Speaker Cross Reference
For awhile now people have been asking what my speakers are similar to in the Celestion line. For the most part, the answer is none. My speakers are aged/built and tonally replicate the old Pre Rola Celestion speakers from the late 60's to mid 70's, with some variations that Celestion never built, just to satisfy the needs for particular tones sought by various players. They are built to sound old right out of the box with vintage/correct doping techniques/styles and break in with much less hours than the original models from the 60's due to the manufacturing techniques and break in procedures done during the manufacturing process.
With that said, here are the closest comparisons to Celestion models for those who need a cross reference. All model names used are copyright or trade names of Marshall, Celestion, Vox, Pulsonic, Kurt-Mueller UK and Scumback Speakers. These names are used for comparison/informational purposes only in an aid to better educate those trying to compare speaker models effectively.
12" MODELS
M75 Series --> G12M T1221 Pre Rola 75hz (bass response) lead cone, using the 102 003 Pulsonic cone. These were the most popular speakers made in the old days, and were commonly referred to as "Greenbacks". These speakers had a 35 oz magnet that produced more midrange than low end or high end, resulting in the pronounced mid range hump that sounded right to many players. Marshall used these extensively in their 4x12 cabs. The M75 is designed with creamier treble and more low mids than the originals. 25/65/100w versions.
M75-PVC --> 1965 - 1973 era G12M T1221 75hz (bass response) lead cone sound, using the 102 003, 102/3 or "3" 75hz cone. These were the first G12M speakers made in the old days, and were commonly referred to as "Greenbacks". These speakers had a 35 oz magnet that produced more midrange than low end or high end, resulting in the pronounced mid range hump that sounded right to many players. Marshall used these extensively in their 4x12 cabs. Available in original style non heat treated Kraft paper voice coil used, they have a little more upper mids/treble than the M75 or pre rola G12M speakers, but only handle 20w of power each. Also made with 65w Nomex heat treated voice coils for extra power handling, with very little difference in tone.
M75-LD Series --> G12-65 This is a high powered speaker with a 35 oz ceramic magnet, with a lower bass response than the M75. This is due to the large dust cap used to tone down the high end slightly, which also beefed up the low end a bit. This version has more lower mids than an original G12-65 and is great with bright amps, hair band/80's metal tones. This speaker was made from 78-82 and had over 40 variations in it's short lifespan, according to reputable sources. Great for the Dumble amp tones as well. Offered with 25, 65, and 100 watts power handling.
M55 Series --> G12M T1511 Pre Rola 55hz (bass response) bass cone, using the 102 014 Pulsonic cone. This version has a little more low mids, and a creamier treble response. These speakers were used in the early Bass logo cabs and up through the early 70's in 100 logo cabs as well. 25, 65, 100 watts power handling.
M55-PVC Series --> G12M T1511 Pre Rola 55hz (bass response) bass cone, using the 102 014 Pulsonic cone. This version has more low mids, and more upper mids & treble response. These speakers were used in the early Bass logo cabs and up through the early 70's in 100 logo cabs as well. Offered with 20w Kraft and 65w Nomex coils.
J55, J75 Series --> speakers are my new offering to what wasn't made by Celestion back in the old days. Basically they sit 1/2 way between the tones of an M and H series speaker.
They have a 5 oz heavier magnet than a 35 oz ceramic magnet M series Scumback, but at 40 oz, it's 10 oz lighter than the H series speakers. That 5 oz extra magnet weight adds in more bass than the M, but less bass than the H speakers. It also has a little wider midrange than the M series, and bit more upper mid emphasis, but not as much treble as an H series speaker. You can get them in the 55hz bass cone, PVC types and 75hz PVC and regular pre rola 75 hz lead cone.
H75 Series --> G12H30 T1217 Pre Rola 75hz (bass response) lead cone, using the 102 003 Pulsonic cone. These speakers had a 50 oz magnet which made them louder, produce more bass and treble, with a flatter midrange response. These came out in mid 66, following the mid 65 introduction of the G12M. They appeared in the Marshall 100 logo cabs most often, and were offered in the lead cone version, and the bass cone version. This version has more lower mids, and creamier treble than the original models. Offered with 30, 65 and 100 watts of power handling.
