G12H Greenback Shootout - 55Hz Vs 75Hz

I compare the two classic versions of the Celestion G12H30 Greenback 55 Vs 75. I'm putting 4 of each in two straight Marshall 4x12 speaker cabinets from 1971. All the speakers are from 1971 as well. 55 and 75 refers to the resonant frequencies of the paper cones. The 55Hz version is the speaker Marshall used in their '100' model 1982cabs and the 75Hz version was used by Orange and Laney for instance.
Gear: 2010 Gibson LPC 57
1976 Marshall 1959 DF100VH modded
2x 1971 1982B cabs with
4x '71 G12H30 55Hz Greenbacks
4x '71 G12H30 75Hz Greenbacks
Close mic Unidyne IV 548
Room mic Beyerdynamic M160

[@cliffords2315]

Love the G12H 55hz Greenback I have 4 it's a must have for Strat players

[@bluesful]

You can certainly see how either would work in specific applications. I love the warmth of the 55.

[@goneflying140]

55 Hz all the way for me. They just have so much more presence, and fuzzy, fizzy warmth to my ears. Amazing tones again Johan!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@montyrayza7220]

And some how fuzzy fizzy is suppose to be good? lol

[@vautrain]

Johan changing mic position to get a different tone almost mid-riff! I love it! In all seriousness, it seems like some mic positions I prefer the 55, and some I prefer the 75. One thing is clear, they’re both fabulous speakers.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Will!

[@MrNeilfatmonkey]

It’s crazy how much variation there is between the same speakers of the same vintage. Mic placement clearly has a profound effect too. I love these videos. Great work. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Neil! I’m glad to hear that!

[@thomascleveland]

Yeah there's so much variation from speaker to speaker, that I can't tell much of a difference between the two overall

[@peterlukach310]

I'm really happy your doing this one again. I feel like you did it 4 years ago or somthing but it will be very nice to have it in the new format.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Glad to hear it! This is the first time I compare the in 4x12s actually. Cheers

[@SkyValleySpaceCadet]

Johan going back to his roots :-)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers my friend :-)

[@VultCult]

The answer is simple - just set up 16 or so microphones across both cabs and record them all together!

[@felixrodriguez3527]

Clapton , Page and Hendrix all had 100 cabs loaded with 55hz T1281 !

[@anthonydratnal1870]

Great tones! Getting that third cab on top of the stack must have been a lot of fun! :-P

[@charlfrick8245]

Thanks for another very insightful video. The variation between the individual speakers within a quadbox is astounding.

[@hippiegans6774]

This was very informative! Thanks Johan!! I have the 75hz pulsonic’s from 1970 and mic placement makes a huge difference and you show that in a great way as usual!

[@karst41]

Thank you for this shootout. Very surprised at the difference of each speaker left side of the 55’s. And then you introduce the Lower right 75 and i hear the mids tighten up. Very greatfull for your hard work That you give to all of us. Cheers

[@ItaiIfrach]

Thanks for this mate ! I bought a 1970 55HZ T1534 Pulsonic, this video clearly proved me the smoothness in the top end that exists in 55HZ that I’m so after. It’s never harsh !

[@vincenzoerriquenz2356]

Everything matters in recording: mic placement, Room mics, speakers enclosures, frequency response of the speakers, all' these nuance added, mixed and matched create an interesting and pleasing sound to our ears, due to all this subtle but crucial information, cheers Johan!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Indeed! Cheers Vincenzo!

[@jackhadley4084]

Excellent comparison. Thank you! I’d be interested in hearing the same shootout but with single speakers in open back cabs or combos. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@escritaemdia3414]

Both my EVER EVER favourite speakers on the same vídeo.. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.. Awesome once again and again.. again.. again.. Johan, you're incredible man!! ;)

[@rawknotwantnot]

Excellent demo comparison between these speakers. Amazing how much difference the mic position and the speaker’s age makes.

