Marshall cab that was reloaded

Russ · Jun 3, 2007

A couple years ago, I bought myself this 1960B cabinet for $250. The speakers were not original. So, I have this JCM900 1960B cab that was originally loaded with G12T75's. The previous owner changed the speakers to "vintage 30's". To me, the cab always seemed a little dark sounding. The vintage 30 brashness was never even there either. I always thought it was because it was a straight cab. I thought that maybe the speakers were just a little worn in or something comparing them to speakers that I would try elsewhere. I actually sold off my other cabinet that was loaded with V30's because this one sounded better with the Marshalls.

Today, I was thinking about seeing if the V30's in my Mesa Traditional cab would sound the same in the straight Marshall cab and vice versa. So, I took off the back panel of the Marshall cab and to my surprize, guess what I found. G12H30 55hz Black Backs...

No wonder they sounded so different. I almost fell over backwards... I had to shove my eyeballs back in and pick my jaw up off the floor. After clearing my throat, I closed the cabinet back up. I decided I didn't need to know what speaker sounded like what where.

Now I am wondering what I am going to do. I had thought about selling the 1960B because I have v30's in the Traditional cab and don't need 2 cabs with the same speakers. Because the 1960B has G12H30's in it, I am thinking I should keep it for tonal variation. I have a 1960A that is loaded with GB's. I have a 1960A that is loaded with 65's. I also have a 1960A loaded with 75's. I have 4 Marshall 4x12 cabs all loaded with different speakers and not enough room in my office/play room. I had thought about selling the 1960B to get my halfback for my Mark IV. Now what do I do? I hate having so many cabs stacked around when I am not using them. I mean it is nice to have them for tone changes and they look cool all spread around but this is madness. I don't mind having lots of guitars because they take up less room. 4x12 cabs are not something to have an obsession with though.

Guitarzan · Jun 3, 2007

30's to me are dark as well. That's why I use the GB's w/ 75W speakers. My old cabs are loaded with original 25W Green Backs, Way different from 30's and 75's.

Russ · Jun 3, 2007

I guess it really comes down to which do I keep? They all sound great with my '77 JMP 50w mkII Master. The G/B's are kind of an institution for this amp. The 30's are smoother than the G/B's with more bottom. The 65's handle wattage better than either but would require more to get them to start breaking up. The 65's sound much like G/B's and were actually offered as standard equipment when this amp was being produced.

What a predicament... 3 Great sounding speakers in 3 individual 4x12 cabs. The 30's are in a B cab so if I keep a full stack that means to toss the G/B's or the 65's. If I don't concern myself with being able to stack the cabs then anything is game. The 65's would be better for louder with more headroom. The G/B's and 30's breakup better. I so wish I had another room to put my gear in. I do need to make room for another cab though because my Mark IV needs a halfback so something has got to go.