This video demonstrates different speakers and cabinets.
I have for quite some time pointed out how important the speakers are for tone. What makes a Marshall sound Marshall is basically a distorting amp played through "Marshall" speakers in a closed 2x12" or 4x12" cabinet. The closed cabinet provides a full low end, and the Celestions have strong upper mids and, especially older speakers, tend to smooth out the highest sparkle. This is known a british voiced speakers. On the other hand, what makes the Fender sound is a cleaner amp through American-sounding !"Fender" speakers. These are more scooped, meaning less mids.
As simple as that. Or is it? Does really a Celestion-loaded cabinet sound more Marshall than other speakers? What do you think?
The speakers are, from left to right:
- 1964 Fender Vibroverb EVM12L. The original Jensen C15n has been swapped with an EVM15L, just for more bass and general fun.
- A 2019 Eminence Reignaker in an open back 1x12" cabinet. - Late 60s Celestion G12h in a 1974 Marshall 2x12" cab.
- 1966 Fender Pro Reverb with original 2x1" Jensen C12n.
- 1964 Fender Bassman 2x12" cabinet with Oxford 12T6.
The amp used is a blackface 1964 Fender Bassman which has been modified to sound more Marshall and break up more and sooner :-).- 25k mid pot, set at 10/10- Cathode bias (Deluxe 5e3 design) in stead of fixed bias.- 12ax7 as phase inverter- Negative feedback loop disabled- 0.1 coupling caps before power tubes instead of 0.022