[@Dave-sb7jt]

Agreed very informative indeed! Really with right mic placement you could get either speaker as dark or bright as you want. Thanks great vid Johan !!

[@lo5man]

Always amazes me Johan's methodical attention to detail and scientific audio experimentation, just fantastic! I'm sure you're gifted with Pulsonic eardrums my fellow guitar brother. :-)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hahaha! Thank my friend! ;-)

[@Eventual420]

Been really hammering your video collection lately. Yikes the price of those vintage speakers. Sounds REALLY nice Johan. 👍

[@felixrodriguez3527]

People might say in forums that 75hz is the only way to go … but here’s the proof that theory vs practice is very different ! Thanks Johan ! Great Demo , 55hz is the only way to go for me !

[@Avalaraeon]

I love these comparisons!!!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Glad to hear that! Cheers

[@nickangelo3283]

This was truly informative. My takeaway is that there is as much variance within the same model of speaker as there is difference between these two models. I can’t say that I strongly prefer the 55 or the 75hz because thy all sound so different, but I will say that every time a sound made me look up at the screen because it was so outstanding, it seemed to always be the 55hz speaker in the lower left hand corner of the cabinet. Every time.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Nick! The 55Hz is the most recorded and recognizable one for sure

[@nickangelo3283]

Yes, my late 70’s Marshall cab has 4 T1281 Blackbacks with KM cones. Those 30’s with 55hz cone is the most classic Marshall sound IMO. Thanks again.

[@silentweapon338]

If I can only have 1 set up I like the 55's. That said I[m fortunate enough to have a full stack of each, and a single cab with the miss matched. That has a very interesting sound. Thanks as always!

[@zsolttoth6948]

Both sound amazing ....It is really only a matter of personal taste I would say....The positioning of the microphones has a huge role in the results ....Master Johan knows definitely how to record ...Superb Job as usual...Thx Johan!;-)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, glad to hear that! Cheers

[@austinfailz]

A mix of the 55hz and 75hz in one cab would sound great.

[@model_number_band]

This is actually a demo in mic placement... I don't think there is anything more critical than close-mic placement with respect to results (EQ, body, feel). Another great video Johan.

[@Pwnzor694]

Funny enough Johan I changed my mind on the blackback loaded cabs and I actually secured myself a 4x12 with the G12 H 30 watt 8 ohm 75hz greenbacks with the T1234 cones in them. All pulsonic! It rips with the 100 watt Vintage Modern

[@ralphwest8156]

Wow both are superb tones' ...I prefer the 55Hz as they let the top end breath a little more' ...such a great sound with the LP and excellent punchy licks' thanks for sharing Johan.

[@tonelok]

This is so wild to hear the differences between the individual speakers of the same type in the same cab. Depending on what is loaded into your cab, the sounds could be so different. For recording or live, I'm now thinking really important to mix multiple speaker mics plus room, rather than just maybe one speaker mic and a room sound. Very interesting and illuminating as usual!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Yeah it’s important to find the sweet spots of the cab

[@IamtheActionman]

Killer tones man, thanks for the share.

[@frankorobinson1540]

To each his own ,but I just love the dig of the lower 55hz drivers to me thats the classic rock metal sound, but it is also amazing to here actually how much the mic 🎤 and positioning can actually change the tone and presents of the speaker output, thanks this was enlightening,

[@alanst.4417]

I quite prefer the 75Hz version for barking rhythm and 55Hz for creamy lead stuff. But the differences between individual speakers are so large, that it's probably up to the specific piece. Thanks for showing, Johan!

[@adamwatson6916]

The 75 Hz has a tighter bortom end and lower midrange and more upper mid cut so you get a much more immediate and barking attack . The 55 has more bass and low mids but they are softer and spongey bottom Which results in a slower more blooming attack . The 55Hz is the sound of Jimmy Page at Royal Albert Hall and How the West Was Won along with MSG 1973 Post 73 his tone gets thin and brittle. I often wonder if he may have been using Blackbacks from 75 onwards as they are more bright and strident.

