I think that most people buying a Celestion Gold, know what they're getting and aren't really going for a "tight" chugging rhythm sound. Most players and putting these in "Boutique" amps, or amps based on AC30's...And of course, Vox amps...... Not to say everyone is though. I have a Blue, Gold and Cream and like them all and prefer AlNiCo speakers over ceramic about 95% of the time. I like the way they compress and have that accentuated mid-range. Once you get used to them, it's hard to go to a Ceramic speaker - especially for a clean tone. I do agree, if you are playing more "metal", you probably need to look at a different speaker. But, the Gold will still get you close (especially in the studio). Good review....Thank you for doing this!
Listen to this channel! This guy try many good metal amp with 4x12 creamback alnico. Check the description of the video. ua-cam.com/video/Z7LwD0kgVYw/v-deo.html
I own a Celestion Gold 12" and 2 of the 10"s. I've had the 12" in countless amps, moving it as I traded or sold amps. I've played in cover bands, Country, Blues and even Swing. With no disrespect to you intended, I find your comment about the Celestion Gold 12 "not being suitable for rhythm" to absolute baloney. I'm not defending the speaker per say, more that someone would post made up off the cuff nonsense like this. Anyway, Peace 🙂 Going to play some rhythm guitar on my Celestion Gold now! 😆
I put 2 of the Celestion 50 watt Golds in my 1980, Carvin XV-212 100 watt combo tube amp. The amp has an open back and originally came with 2 Carvin Brithish Series, 100 watt speakers that were made by Eminence. Though I really liked the sound of the original speakers, the Celestion Gold speakers are very dynamic and well rounded (very full sounding).
Best speaker I found after 53 years of playing is a JBL K120 1X12" or 1X10" are the clearest speaker all the way around for purity used in most fender amps from 1974. However if you want that Celestion tone no problem. Buy an EQ for $25 from behringer which is the exact same thing as a Boss EQ only 1/4 of the price and get what ever tone you want. I had a friend who bought and sold 25 guitars in the last five years or so, chasing the elusive tone that he was seeking. I kept telling him to buy an EQ which is such a valuable pedal. About a month ago he called me and said he bought an Behringer EQ as I suggested and should have listened to me along time ago. He is now a happy camper. You want more bottom end, get an EQ! you want more Mid's get an EQ, you want more Hi's Get an EQ! Spend $25 and you might just find every tone you ever wanted! PS: you can also set it flat and use like a boost if you like your amps EQ. Peace out from a player guitar tech for over 60 years.
Played in mostly classic rock bands and a few progressive rock bands, I’ve tried many different speakers and none sound as good as the golds, I get everything I’m looking for in tone, I’m using a 50 watt plexi that’s been modified with the Jose mod, the only way to describe it is juicy.
same i have a 1966 Marshall super 100, quad KT66 along with a quad of celestion golds, heaven like you said, but i just changed up to the brand new 100 year anniversary celestion 100 speakers, designed like the vintage 1960s models, those are also badass.
Have you tried an Emminence V128 (ceramic) ? I did when I had to hook up a 15watt Orange AD15 combo when the 10" was knackered, I wanted to stuff it in the AD15 but built Simple cab and screwed the V128 into it. It bloomed after about 3 months, 335, Esquire, 60s Strat, all had a similar "mid" to the Alnico and no top-end fizzle/klankyness. Try one if you get a chance. The other "less" expensive alnicos are the new Jensens ,P10r,P12Q which I can attest to being a very good choice for 15-40 watt Fender style amps. I still want to try this Celestion though.
I have several amps, my conclusion is there is no swiss army amp, each amp/cab has it's own sound. They tend to do one or two things great but I can't imagine trying to do everything I want out of one amp. I have vintage Marshall and Gibson amps, I used to have a few Boogies, some of them didn't sound so bad, but they kept experimenting with the circuits constantly. So, when it comes to a Boogie, I wouldn't buy one unless I tried it out in person. Don't mean to Boogie bash but some of them were really overrated like the "simulclass" fully loaded Mark III I bought brand new about 1986. I've had Mark IIs and some rare early Mark Is. It was a hot rodded Marshall from '72 which really convinced me that Boogie was not the best at the high gain game. I like and own several 100 watt Jet City heads, for the money they can't be beat, too bad they quit making them except for the 20 watters..they are great for Joe Satriani type high gain (who used Soldanos). BTW just scored a Celestion gold speaker but have not yet installed it in my combo, soon I'll have my own opinion of what the speaker sounds like, and I think that is the only way, I appreciate the time and work done to make videos but the sound is lost because it's not your guitar, your room, your amp and your playing. There is "feel" the way it responds or fights you, and that can't be judged by watching a video. @@jdl2180
@@zzubuzz Boogie is a hot rodded fender, not a Marshall. Sound is subjective because the cheap jet city to my ears was not very good at all. I have a soldano, engl, marshall, boogies, Evh 5150 fender made, orange 120 crush, ada mp1, kitty hawk, hughes kettner, etc.... they all sound different, some may like them, some may not, sound is subjective, but one thing i can tell you i have all the mark series amps, like them or not, one thing they all have is a ton of gain. you just have to know how to work all those knobs.
