Over time, the 12-inch speaker has come to be regarded as having the best balance of attributes such as low end, harmonic complexity, power handling and high-note dispersion. However, there are some great sounding 10s and 15s that can offer some alternative, interesting and even exotic flavors.

Good quality 10s can deliver a fast, punchy sound at wider listening angles with reduced ‘boom’ on small stages. They can offer increased portability, reduced cost and the ability to push your amp into overdrive at reasonable levels without having drumsticks aimed at the back of your head.A well-designed 15 can move more air so you can gig those wonderful little valve amps. The vocal range can be creamier, with extended low end and lots of detail and harmonic complexity, giving surprising richness to some otherwise scratchy-sounding guitar and amp combinations.

For more background info, check out this article for more detail about size and the loudspeaker design process.

Most Celestion chassis drivers have been marked with a date code (two numbers and two letters), denoting the exact date of manufacture. These codes are added on the production line and are found in different locations depending on the age (or type) of speaker.

Date codes are expressed in the form of two digits (representing the day of the month 01 to 31) and two letters, one being the month, the other being the year. What you need to do is
1. track down the code,
2. refer to the date code table that provides an accurate record of the codes used throughout the years.

Find out more here.

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Manufacturers should contact their regional sales manager. Contact details here.

Although the standard colour for G12M rear covers was green (‘field green’ it was called originally), G12M and G12H speakers were also made with black, as well as grey, beige and cream rear covers at various times. This was probably due to a shortage of the correct colour plastic to make them from (e.g. late delivery of the raw material). The different colour covers were only a cosmetic change not affecting the acoustic performance of the speakers in any way. Black, grey, cream, beige or green, they’re all ‘Greenbacks’.

It isn’t advisable to mix speakers of different impedances in one cabinet. This is because power will not be shared evenly between the speakers and it can cause frequency dependent shifts in the power balance. This will sound terrible, it can affect the amplifier and may damage the speakers. It is always best to use speakers of the same nominal impedance in one cabinet. (Similarly, it’s also advisable to have extension cabs with speakers that have matching impedances).

As a rule of thumb, closed back cabinets tend to project the sound forwards and yield a punchier, more structured tone with crisper definition. Contrast that with open back cabinets that are much more inclined to fill the room they are in, providing a more natural and organic sound with a greater ambient quality. I have heard people say that the Vintage 30 ONLY works in open cabs, and others say it ONLY works in closed so ultimately it’s all down to personal taste, your tone and style, and how you set your amp controls.