[@nigel900]

I have a 1982 slant cab with the 55 Hz G12 H’s in them. I was very curious as to a side-beside comparison. Thanks, good video.

[@MisterFinkle]

This is good! Thanks for doing this.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks J! Glad to hear that

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

I like them both (the 55 and 75 Hz Heritage) - the mic position makes all the difference for me, actually.

[@satchrules101]

Hi , so the Hz don’t have to be the same when paired together..? I have the 55Hz green back heritage 30 watt and I’m thinking if getting the 25 watt green back M 75Hz would sound good together.. is that what u have going on? Thanks

[@mgalbu]

Love it! Great video Johan

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Max! Glad you like it!

[@Daemot]

I wouldn’t throw either of these speakers out of bed. Great sound.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Dan! Glad to hear that

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@JonMackenzieGuitarist]

Crazy how different each speaker sounds. I think most people who play a 4x12 will just let an engineer stick a mic in front of any of the four speakers. Definitely an eye opener! Ps, they all sound great in their own way.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Jon! Yeah it really pays off to find the sweet spots of the cab. Cheers

[@marksguitars5617]

Great comparisons, I have 25 watt 75hz gray back Celestions in my 73 1960B they sound great, my earlier cabinet has greenbacks are also 75hz, been looking for one of those "100" cabinets for the 55hz, in combination they all sound great. Amazing how each speaker sounds different with the same mic pointing at it! Thanks for sharing, Johan

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Mark!

[@toms3158]

I liked this video before I even watched it. 😂 I just know things alright. 🤘

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers Tom! 😉

[@RCGreven]

75 sounds a bit dryer and stiffer. The G12H55 is my favorite speaker. Fat and creamy but still with a nice bite.

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

I like the sounds of the second and third 55hz cone speakers, but it's hard to tell if the mic placement is making the biggest different. I like how thick they sound. The top end is still present, but it's not ripping my head off through my headphones.

[@Stratman78]

I own an extremely late 1970 Marshall 1960-1982A basketweave cabinet (with the "100" logo in the left corner). Unfortunately, the original Celestion speakers are long gone. BUT, they are equipped with second-hand Celestion G12M-25 Greenbacks from February 1973. If I were to install these speakers in my cab from this video, I would go with the bottom Celestion G12H-30 75hz speakers for the top of the cab (either the left or the right). As for the 55hz for the bottom of my '70 cab, either the top or bottom right speakers.

[@karst41]

I would like to add another comment being that I have finally acquired a Circa 1973 (F code) 2045. One of these was featured on Uncle Dougs Vintage Amp repair. You just do not find these in the States, neither did I. the Two G12H 30/16/55 are totally amazing. and are actually a brighter speaker than I expected. My Modern G12H 55hz's are really dark but I Paired those with G12H 75s X pattern and it is a killer chime machine paired with a JTM 45. Thanks again Johan.

[@anthonycamillos3719]

Great tones as always! But I wonder if the speakers actually varied that much, particularly with 55hz vs 55hz and 75hz vs 75hz, or if it was just the mic placement being slightly different for each speaker. Either way I'll happily take any of the 8 speakers in the video!

[@grahamt33]

Johan, I am confused ! I first thought the 55 Hz were greatly superior but then it dawned that the Microphone placement has at least a big influence also,it may be variables between the speakers within each cabinet.Food for thought anyway. Thanks again for your hard work,Brother !