Here is me playing thru a Rocker 32 loaded with two Celestion Alnico Gold 10, basically the same amp so this should give you a hint, awesome upgrade BTW, highly recommended. soundcloud.com/nutritiousdreams/blocked-heart-reprise
Thanks for the video! I have a 12" Gold and have been facing its shortcomings for years. Funny no one dare says it like you did. I still love the gold. I'm trying to find something to pair it with in a 2x12 closed back for the things Gold doesn't have. Any suggestions?
Hi there from Atlanta Georgia! I have the mesa boogie stiletto ace 1x12 combo and I just ordered a celestion gold 12. Did you leave the gold in the stiletto and any further take or advice on the stiletto ace would be grateful. I had to really play with the tubes to get a sound I like out of as it is really treble heavy design. I currently have a warehouse vet 30 in there and its not bad but wanted to optimize the mesa stiletto as I have decided to keep it. Many thanks.
When you buy a speaker brand new,it needs some hours and power to get balanced.New speakers all are a kind of harsh sounding,but after a while this harshnes fades and the sound will florish.
I think it depends on the amp. While I love the Alnico Cream in my Mesa TA30 and Dr. Z Stingray, I don't like it at all in my Maz 18 or DB4 and much prefer the Gold.
Ok Red Fang is not close to the gold at all. Have you even owned both? I think not based on that comment. If you use the neck pickup you can rhythm perfectly well with a gold. You're putting far too much on the speaker. A good player can play with anything.
Owned both for 8 years, still do. It depends on what "close" means to you. If they don't sound close to you, that's fine. In my experience with alnicos (Gold 12/10, Red.Fang, Jensens), Neos (Celestions, Jensens) and ceramics (30+), they do. Everybody hears and feels differently. The EQ charts for both are similar with mellower lows, a scoop between 1 & 2 khz, a spike in the upper mids and a bit more prominent highs for the Gold.
Definitely my favorite and most versatile modern speaker. I’ve had the same 16 ohm speaker in 5-6 different amps now. Pairs really well with just about any ceramic or Alnico speaker I’ve paired it with.
I really liked the way you gave the pros and cons in a calm and logical manner. Nice analysis!
You can play rhythm fine with this speaker.
I was wondering about this? good to know!
Absolutely! Just roll down on volume and voila
I think that most people buying a Celestion Gold, know what they're getting and aren't really going for a "tight" chugging rhythm sound. Most players and putting these in "Boutique" amps, or amps based on AC30's...And of course, Vox amps...... Not to say everyone is though. I have a Blue, Gold and Cream and like them all and prefer AlNiCo speakers over ceramic about 95% of the time. I like the way they compress and have that accentuated mid-range. Once you get used to them, it's hard to go to a Ceramic speaker - especially for a clean tone. I do agree, if you are playing more "metal", you probably need to look at a different speaker. But, the Gold will still get you close (especially in the studio).
Good review....Thank you for doing this!
I play “Metal” (Iron Maiden, Metallica..etc) some Alice In Chains, which speaker would you recommend?
Does the Gold sound different than the Blue and Cream? I had a Gold but I didn't like it in my (bright 6V6 tweed/BF hybrid) amp at the time.
If you play metal and want to use alnico speaker, i recommend the creamback alnico. I got one in 8 ohms, best replacement for v30!
Listen to this channel! This guy try many good metal amp with 4x12 creamback alnico. Check the description of the video.
ua-cam.com/video/Z7LwD0kgVYw/v-deo.html
I have my Gold 12" in an Orange TH30 and use metal tones with a baritone. Love it.
