Speaker Swap Advice (Marshall/Celestion)

OrovilleTim · August 17th, 2007, 01:19 PM

Ok, I've got a 1960AV cab. It's got four of the Celestion Vintage 30s. I chose this cabinet out of several Marshall cabs I tested with a sales person quickly assisting with A/B type operations. I loved the bottom end and warmth of the speakers.

Anyway, shortly after picking up the cabinet and the JCM 2000 DSL 50, I added a JCM 2000 DSL 401 (1 x 12 combo).

Well, I've contemplated purchasing another 16 ohm Celestion Vintage 30 speaker for the combo as it seems to still have some opportunities in the speaker area. But, I thought I might just take one from the 1960 cab nad place it in the combo, replacing the one taken from the cab with the speaker from the combo. Then later, replace that odd one with another Vintage 30.

Assuming impedences all match (combo is 16 ohms, I'm assuming those in the cabs are 16,) would this be a realistic option? Would the one non-Vintage model speaker in the cab with the three others make enough difference to to sound of the cabinet to notice? Also, will the Vintage 30 sound as rich in the combo as it does in the cabinet? The cabinet isn't open back as far as wide open, it has steel with 1/4" holes over about half of the back.

Thanks in advance!

DrewB · August 17th, 2007, 09:20 PM

My experience with a Vintage 30 in a combo is that the cabinet it's in makes a big difference. My 18-watt clone is in a cabinet the same size as a Marshall 1974X, which is 24" x 20" x 9". That amp through a Vintage 30 in that cab doesn't sound bad at all, but it isn't the speaker I chose for it. The Vintage 30 I tried in that cabinet came out of my Studio 15. While the Vintage 30 was in the 18-watt cab, I ran the Studio 15 through it, and it sounded excellent that way. The Studio 15 through the Vintage 30 in its own cab (19" x 16" x 9") is much less impressive.

I'm not sure how big that DSL401 cab is, but you can swap in one of the Vintage 30s to see how you like it. If it's not the right speaker for the amp, a G12H-30 would probably make you happy. That speaker is the Marshall sound, IMNSHO.

JohnnyCrash · August 18th, 2007, 12:06 AM

If impedance matches you can do it.

It may make a difference, but the chances are the other V30s will sort of overpower most of the uneven sounds you may get.

Some folks mix multiple speakers on purpose. Sometimes they combine speakers to combine their strengths or make up for weaknesses.

If you record and use close mic'ing techniques the multiple speaker option may be a good way to get more mileage out of the one amp. Micing specific speakers and whatnot.

As far as open back... sometimes the V30s get a flabby or loose Bass response. You'll have to try it for yourself to see if you notice anything good or bad.

OrovilleTim · August 18th, 2007, 12:37 AM

I think I'm just gonna yank one of the Vintage 30s, throw it in the DSL 401, and see what I think. If I like it, I'll leave it. If the 4th one sounds odd in the cab, I'll go ahead and pick up another Vintage 30 for the cab.

Of course, if I don't like it, I can always put things back, but it will be nice having the convenience of a Vintage 30 to try, without having to buy one first.

August 17th, 2007, 01:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
OrovilleTim Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Oroville, CA Age: 37 Posts: 554 19 Photos	Speaker Swap Advice (Marshall/Celestion) Ok, I've got a 1960AV cab. It's got four of the Celestion Vintage 30s. I chose this cabinet out of several Marshall cabs I tested with a sales person quickly assisting with A/B type operations. I loved the bottom end and warmth of the speakers. Anyway, shortly after picking up the cabinet and the JCM 2000 DSL 50, I added a JCM 2000 DSL 401 (1 x 12 combo). Well, I've contemplated purchasing another 16 ohm Celestion Vintage 30 speaker for the combo as it seems to still have some opportunities in the speaker area. But, I thought I might just take one from the 1960 cab nad place it in the combo, replacing the one taken from the cab with the speaker from the combo. Then later, replace that odd one with another Vintage 30. Assuming impedences all match (combo is 16 ohms, I'm assuming those in the cabs are 16,) would this be a realistic option? Would the one non-Vintage model speaker in the cab with the three others make enough difference to to sound of the cabinet to notice? Also, will the Vintage 30 sound as rich in the combo as it does in the cabinet? The cabinet isn't open back as far as wide open, it has steel with 1/4" holes over about half of the back. Thanks in advance! __________________ Fender Special Edition Koa Tele / Fender Deluxe Series Powerhouse Strat Fender 65 Twin Reverb / Fender Blues Junior / Marshall DSL 50 & 1960AV Acoustic: Taylor K14CE / Fender Acoustasonic DSP Junior

August 17th, 2007, 09:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
DrewB Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 1,051	My experience with a Vintage 30 in a combo is that the cabinet it's in makes a big difference. My 18-watt clone is in a cabinet the same size as a Marshall 1974X, which is 24" x 20" x 9". That amp through a Vintage 30 in that cab doesn't sound bad at all, but it isn't the speaker I chose for it. The Vintage 30 I tried in that cabinet came out of my Studio 15. While the Vintage 30 was in the 18-watt cab, I ran the Studio 15 through it, and it sounded excellent that way. The Studio 15 through the Vintage 30 in its own cab (19" x 16" x 9") is much less impressive. I'm not sure how big that DSL401 cab is, but you can swap in one of the Vintage 30s to see how you like it. If it's not the right speaker for the amp, a G12H-30 would probably make you happy. That speaker is the Marshall sound, IMNSHO. __________________ There is no substitute for Sound Pressure Level

August 18th, 2007, 12:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
OrovilleTim Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Oroville, CA Age: 37 Posts: 554 19 Photos	I think I'm just gonna yank one of the Vintage 30s, throw it in the DSL 401, and see what I think. If I like it, I'll leave it. If the 4th one sounds odd in the cab, I'll go ahead and pick up another Vintage 30 for the cab. Of course, if I don't like it, I can always put things back, but it will be nice having the convenience of a Vintage 30 to try, without having to buy one first. __________________ Fender Special Edition Koa Tele / Fender Deluxe Series Powerhouse Strat Fender 65 Twin Reverb / Fender Blues Junior / Marshall DSL 50 & 1960AV Acoustic: Taylor K14CE / Fender Acoustasonic DSP Junior

August 18th, 2007, 12:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
JohnnyCrash Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lost Angeles and Orange County Posts: 7,128	If impedance matches you can do it. It may make a difference, but the chances are the other V30s will sort of overpower most of the uneven sounds you may get. Some folks mix multiple speakers on purpose. Sometimes they combine speakers to combine their strengths or make up for weaknesses. If you record and use close mic'ing techniques the multiple speaker option may be a good way to get more mileage out of the one amp. Micing specific speakers and whatnot. As far as open back... sometimes the V30s get a flabby or loose Bass response. You'll have to try it for yourself to see if you notice anything good or bad.