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks brother! Yeah all factors are indeed coupled

[@Superchixxx]

Sounds awesome & lots of Ace tone as usual! I tend to prefer the 55hz

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad it sounds like Ace! :-)

[@jcoulter43]

Upper Right corner on the 55hz and Lower Right Corner on the 75hz were my favorites with the room mic mixed in. So my next question would be, with IR's, do you need to capture each speaker separately to get that "in the room" sound with an IR and a modeler since each position sounds so different? Great video as usual Tone Meister. God bless and rock on.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks J! I’ve actually never done any IRs. I think a bunch of different measurements are needed

[@karst41]

after years I have a 2045 (55hz) the cab sounds more like the LowerRh speaker in the 55hz quad this absolutely blows away the25w 75hz green backs. MyJMD likes the 25w

[@chrisstevens4680]

The only way to do this reliably is: one speaker at a time (one speaker, not a whole cab, connected to the amp) with a riff recorded in a looper pedal and with a room mike. Then you can find out if there are actually tonal differences between speakers of the same type. Done this way with a cIose mic I can’t really tell. You could also do a comparison between complete cabs but, again with a room mic only.

[@DavidVeeGuitars]

Hard not to imagine Paul Stanley jamming with you Ace Segeborn! Great tone as always... I vote 55hz. To me they sounded best in all miked positions with complex mids, while the 75s seemed to have a narrower specific sweet spot. From your earlier videos, I know you like that Pulsonic bass cone, too. I can only imagine being in the same room with that kind of tone. Cheers!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks my friend! :-) Cheers

[@sonnakabana]

55HZ for me too!

[@joshww2339]

Johan you're doing the lords work! Man this channel has kept me going. Just out of curiosity, are modern vintage 30's in lets say a Orange even comparable to an older style speaker?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Josh, I’m so glad to hear that! No Vintage 30 is quite a different speaker than the G12H 75Hz. They’re both good speakers but the low mids of the V30 is much less prominent

[@joshww2339]

Cool man thanks! Cheers man

[@taxo]

HYPE!

[@siegfriedwashburn3484]

Hi, Johan! It's looks like the optimal place for the mic is depends on what I need to do. 75 is better for soloes, 55 is better for accompaniment. The place of the mic stand looks like very individual for the target too. So it's not "one way only" issue. Want to try it by myself!:-) See you! Z.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man, yeah they all have different sweet spots. See you!

[@less_concerned1221]

From my understanding the Hz designation for the cone is the resonance peak or focal point kind of like the Q point on a parametric equalizer. So, wouldn’t it depend on the amplified signal delivered to the speaker? If the lows are barely in the range of the resonance, then there wouldn’t be a huge difference in tone. In the past, you’ve shown us that you back off your bass all the way or close to all the way on your Marshall amps and turn everything else pretty much up to 10. If you were to use a Boogie with mainly preamp distortion with bass dialed in and turned up the amp volume let’s say a Triple Rec, then the differences between the 55Hz and 75Hz resonance peak speaker cones should become apparent.

[@Michael_Clayton5150]

I like the 75hz on the lower right speaker position, but there are really 8 different distinct sounds that can be used is different ways, lead and rhythm parts, between the 2 speakers and 4 positions each, you get a huge range of utility and possibility. I will say I prefer speakers in general at 75hz but whether you are using a low power speaker like the Greenback 20 or 30 watt and EVH 25 watt or a medium power like a 60 watt Vintage 30 there is a big difference, I think the higher watt speakers sound cleaner at higher gain, but you have to consider what kind of music your playing, low watt speakers are very good for blues music, if you are playing metal you may want to go uptown something like a Fane 200 watt speaker, I still prefer the 75hz in any power range, but that is just personal preference.

[@scottdavidson6066]

Johan, I can’t find any demos online of either of these speakers played clean-like solo jazz guitar type stuff. Any chance I could persuade you make a short demo like this? Many thanks! I appreciate all your hard work on these clips!

[@Dave-sb7jt]

I will say I think I understand why Paul kassoff used the 55 hertz cones. The sound is a little thicker and smoother for lead solos

[@satchrules101]

Would u recommend 2 of the same G12H 55Hz or mix one with the 75Hz?