I own a Celestion Gold 12" and 2 of the 10"s. I've had the 12" in countless amps, moving it as I traded or sold amps. I've played in cover bands, Country, Blues and even Swing. With no disrespect to you intended, I find your comment about the Celestion Gold 12 "not being suitable for rhythm" to absolute baloney. I'm not defending the speaker per say, more that someone would post made up off the cuff nonsense like this. Anyway, Peace 🙂 Going to play some rhythm guitar on my Celestion Gold now! 😆
thanks for posting this I ordered one that hasn’t come yet and I play rhythm guitar in a folk/rock band. I was like shit did I choose wrong. haha
I put 2 of the Celestion 50 watt Golds in my 1980, Carvin XV-212 100 watt combo tube amp. The amp has an open back and originally came with 2 Carvin Brithish Series, 100 watt speakers that were made by Eminence. Though I really liked the sound of the original speakers, the Celestion Gold speakers are very dynamic and well rounded (very full sounding).
Best speaker I found after 53 years of playing is a JBL K120 1X12" or 1X10" are the clearest speaker all the way around for purity used in most fender amps from 1974. However if you want that Celestion tone no problem. Buy an EQ for $25 from behringer which is the exact same thing as a Boss EQ only 1/4 of the price and get what ever tone you want. I had a friend who bought and sold 25 guitars in the last five years or so, chasing the elusive tone that he was seeking. I kept telling him to buy an EQ which is such a valuable pedal. About a month ago he called me and said he bought an Behringer EQ as I suggested and should have listened to me along time ago. He is now a happy camper. You want more bottom end, get an EQ! you want more Mid's get an EQ, you want more Hi's Get an EQ! Spend $25 and you might just find every tone you ever wanted! PS: you can also set it flat and use like a boost if you like your amps EQ. Peace out from a player guitar tech for over 60 years.
How does the Celestion Gold compare to the Tone Tubby Alnico Red speaker?
Played in mostly classic rock bands and a few progressive rock bands, I’ve tried many different speakers and none sound as good as the golds, I get everything I’m looking for in tone, I’m using a 50 watt plexi that’s been modified with the Jose mod, the only way to describe it is juicy.
I'm using a Marshall JTM45 (KT66) and Marshall 2061cx (2x12) with Gold AlNiCo equipped and ... it sounds like heaven.
Cheers.
Stoked to hear this, that’s my plan coming the new year.
same i have a 1966 Marshall super 100, quad KT66 along with a quad of celestion golds, heaven like you said, but i just changed up to the brand new 100 year anniversary celestion 100 speakers, designed like the vintage 1960s models, those are also badass.
Have you tried an Emminence V128 (ceramic) ? I did when I had to hook up a 15watt Orange AD15 combo when the 10" was knackered, I wanted to stuff it in the AD15 but built Simple cab and screwed the V128 into it. It bloomed after about 3 months, 335, Esquire, 60s Strat, all had a similar "mid" to the Alnico and no top-end fizzle/klankyness. Try one if you get a chance. The other "less" expensive alnicos are the new Jensens ,P10r,P12Q which I can attest to being a very good choice for 15-40 watt Fender style amps. I still want to try this Celestion though.
Awesome advice!! Given its strengths and weaknesses I wonder what might make a good partner for it in a 212
I've paired a gold with an Eminence C. Rex in my 2x12 and I really like the combination.
Hi
What speaker is good for rhythm?
Really? For that „tone“ (sound) you didn‘t need a expensive speaker. Just my 2cent
It's also very deep in size and might be too big for smaller cabs.
...and such a expressive playing!!!!
I'm going to be building a tweed amp. Debating between golds and jensen p12n...
My favourite speaker
In my experience Boogies have so many tone controls..so you may never realize that ALL of them suck until you try some really great amps.
Like what?
I have several amps, my conclusion is there is no swiss army amp, each amp/cab has it's own sound. They tend to do one or two things great but I can't imagine trying to do everything I want out of one amp. I have vintage Marshall and Gibson amps, I used to have a few Boogies, some of them didn't sound so bad, but they kept experimenting with the circuits constantly. So, when it comes to a Boogie, I wouldn't buy one unless I tried it out in person. Don't mean to Boogie bash but some of them were really overrated like the "simulclass" fully loaded Mark III I bought brand new about 1986. I've had Mark IIs and some rare early Mark Is. It was a hot rodded Marshall from '72 which really convinced me that Boogie was not the best at the high gain game. I like and own several 100 watt Jet City heads, for the money they can't be beat, too bad they quit making them except for the 20 watters..they are great for Joe Satriani type high gain (who used Soldanos).
