give them the specifics just like you did here. I've done this quite a few times and the reccommendations have always been spot on. Much more efficient than playing the guessing game.

I emailed them yesterday as a matter of fact and they replied the same day.

I did the same thing yesterday and got a reply same day also. They suggested a 30W ceramic Silver Bell with light dope. $110 + shipping/customs - should run about CDN $160. Hmmm....

[Siaip Ciuvas]

since the time I've bought some old Fane Studio 12Ls, speakers aren't the same to me. They could be found for cheap used, but they are worth every penny or even double of what you pay. Super rich sounding speakers however too bassy with open back, you need full seal to block it. I have made 1x12 cab loaded with one and my Marshall cab loaded with Vintage 30s sat in the corner during our band CD record crying in despair. If you want, I can send you some mix eamples of how they sound on record with my 15W Ceriatone Creme Brulee.

but note that Fane uses different fixing holes positions than Celestion, so if your cab comes ready for Celestions, you may need to use some drilling.

edited to add: and they are super clean pushed hard with 200W power rating and they are very sensitive, so they are super loud even 15W amp - I can't turn my Ceriatone past half on master during band rehearsal, and we are loud rock band! The only negative point - heavy as hell. Magnet size is enourmous.

[gtone]

since the time I've bought some old Fane Studio 12Ls, speakers aren't the same to me. They could be found for cheap used, but they are worth every penny or even double of what you pay. Super rich sounding speakers however too bassy with open back, you need full seal to block it. I have made 1x12 cab loaded with one and my Marshall cab loaded with Vintage 30s sat in the corner during our band CD record crying in despair. If you want, I can send you some mix eamples of how they sound on record with my 15W Ceriatone Creme Brulee.

Thanks for the feedback Siaip. If it's not too much trouble, I wouldn't mind hearing one of your clips.

I remember seeing Alex Lifeson from Rush playing HiWatts with Fanes back in the 70's when they were still one of our "local" bands in Southern Ontario. His backline was LOUD and definitely cut through. Your Fanes aren't harsh or ice-picky in any way are they?

[MrGuitarguy]

MrGuitarguy - Thanks for your suggestion. Do you find the V30's have a very pronounced mid-range? Do they sound good squeaky clean, if that's the case?

I think the midrange distorted somewhat of reminds me of the midrange of the classic EVH tone. Clean, I find it smooth with enough to punch through a mix/band with out being "honky" but still able to produce crisp highs. Some of the best clean tones I've ever heard were amps with Vintage 30's. And dirty, they rule. Plus at 60 watts per speaker you don't have to worry about them flubbing out.

You best bet is to go down t the local guitar sore and try a bunch of speaker cabs loaded up differently. When I worked music retail, I did this all the time and always came back to the Vintage 30's.

[Punkavenger]

Or you could email Weber speakers and give them the specifics just like you did here. I've done this quite a few times and the recommendations have always been spot on. Much more efficient than playing the guessing game.

I emailed them yesterday as a matter of fact and they replied the same day.

I did the same thing yesterday and got a reply same day also. They suggested a 30W ceramic Silver Bell with light dope. $110 + shipping/customs - should run about CDN $160. Hmmm....

I was recommended the ceramic Blue Dog 30W w/ light dope ... close!

[Siaip Ciuvas]

since the time I've bought some old Fane Studio 12Ls, speakers aren't the same to me. They could be found for cheap used, but they are worth every penny or even double of what you pay. Super rich sounding speakers however too bassy with open back, you need full seal to block it. I have made 1x12 cab loaded with one and my Marshall cab loaded with Vintage 30s sat in the corner during our band CD record crying in despair. If you want, I can send you some mix eamples of how they sound on record with my 15W Ceriatone Creme Brulee.

Thanks for the feedback Siaip. If it's not too much trouble, I wouldn't mind hearing one of your clips.

I remember seeing Alex Lifeson from Rush playing HiWatts with Fanes back in the 70's when they were still one of our "local" bands in Southern Ontario. His backline was LOUD and definitely cut through. Your Fanes aren't harsh or ice-picky in any way are they?

send me your email via PM and I will gladly send them. Ice picky? Not theese ones I have. But mind that mine are old ones, not reissues.

[bobbymack]

I've had many dual EL84 amps, and find Vintage 30s and G12H30s to always sound great. V30s are louder, a bit more punchy in the mids, the G12H30s are rich and balanced...

[gtone]

(\quote] You best bet is to go down t the local guitar sore and try a bunch of speaker cabs loaded up differently. When I worked music retail, I did this all the time and always came back to the Vintage 30's.

