12" Guitar Speaker Choice

Finally · Nov 1st 2018

I've been using Celestion V30 speakers for the powered output of my Kemper when I just need the amp in a room sound for jamming or practice, but I've been wondering if there's a more appropriate option for me. My goal is to build/buy a 1x12 to replace the larger 2x12 (V30) that I've been using.

I could use some advice on what speaker to use. I realise it's pretty personal at the end of the day, but I'm hoping to get the best general speaker to suit the variety of amp profiles that I use. The V30s are what I know the best from my Bogner Shiva and when I use a Shiva profile it sounds just right to me. But the Fender profiles and some others sound a bit meh.

I play mostly clean to med gain, but with some "big lead" sounds, like Gilmour etc. Broadly in the Bogner, Fender, Vox, Dumble camps. I really need to be able to play snappy clean leads with lots of headroom, so I don't want something that breaks up too easily.

Thoughts?

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Nov 1st 2018

EV12L or EV12S is the first thing that comes to mind for what you're describing, man! I mean, some vintage Fanes would be cool if you could your hands on some? The Celestion Redback is another @150 watts each. You could pound that sucker right into the dirt bro!

MuddySludge · Nov 1st 2018

I agree, an EV 12 monitor speaker would likely sound better than a conventional guitar speaker.

Finally · Nov 1st 2018

Thanks guys. I'll see if I can find a local place to try them out.

sambrox · Nov 1st 2018

I’d recommend getting a Matrix NL12. The sonic fingerprint is quite close to a V30, though their neodymium-based speakers don’t break up until you get into silly volume territory. They weigh nothing in comparison to a traditional speaker cab, so transport is nice and easy. I use mine with a folk/country band I play with, and it gets plenty loud for the venues and small festivals we play, whilst keeping the clean headroom.

musicmad · Nov 1st 2018

How about the new flat response celestion?

JedMckenna · Nov 1st 2018

I don't have to carry my gear so I always request a 4x12" Marshall 1960 AX (sometimes I play through it, sometimes not because I end up using IEM), the reasons are because I dig both the G12M vintage 25 Greenbacks and the salt and pepper tolex!

Dogmatix · Nov 1st 2018

I went through a similar struggle and eventually settled on a G12H. Perfect balance of vintage and modern.

Wheresthedug · Nov 1st 2018

I can totally recommend the EV12L 200w. They sound amazing and are virtually indestructible.

If you are building a cabinet for them look up the plans for the Thiele ported cab they were designed for. Or you could keep an eye out for a second hand Mesa EV loaded cab like these

lento1234567 · Nov 1st 2018

Seconded !

I would also recommend trying to find the older speaker - not the modern 'classic' - either the grey frame OEM or the Mesa Black Shadow EV

397f7c95538961c9090da40b2b0b6e229b278069 · Nov 1st 2018

Or the "Black Label Society" ones! I've got my eye on a pair of them right now!!

chrischris71 · Nov 1st 2018

I ordered the Red Sound LG12 Passive CAB. I will post a review as soon as I have it... Seems to be a good joice between a cab and frfr.

Finally · Nov 1st 2018

Thanks everyone!

Andy_T-V · Nov 1st 2018

Late to the party but one more for the EV. I pulled mine out of MkII Boogie because it was way too bright. After 30 years in my loft I thought it would be a non starter but it works very well loaded into a Vox night train open back cab. The EV is big and heavy but the cab is minimal so overall weight is ok. Ive been asked to turn down more often than not so volume wise it is quite capable and the previously annoying brightness is a benefit - My ten penn’orth!

deadpan · Nov 1st 2018

The Redback is amazing with the Powerhead.

JoeNapo · Nov 2nd 2018

I have a pair of 85 vintage EV speakers for my MK III Boogie. They sound great. One is in the combo and the other in a Thiele port cabinet. Be warned they are not light. Some of the heaviest speakers on the market. I have not tried the Thiele with the Kemper yet. I am relatively new to the Kemper world. Not enough time in the day to balance the guitar with the daily job. Right now I am playing in the pit for a High School production of Mamma Mia. Using Kemper into a powered JBL monitor. This setup goes into the Ok category. I feel it is fine for the clean profiles, however the current low end is missing. The over driven profiles seem to be harsh in the high end and no bass response is repeated. It is a work in progress. Ultimately the Kemper is headed to use in worship space with a Clair Brothers sound system in full stereo and IEM. Just have not had the time to get everything setup for worship space.

Wheresthedug · Nov 2nd 2018

JoeNapo i have tried my Thiele cab and it sounds awesome

V8guitar · Nov 5th 2018

Quote from musicmad

How about the new flat response celestion?

Just had a look at that....does that mean you could take a coupe of these and put into a conventional 2 x 12 and get FRFR ish results?? Interesting!!

Wheresthedug · Nov 5th 2018

Just checked those out. They look very interesting. I think I might feel a little build project coming up at some point in the not too distant future

MuddySludge · Nov 5th 2018

https://celestion.com/product/200/f12x200/

I think the crossover circuit is the ticket if it can tweet.

Share