BTW just scored a Celestion gold speaker but have not yet installed it in my combo, soon I'll have my own opinion of what the speaker sounds like, and I think that is the only way, I appreciate the time and work done to make videos but the sound is lost because it's not your guitar, your room, your amp and your playing. There is "feel" the way it responds or fights you, and that can't be judged by watching a video.
@@jdl2180
@@zzubuzz Boogie is a hot rodded fender, not a Marshall. Sound is subjective because the cheap jet city to my ears was not very good at all. I have a soldano, engl, marshall, boogies, Evh 5150 fender made, orange 120 crush, ada mp1, kitty hawk, hughes kettner, etc.... they all sound different, some may like them, some may not, sound is subjective, but one thing i can tell you i have all the mark series amps, like them or not, one thing they all have is a ton of gain. you just have to know how to work all those knobs.
THanks for mentioning the Red fang
How will this sound in a orange rocker 15 combo ?
Here is me playing thru a Rocker 32 loaded with two Celestion Alnico Gold 10, basically the same amp so this should give you a hint, awesome upgrade BTW, highly recommended. soundcloud.com/nutritiousdreams/blocked-heart-reprise
Thanks for the video! I have a 12" Gold and have been facing its shortcomings for years. Funny no one dare says it like you did. I still love the gold. I'm trying to find something to pair it with in a 2x12 closed back for the things Gold doesn't have. Any suggestions?
Haven't tried but want to try pairing an Alnico Gold w/ a Alnico Blue, or an Alnico Cream
G12H30
Try the CreamBack G12M65: great combination
A Tone Tubby Red Alnico?
Nicely said, thank you Sir.
Hi there from Atlanta Georgia! I have the mesa boogie stiletto ace 1x12 combo and I just ordered a celestion gold 12. Did you leave the gold in the stiletto and any further take or advice on the stiletto ace would be grateful. I had to really play with the tubes to get a sound I like out of as it is really treble heavy design. I currently have a warehouse vet 30 in there and its not bad but wanted to optimize the mesa stiletto as I have decided to keep it. Many thanks.
When you buy a speaker brand new,it needs some hours and power to get balanced.New speakers all are a kind of harsh sounding,but after a while this harshnes fades and the sound will florish.
....in what.....in what? Platinum? I don't get it.
They really need to build these in a 4 OHM version.
Some nice playing’
So would you say that the Celestion Gold may not be one of the best speakers for clarity and sparkle cleans?
Good info, thanks!
Some nice playing!
In my experience, most of the people who tried this speaker wound up liking the Celestion Cream back better. Just FYI.
I think it depends on the amp. While I love the Alnico Cream in my Mesa TA30 and Dr. Z Stingray, I don't like it at all in my Maz 18 or DB4 and much prefer the Gold.
@@telejas I hear ya, bro. Absolutely. 👍
do you mean Alnico cream or creamback?
@@nedinge1474 Duh he means the Alnico Cream, called the cream not the Creamback. Hahaha
@@telejas is it smart to swap a custom tone king imperial mkII speaker with a celestion gold 12 or cream 12 ? thank you
So in less words Celestion gold expensive not recommended I think so
Ok Red Fang is not close to the gold at all. Have you even owned both? I think not based on that comment. If you use the neck pickup you can rhythm perfectly well with a gold. You're putting far too much on the speaker. A good player can play with anything.
Owned both for 8 years, still do. It depends on what "close" means to you. If they don't sound close to you, that's fine. In my experience with alnicos (Gold 12/10, Red.Fang, Jensens), Neos (Celestions, Jensens) and ceramics (30+), they do. Everybody hears and feels differently. The EQ charts for both are similar with mellower lows, a scoop between 1 & 2 khz, a spike in the upper mids and a bit more prominent highs for the Gold.
After hearing the bad tone of the intro I decided it wasn't worth wasting time watching your video..............
I've always longed for a chugging, tight yet aggressive bottom end! Sorry I couldn't resist - great vid BTW 👍
Ha ha, Thanks!
thats a johnny hiland prs!!!!!
Definitely my favorite and most versatile modern speaker. I’ve had the same 16 ohm speaker in 5-6 different amps now.
Pairs really well with just about any ceramic or Alnico speaker I’ve paired it with.
Bunch of yackin with squawky out of phase guitar in the background.