[@thomasplooij9795]

Hi Johan! I've got a totally unrelated question I've build my own 2x12 cab and put a g12h30 greenback (from 1970) and a vintage g12t75. The problem is that im changing my grandmeister 36 for a 100W dual rectifier (the 30 watt greenback wont like that very much).... What speakers would you recommend to put in for this amp?

[@harry-callahan-aka-dirty-harry]

Great video and tones! What pickup is it on the bridge? THX!

[@amritjanardhanan]

Johan, can you do a comparison between how speakers sound in series and parallel in a 4x12, the second speaker in the series would be darker because of the inductance of the previous one right? I think I can hear which one is first and which one is second in the series in this comparison.

[@trixlee5102]

Amusingly I think I like the speakers in the left side of both cabinets. Hah!

[@rocriner2784]

I have a Marshall valve half-stack with 4 Celestion G12E-60 speakers. The speakers are well broken in at this point. I am however getting way more modern of a tone than I was hoping for. The highs are sort of crackly - almost too much that it sounds unbalanced. I want a hollow, warm, 70’s tone. Similar to early ACDC albums and zeppelin. Would I benefit to swap my speakers out to G12M greenbacks?

[@kengevers8738]

Hi Johan, the 55hz drivers sound with a little more bite. The 75hz drivers are a little warmer.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hi Ken, yeah the additional lower mids in the 75s makes them warmer indeed

[@TheChadPad]

Here's a good back to back comparison of the best speaker recordings (or at least my favorites) 2:10 vs 2:52

[@driesvanoosten4417]

The problem with these tests is that the miced sound is incredibly sensitive to mic placement. I think the only way to actually test only the speaker would be to leave the mic in place and swap out the speaker.

[@christiancordaway2181]

I have the 55hz in a cab they make my ding drip

[@bootlegapples]

A lot of variation between the 55hz speakers..nhow much that vs mic placement? Still the 55's had a fuller spectrum/deeper sound while 75s had more of a resonant low midrange push.I liked both.

[@Yes-kn6zm]

should i get a lead 20 5002 or a keyboard 12 5301? both have a have g10l 35

[@smashedguitarist]

Count Dracula helped me decide on the 55 hz

[@ScottyBrockway]

Both sound great, I think I prefer the 75s slightly. Wonder how they sound with a JCM800 and a bit heavier tone.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Roy! All these speakers are a bit too bright and too untight bass to work with higher gain than this. Then I’d go for G12-65 or Marshall Vintage 70W. Cheers

[@kruizzer4714]

Roy not sure about an 800 but a wizard amp not to shabby for heavy. I put up a private video for a little bit if you want to hear it before I take it down. Let me know when you hear it. Its the old 30h 75s.

[@ScottyBrockway]

@@kruizzer4714 Thanks! Sounds great! I used an 800 myself, but not just for thrash, also for classic rock, blues, and also priest, maiden etc. I prefer the sound of the older speakers, I like the G-65s too for more heavy things like Anthrax/Stormtroopers of Death, but nothing beats a basketweave cab for general tones.

[@kruizzer4714]

@@ScottyBrockway Your welcome. Yeah the 65's are GREAT speakers I have them as well. Tough to beat the old cabs for general all around tones though like you said.

[@tiuskilin2573]

Fantastic sound Johan! 👍🏻 i like both! I bought a Marshall 1933 1x12. DHL says it is going to arrive tomorrow! I hope for a great speaker 🤣 Do you know what is the original speaker in those cabs? G12 65? G12 70? G12 T75? Can't wait till tomorrow.... hahahaha Cheers!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! And Congrats! 1933 came with either G12-65 or G12T-75. Great cabs!

