The Celestion Greenback is the most iconic guitar speaker, crucial for the shaping of Marshall tone and the Sound of Rock: Sound, Specs and Pros & Cons.
The Iconic Celestion Greenback Speaker
When it comes to rock music, few components have played as crucial a role in shaping the iconic sound as the speakers inside guitar amplifiers. Among these legendary speakers, the Celestion Greenback stands tall as a symbol of sonic excellence, revered by musicians and collectors alike. In this article, we delve into the fascinating history of Celestion Greenbacks and their pivotal role in rock music. From the early days of Celestion to their collaboration with Marshall amplifiers, the Greenback’s journey is nothing short of legendary.
Celestion Company Profile
Before we dive into the Greenback’s story, let’s take a quick trip back to the origins of the Company. Celestion, established in 1924, is a venerable name in the world of guitar speakers, especially among British players. What started as a radio speaker manufacturer evolved into a significant player in the music industry, collaborating with legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Slash to create signature speaker models capturing their unique tonal characteristics.
Celestion’s influence on rock, blues, and metal is undeniable, from the groundbreaking Celestion Blue speaker in the 1950s to pioneering advancements in magnet materials and cone technologies. The company continues to push the boundaries of guitar tone.
Their website offers informative articles, speaker comparisons, and audio samples, empowering guitarists to make informed gear choices. Celestion’s commitment to customer support ensures players receive the assistance needed to optimize their tone.
You might be interested in our guide about how to choose the perfect loudspeaker for your guitar amp.
Early Collaborations with Marshall
In the early 1960s, as Jim Marshall and Ken Bran were embarking on their journey to create iconic guitar amplifiers, they encountered challenges in sourcing suitable speakers. Importing heavy 12-inch speakers to post-war Britain was impractical and costly. Fortunately, they turned to a local brand, Celestion, which had already been producing guitar speakers, including the legendary Alnico Blue, designed exclusively for Vox.
The Emergence of the Greenback
During the mid-1960s, speaker manufacturers began experimenting with ceramic-magnet speakers, a more cost-effective alternative to the pricey Alnico magnets. Ceramic magnets had the advantage of producing a slightly more aggressive tone, perfect for the emerging overdriven guitar tones of the ’60s. Celestion introduced its first ceramic-magnet speaker, the T1134, in late 1964.
Marshall, ever the pioneer, adopted these new speakers around late 1965, specifically the T1221, which would go on to be famously known as ‘the Greenback’ due to its distinctive green plastic magnet cover. This marked the beginning of an iconic partnership between Celestion and Marshall.
Also, you might be interested in our article on the style and tone of Angus Young.
The Evolution of Power
As the ’50s and ’60s saw the rise of more powerful amplifiers, the demand for equally robust speakers grew. Marshall addressed this issue by introducing the 4×12 cabinet, though the initial Greenbacks were rated at only 20 watts, resulting in an 80-watt cab. However, the introduction of the G12H (12-inch Guitar speaker with a Heavy magnet) in late 1966 brought a solution.
One variant of the G12H, the T1281, found its place in Marshall’s high-power 4x12s. The lower bass resonance and higher sensitivity of the G12H made it ideal for both guitar and bass. It’s worth noting that the 75Hz cone version (T1217) was more prevalent in the 1970s, but it’s the T1281 that remains in the hearts of many guitarists for its warm lower mids.
The ’70s brought several changes to the Greenback, including variations in plastic magnet cover colors. However, the most significant change was the shift from Pulsonic cones to slightly more aggressive-sounding Kurt Mueller cones following a fire at the Pulsonic factory in 1973.
The ’80s ushered in new speakers, such as Celestion’s Vintage 30 and G12T-75, both of which achieved massive popularity. Despite these changes, the legacy of guitar speakers, particularly the Greenbacks, remained an integral part of the iconic Marshall cab.
Don’t miss our guide of the most iconic guitar amps ever of all time.
Understanding “Rola” and “Pre-Rola”
Among Greenback enthusiasts and collectors, the terms “Rola” and “Pre-Rola” are often used to distinguish Greenbacks produced at specific times in specific factories. The labels on the green magnet covers provide the key to this distinction. Pre-Rola Greenbacks, produced between 1966 (or even 1964-1965 for those without covers) and April 1971, featured labels indicating production at “Thames Ditton Surrey” and bore the name “Celestion Ltd.” The “Rola” labels, introduced in April 1971, indicated “Ipswich Suffolk” as the production factory and displayed the full company name as “Celestion Rola Ltd.”
Celestion Greenback and the British Sound
If you’re a guitarist searching for that iconic vintage British sound, look no further than the Celestion G12M Greenback speaker. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the sound, technical specifications, pros and cons, different versions, and everything you need to know about this legendary speaker that has left its mark on the world of rock and blues.