I like your suggestion, but we don't have a half decent music store for 200+ miles. At that, it'll be full of Behringer, Peavey, Line 6, Traynor, some lower end Fender & Marshall cabs perhaps - you get the idea. Many parts of Canada are hurting when it comes to sourcing quality gear. The Guitars Canada forum is the only place you can seem to routinely find Celestions, Scumbacks, Webers, Tone Tubby, etc. here but they're much pricier than in the US, unfortunately. This is why I have to rely on sound clips and fellow players' input a bit more than someone fortunate enough to be in a position to test drive some quality stuff. Ain't complainin' - just telling ya' what my reality is at present.

Also know that speaker choice is very subjective, so I threw out my existing Celestion as a reference point in the hopes I can get suggestions that improve upon that. I really like the suggestions I've been getting folks - thanks one and all and keep 'em coming! I'm doing my homework as we speak on 4 or 5 I've short-listed.

[gtone]

Another interesting twist. Guy who built my head (Randy Fay) suggested a few other models I should consider:

Warehouse Veteran 30

Warehouse Reaper 30

Eminence Wizard

Eminence Tonkerlite

More options to check out... hmmm....

[Siaip Ciuvas]

If I was on your side of the pond, I would jump on this: http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39491

[HSB0531]

I have a preference for the FANE UK built speakers.

Not the chinese stuff though.

Limited selection/distributors in the US unfortunately.

[gtone]

If I was on your side of the pond, I would jump on this: http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39491

Thanks for the "head's up". I PM'd him on it.

[Moose]

I have a preference for the FANE UK built speakers.

Not the chinese stuff though.

Limited selection/distributors in the US unfortunately.

There's one, and he's responsive. Tonicamps.com

Give Darin a buzz and talk about what he has.

[HSB0531]

I have a preference for the FANE UK built speakers.

Not the chinese stuff though.

Limited selection/distributors in the US unfortunately.

There's one, and he's responsive. Tonicamps.com

Give Darin a buzz and talk about what he has.

Thanks Moose.

I meant Fane as another brand to check out.

You're right, Tonic imports the guitar speakers.

BTW: The Fane AXA12 has a good bottom end: tight, without being boomy, with a scooped mid and very sweet highs. Absolutely no ice pick tones at all. It has an Alnico magnet and a bell cover. Also sports a fiberglass voice coil and stiff paper cone.

[Siaip Ciuvas]

AXA12 is the next one I will try... But do you have an idea how to separate Chineese made Fanes vs UK ones (except the price, of course)?

[HSB0531]

AXA12 is the next one I will try... But do you have an idea how to separate Chineese made Fanes vs UK ones (except the price, of course)?

Fane Axiom guitar speakers are made in England.

The cones are made by the original OEM supplier to them and the frames also.

They also managed to track down some of the original workers.

The lady who wound the voice coils is the same one who does now.

The Medusa guitar speakers I'm not sure about.

The Sovereign line is made in China.

[gtone]

I've decided to give the Warehouse Reaper 30 a go, a G12H30 clone. It's made in the US, has great reviews and represents excellent value in CDN$ prices ($89 vs $150+ for Celestion G12H30 Anniversary or $250 for Heritage).

Steamco Music in Winnipeg is the Cdn distributor of WGS. They indicated that a major manufacturer of quality amps (wasn't at liberty to disclose which one) just placed a massive order for virtually all of WGS's stock of a certain model (suspect it's their popular V30 clone or possibly Greenback).

I liked the sound clips I heard of this speaker and think it should perhaps best accomplish what I'm seeking without breaking the bank. V30 or clone was a strong contender also, but have heard mixed reviews of those in open back cabs, the application under consideration. I also put a lot of faith in what Randy Fay (Phaez Amps) recommended - the man knows tone and has tested virtually all combinations of speaker/cab configurations with his amps.

Many thanks for the suggestions and feedback, one and all - much appreciated! Peace bruddas...

[bmenary]

I like the Celestion G12H30 a lot- But being a gearhead I had to buy and test out about 10 different speakers in the last year including the scumbacks and two-rocks and other popular speakers and low and behold the G12H30 still sounded best to my ear for a Rock signal-

I also like the EV12L a lot- You can't go wrong with that speaker either- I have one for sale here on the HFC- A nice vintage one

EV12L For Sale

[burningyen]

I'm a big fan of H30s when cranking up the gain. V30s work great with some amps, but that midrange "krang" tires out my ears. I think Randy steered you in the right direction.