Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - Best replacement speakers for a Marshall cab?

softwareguy · 5th October 2006

I think it depends on the head you are using and, for lack of a better handle, the "era" that you are going for.

For a Marshall head & sound:

Classic stuff (Plexi to JMP) is greenbacks or (my preference) g12h 30's

80's and onward is V30's

There must be something that those 75's are good for, but I haven't found it yet.

Mixing is also highly recommended. You do get a better spread for live, and the cab is more flexible for recording because you can focus in on one type of speaker or the other if you want.

Mesa Rectifier stuff needs V30's to sound right, IME.

Fanes are amazing for Hiwatt, but they have a very specific sound, sort of a "here comes the end of the world" thing that just doesn't sound right to me with a Marshall. I also have one of the modern Fane alnico's and I agree that they are amazing, but I'm not sure they're a day-in day-out sort of thing.

I also agree that the Weber stuff is great sounding, better-made equipment for any of the celestion-type uses. If you want the sound of an old Fane, I personally don't think there's any replacement for a real one, unfortunately. The Thames is a really great and worthy speaker, it just doesn't have that completely unhinged mojo of the originals.

Best of luck with your choices, speakers are a lot of fun.

5th October 2006	#10
softwareguy Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 816	I think it depends on the head you are using and, for lack of a better handle, the "era" that you are going for. For a Marshall head & sound: Classic stuff (Plexi to JMP) is greenbacks or (my preference) g12h 30's 80's and onward is V30's There must be something that those 75's are good for, but I haven't found it yet. Mixing is also highly recommended. You do get a better spread for live, and the cab is more flexible for recording because you can focus in on one type of speaker or the other if you want. Mesa Rectifier stuff needs V30's to sound right, IME. Fanes are amazing for Hiwatt, but they have a very specific sound, sort of a "here comes the end of the world" thing that just doesn't sound right to me with a Marshall. I also have one of the modern Fane alnico's and I agree that they are amazing, but I'm not sure they're a day-in day-out sort of thing. I also agree that the Weber stuff is great sounding, better-made equipment for any of the celestion-type uses. If you want the sound of an old Fane, I personally don't think there's any replacement for a real one, unfortunately. The Thames is a really great and worthy speaker, it just doesn't have that completely unhinged mojo of the originals. Best of luck with your choices, speakers are a lot of fun.