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Key Takeaways of the Celestion Greenback
Before we dive into the details, let’s summarize the key takeaways of the Celestion G12M Greenback:
- The Celestion G12M Greenback in its standard version is a 12-inch guitar speaker with a power handling capacity of 25 Watts, available in 8 and 16 Ohm impedance models.
- It delivers a classic British sound that’s perfect for vintage-inspired rock and blues.
- There are several variations of the Greenback: the most popular are the G12M and the G12M Heritage.
- The G12M offers a slightly enhanced upper midrange and top end, providing more definition and clarity while retaining the classic Greenback character.
- The G12M Heritage aims to replicate the vintage sound of the original Greenback with a truer creamy breakup and a distinctive growl when pushed.
- Choosing between the G12M and G12M Heritage depends on personal preference, your guitar amp and the specific sound you’re aiming for.
Also, we recommend that you visit our guide on how to improve your guitar amp tone.
Greenback G12M Vs. G12M Heritage
There are two versions of the Greenback speaker: the G12M and the G12M Heritage. While both pay homage to the original design, they have some notable differences:
Construction of both versions of the Greenback:
- The Greenback G12M is a newer version of the original speaker with a 25W power rating, a frequency range of 75Hz to 5kHz, and a ceramic magnet. It incorporates modern manufacturing techniques while retaining the essential tonal characteristics.
- The G12M Heritage is a “reissue” version designed to more accurately replicate the vintage sound of the original Greenback. It also has a 25W power rating, a frequency range of 75Hz to 5kHz, and a ceramic magnet. However, it can be more challenging to find and comes with a higher price tag.
Tonal Characteristics of the Celestion Greenback G12M and the Heritage model
How does the Celestion Greenback G12M sound?
- The G12M offers a classic British rock tone with a slightly enhanced upper midrange and top end, providing more definition and clarity while maintaining the classic Greenback character.
How does the Celestion Greenback G12M Heritage sound?
- The Greenback G12M Heritage aims to replicate the warm, smooth midrange and slightly rolled-off high end of vintage Marshall amps, delivering a more vintage character with a truer creamy breakup and a distinctive growl when pushed.
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Specifications of the Celestion G12M Greenback
The specifications of the Celestion Greenback G12M are:
- Size: 12-Inch
- Power Handling: 25 Watts
- Impedance: 8 Ohms or 16 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98 dB
- Frequency Range: 75 Hz – 5 kHz
- Voice Coil Diameter: 1.75″
- Magnet Type: Ceramic
- Weight: 7.92 pounds
- Warranty: 3 Years
Pros & Cons of the Celestion Greenback G12M
Pros of the Greenback
- Vintage British Tone
- Articulate Midrange
- Dynamic Response
Cons of the Greenback
- Power Handling Limitation
- Non-Aggressive Tone
- High Frequency Roll-off
Who Is The Celestion G12M Speaker For?
The Celestion G12M Greenback is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a classic rock, metal, or blues tone of the rock bands of the ’70s and ’60s. It delivers a warm, balanced, and dynamic sound with an accentuated midrange and touch-sensitive response. This speaker strikes a balance between punchy lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs, cutting through the mix with ease.
It’s ideal for musicians aiming to recreate the sounds of iconic guitarists from the past, such as Jimi Hendrix, and capture the vintage character synonymous with rock music.
What Sets The G12M Apart From Its Competitors?
The G12M Greenback stands out for its ability to reproduce vintage-inspired tones and deliver a warm, expressive sound that’s in a class of its own. Its unique character shines through in any amplifier design, making it a coveted choice for guitarists chasing that classic British tone.
There are other very good Celestion loudspeakers but with different characters as the Vintage 30, the V-Type and the Seventy 80, among others.
What Makes This Version Different From The Original Vintage Design?
While the G12M Greenback pays homage to the original design, it offers a slightly enhanced upper midrange and top end, providing additional definition and clarity while preserving the classic Greenback character. The G12M Heritage, on the other hand, faithfully replicates the warm, smooth midrange and rolled-off high end of vintage Marshall amps, delivering a more vintage tonal character.
Celestion Greenback Legacy
The Celestion Greenback, with its rich history and distinctive sound, has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. From its early collaborations with Marshall amplifiers to its role in shaping the iconic tones of guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, the Greenback remains a cherished component of the rock ‘n’ roll legacy.
As the decades have rolled by, Greenbacks have evolved, each era leaving its unique imprint on their design and tonal characteristics. Yet, their enduring appeal continues to captivate musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, making them an everlasting symbol of rock and roll history.
In conclusion, the Celestion G12M Greenback speaker offers the quintessential British rock and metal sound. Whether you’re chasing the tones of legends like Jimmy Page, Angus Young or Ritchie Blackmore or seeking to capture that vintage vibe, the Greenback delivers.
You may need a louder speaker, so visit our guide of the Loudest 12″ Guitar Loudspeakers.
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