[@tiuskilin2573]

Thanks mate! I saw you using this cab so often and it sounds awesome! Best wishes from Germany 👍🏻

[@tiuskilin2573]

The 1933 came with a Celestion G12 M70. Today i picked up a white label G12 T75. Couldn't find a G12 65.... do you have one for sale? 🙄 Cheers 👍🏻

[@strattom2881]

Hast Du früher den Celestion G12 Century Vintage Gitarrenlautsprecher 12 Zoll 60 W getested ? Welches Video von Dir muss ich anschauen ? Do you previously have the Celestion G12 Century Vintage Guitar Speaker 12 inch 60 W.

[@Myself6M]

I think maybe the 55hz would be better for a 2×12 as I find it significantly more bassy than the 75hz. It sounds like a 4×12 75hz and 2×12 55hz would be a close match in terms of thumb.

[@TheMysteryG]

Hi Johan, Q. What is your favorite 12" speaker?

[@Johnmannish]

Could it be that the Greenback H 55hz is more similar to the M 75 hz, than the H 75hz? Did you make that comparison?

[@antonioalbares]

Funny I wash getting ready for bed and listening to this and the voicing is so far apart from each other I could easily tell em from each other.. and yes, 55hz for me sir

[@mhz9003]

There's at least 6 totally different sounds in there. Talk about a tough call as to which one to mic up.

[@PooNinja]

Tough call but I’m gonna go 75 but I can’t explain why. So like I tell the kids “because I said so!”

[@JohanSegeborn]

A reason as good as any :-)

[@cortmiller]

It’s crazy how different all 8 speakers sounded. You can tel some were real tired and some were still real aggressive.

[@peteyoung7665]

Which speaker is your favorite of all time in a Marshall cab?

[@JohanSegeborn]

I prefer G12M25 75Hz in a 4x12 and G12H30 55Hz in an open 1x12

[@peteyoung7665]

Johan Segeborn Thank you!

[@byronlaird5116]

Wow! They each have an individual voice.. so = Speakers are People too ??

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hahaha! Kind of cruel to keep them screwed in a box

[@byronlaird5116]

Ha! Never heard any of mine complain.

[@EdwardT9]

Nice! From 6:15 on is that room mic only? They all sound great! Did you play the double stack while you had them all there?

[@AndyDemos]

Clearly the 55...no wait the 75....I mean the 55...

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hahaha! Cheers Andy ;-)

[@Twobarpsi]

55's!!

[@jaycee30865]

Look at you with your bassman. :) Check out 5881s in it sometime. Tasty.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah the Bassman is here to stay! Will try that for sure. Cheers

[@Andy_Yates]

@@JohanSegeborn I had bad luck with 5881s red plating in my 65 Bassman. I think the screen voltage is too high for them as they share a lot of specs with 6L6GB's (vs GC's). It's worth a try, but after a couple in mine went straight to red, I went back to GC's :)

[@plexilespaul]

55hz for me. More fuzzy goodness

[@dominikpohli2381]

i like 75hz more its brithigter and has more midrange

[@olivier42100]

well , 55hz for Black Sabbath

[@CraigTheBandit]

75 (hz) very post 75' Classic Rock sound.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah that’s a good characterization, they do indeed sound closer to the middier less nasal black backs that came after 75. Cheers

[@pmkrak]

You have 8 Greenback speakers there and not one of them sound like the others, which begs the question... what does the "Greenback sound" really mean, and how can you claim to replicate it??

[@mr.banana4893]

I did not expect that much of a difference. Is there that much of a variance!?!?!? I patch my phone through my mixer, to a pair of Genelec, and I also listened through a pair of Beyerdynamics reference headphones. All eight sounded completely different. Not just tone, but gain, saturation, texture, and a little bit of sustain. It may as well have been eight different amps. Destroyes your perception of what you are really listening to in a recorded rock song. 🤔

[@luizalbertokoehler4904]

Musical memory is too short for the comparison, better if in the same mic position immediately compare different speakers

[@Matte.u.k]

75 - 80hz is the sweet spot

[@rocker8692]

55 sound better,sound tighter

[@georgefromgreece4119]

55 Hz