The vintage sound is a whole, that’s why amplifiers will have a lot to do with it to deliver the desired tone. This time it will be the speakers, and with them, you’ll be able to find the desired sound even if you don’t have a combo of the time.
In general, forums and expert opinions usually recommend the use of a preamp pedal so that the amplifier can offer natural distortion and thus make the most of the natural harmonics of the instrument, other purists consider that an adjustment with the expression pedal will be enough and even slighter, but speakers are rarely talked about.
Some Best Speakers for Vintage Sound
A combo has a huge number of characteristics that can affect the final sound, and that is the wood, its internal space, if it is uncovered or if it has bass reflex. For this reason, a good vintage amplifier usually offers the characteristic sound and stays true to it during its useful life, something that an overdrive uses difficulty usually does once the vacuum tubes have deteriorated.
Manufacturers are aware of the characteristics of vintage sound, for that reason, it is possible to find speakers capable of simulating this sound perfectly on their own and without further consideration in terms of the combo model. Among the most popular models are:
Celestion Vintage 30
A loudspeaker geared towards offering the same sound as the famous Celestion Blue speaker from the ’60s. It consists of a 12” speaker with 60W power that can be used in large cabinets without sacrificing fidelity, making it suitable for medium-sized closed spaces such as clubs and rehearsal rooms.
The price for this speaker is affordable, and it can be used in any amplifier with a 16 Ohm output, guaranteeing a transparent and balanced sound with a very wide dynamic range.
Eminence 820H Patriot Series
8” speaker offering 20W peak power, this is perhaps one of the smaller models on the list, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to offer. Its size makes it ideal for use in practice amps or to complement 4 Ohm cabinets.
As for its quality and timbre, it is quite acceptable for its price, so it can be recommended for home recording or even for small rehearsal rooms.
Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
Speaker 12” in diameter and 8 Ohm impedance, this could be considered a modern version of the G12-M Greenback speaker that was very popular in the UK sound during the ’70s.
The maximum power that this speaker can deliver is 75 W, enough to perform well in large rehearsal rooms or medium spaces. As for its sound, it offers very good resonance from 70 Hz, something that can be greatly appreciated in addition to its low price.
Jensen C12N Vintage Ceramic 12” 50W
Designed for the most purists of vintage sound, this 12” speaker offers a very particular mid-range response, since the sound of the ’60s is the premise with which this speaker is identified.
Its price, as well as the type of construction, make it robust, durable, and affordable, as well as versatile in styles such as blues, surf, jazz, country, and even heavy metal. The only thing that could be considered a disadvantage for this model is its low fidelity at high power ranges, so it could not be considered the best option for live performances or styles that demand neatness and good response.
