C90 speaker any good for leads?

[richaxes]

Hi!

I'm closer to getting my Mark V every day. I have tons of questions popping up in my head (sadly, I can't try a Mark V here in Hungary, so it will be a blind, and also very expensive purchase. Mesa EU is kinda funny... A new V combo costs around 4000 USD here). The latest one is whether I should get the combo or the head.
I was leaning towards the combo because it has a built-in speaker which makes it easier to carry just the combo itself to a smaller gig, but then I've heard many bad things about the C90, especially for the high gain rhythm and lead tones. I definitely don't want swapping it for a V30 and take the risk of blowing the speaker if anything happens.
If I'd take the head, I'd probably have enough money left to get a used cheaper Marshall or H&K or whatever V30 412 cab, and as far as I know the V30s, they seem to be a better match for the Mark V. What do you guys think?

 

[benjamin801]

I have quite a bit of experience with C90s, both as the stock speaker in my old Mark IV combo, and the top two speakers in my old Boogie 4x12. I think they're a fantastic speaker - they're a Celestion Classic Lead 80 - and more importantly, they're an outstanding match for Mark series Boogies.

 

[dodger916]

I have quite a bit of experience with C90s, both as the stock speaker in my old Mark IV combo, and the top two speakers in my old Boogie 4x12. I think they're a fantastic speaker - they're a Celestion Classic Lead 80 - and more importantly, they're an outstanding match for Mark series Boogies.

+1. They're great all-around speakers. Of course, it's mostly a matter of taste.

 

[thalweg]

I haven't had single issue with the C90 and think it has great tone for both rhythm and leads. I have the combo but am considering the head. Its a great sounding amp but I hate lugging it around its a really heavy combo. Leaving a cab at the rehearsal hall and a smaller cab at home is my plan and just carry the head and gig bag.

 

[fjk1138]

I have two Mesa cabs with C90's - love them both. Nice and clean tones.

 

[mule#1]

I think you cant go wrong with the C-90. What matters is what you hear. I personally didn't care for V-30's with my older boogies but think the MK V is more tuned to them. When they made the IIC+ and MK III the C-90 wasn't an option so they were tuned to EV's and Celestions. I am actully interested in trying a recto cab with my V.

 

[iceman]

I put a v30 in my combo and haven't blown it.. I believe you can order them with the v30, at least form some dealers. I found the v30 to be smoother and less harsh in the highs. I believe the c90 is actually the same a celestion classic lead 80. Haggerty's music posted a comparison of the v30 vs the c90 when used with the markv. After hearing the demo I swapped them.. Look em up on YouTube.

 

[ziggys]

Haggerty's also gives you the choice of a C90 or V30 for the same price. Quite cool.

 

[dmcguitar]

any dealer should allow you to have the v30 in place of the c90, if you custom order.

I was playing with only the c90 open back cab today (which i usually have that in combo with the vertical 2x12 v30) and was quite pleased with the tones, with no eq changes. i then plugged the 2x12 back in and thought it was quieter and didnt sound as good.


so i'd say yes the c90 is good for all applications.

 

[mule#1]

I just bought a 4x2 rectifier cab yesterday and love the sound of the V with vintage 30's. There is a comparison clip below that goes between the V-30 and C-90 you might find helpful. I think this kid does a great job with this and has a slew of clips on the MK V.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lJYmOKC4h0