H55 Series --> G12H30 T1281 or T1534 Pre Rola 5hz (bass response) bass cone, using the 102 014 Pulsonic cone. These speakers had a 50 oz magnet which made them louder, produce more bass and treble, with a flatter midrange response. These came out in mid 66, following the mid 65 introduction of the G12M. They appeared in the Marshall 100 & Bass logo cabs most often, and were used by Hendrix later in his career after they were introduced. Offered with 30, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
H75-LD Series --> G12-80 This is an H75 with a tiny bit less treble and a tiny bit more bass, but with more volume and punch than a G12-65 or M75-LD, due to the 50 oz heavy magnet. Used for higher gain tones, and the Dumble sound quite effectively. Offered with 30, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
BM75 Series --> G12M "BlackBack" T1221 75hz (bass response) lead cone, using the 1777 Kurt Mueller cone. These were the most popular speakers made in the 70's for Marshall stacks and other amps. These speakers had a 35 oz magnet that produced more midrange than low end or high end, with more upper mids & treble than the pre rola models (pre 1973). Great for the "brown sound" or EV tones. Offered with 25, 65, 100 watts power handling.
BM75-LD Series --> More aggressive G12-65 tone. This is a high powered speaker with a 35 oz ceramic magnet, with a higher upper mid response than the M75-LD. Great for hair metal and hard rock players. Offered with 25, 65, 100 watts power handling.
BM55 Series --> More aggressive/brighter upper mid speaker like the mid 70's G12M T1511 "BlackBack" 55hz (bass response) bass cone, using the 444 Kurt Mueller cone. 25, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
BH75 Series --> G12H30 T1217 "BlackBack" 75hz (bass response) lead cone, using the 1777 Kurt Mueller cone. These speakers had a 50 oz magnet which made them louder, produce more bass and treble, with a flatter midrange response. These came out in late 1974. They appeared in the Marshall 100 logo cabs most often, and were offered in the 75hz lead cone version. Offered with 30, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
BH55 Series --> G12H30 T1281 or T1534 "BlackBack" 55hz (bass response) bass cone, using the 444 Kurt Mueller cone. These speakers had a 50 oz magnet which made them louder, produce more bass and treble, with a flatter midrange response. These came out in late 1974. They appeared in the Marshall 1982 cabs. Offered with 30, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
BH75-LD Series --> G12-80 This is an H75 with a little more treble and a tiny bit less bass, but with more volume and punch than a G12-80 or H75-LD. Used for higher gain tones, and the Dumble sound quite effectively. Offered with 30, 65, 100 watts of power handling.
H75-PVC --> 1965 -- 1967 era G12H25w T1217 75hz (bass response) lead cone, using the H1777 75hz cone. These were the first G12H speakers made in the old days, and were commonly referred to as "Greenbacks". These speakers had a 50 oz magnet that produced more bass and treble, with a flatter midrange response. Marshall used these extensively in their stack cabs, although the G12H30 "Greenback" model succeeded these when higher rated voice coils came out in early 68. Due to the Kraft paper voice coil used, they have a little more upper mids/treble than the H75 or pre rola G12H speakers, but can only handle 25w of power each. A Nomex 65w heat treated voice coil version is available with very little tone difference. Offered in 25 and 65w versions.
ALNICO MODEL
Scumnico 12" --> Vox / Celestion Silver Alnico with 102 003 cone. The Scumnico is an Alnico with the 40 oz magnet. It has more low mids, and creamier treble than an Alnico Blue, and provides similar volume, more bass, and more mids, while retaining the upper mid chime and swirl that makes Alnico magnet speakers unique. Available in 30, 65 & 100 watt power handling.
S75-PVC Alnico --> Early Celestion Blue/Silver tonal recreation ala the H1777 75 hz cone. Awesome alnico midrange with upper mid presence that is incredible. Tone similar to the early Alnico Blues as used in Vox/Marshall combos and early Marshall JTM 45/100 stacks with two 4x12 cabs. The original Kraft non heat treated voce coils are rated for 20w only. Due to the Kraft paper voice coil used these must be ordered to handle twice your amp's rated power, but they deliver the goods. Also available in a 65w Nomex heat treated voice coil option.