Shoot out: Celestion Greenbacks vs Vintage 30's with a Marshall AFD100 and 1960 Les Paul

[paulgaudinjrBCN]

Not really sure you can get rid of either. They do seem to have their own advantages.

[paulgaudinjrBCN]

Pink Floyd, Gary Moore type sound...which one? Thanks. Great demonstration.

[simonsmanor]

@paulgaudinjrBCN Def the V30's for that smooth sound...

[ju13ly]

why do you think everyone rocked in the 60's? cause they were using the greenbacks!!! haha. i would go vintage any day of the week!

[lollozz81]

thanks for the sample!

[getbackgoodtimes]

Hownk , Honk ...

[simonsmanor]

@getbackgoodtimes Err is that good or bad?

[TheElectricplug]

That's a fucking guitar you got there wow!

[hirskdubbi]

Greenies all the way!

[bandk1502]

I have Never seen a '60 Re-Issue with the single ring Tulip Tuners. Are you sure of the model of that guitar?

[simonsmanor]

@bandk1502 yes 1960 reissue it's a version two so from the transition period, so they still 59 knobs etc but with a slimmer neck

Check it out on the gibson website under custom shop and 50th anniversary

[axeslinger013]

You cannot demo speakers without cranking them up... The tone that they are built to deliver is NOT at "bedroom-level".

[Prestostark]

It comes down to subjectivity and whatever YOU like the best. No one will ever agree on what sounds the best. It's whatever inspires you to play. You know what I mean? Sometimes you start playing and you just get inspired and don't want to stop? That is what you want to hold on to. Nice gear, nice demo.

[PhilMcCartney]

Move that fan, you hide Beano Album... ;)

[simonsmanor]

@PhilMcCartney Will do Boss!

[PhilMcCartney]

@simonsmanor How do you like your R0 ? I'm planning to buy one. I got an R8 and i'm curious about differences they have.

[shralper07]

G12h30 definitely! Much richer tone :)

[acdcgibsonmaniac]

At 4:51 when you played Highway to Hell I fell in love with greenbacks, greenbacks are much more richer in tone than v30's. You can feel that special crunch :)

[MOSKII58]

from all the videos with greenback vs vintage spkrs i clearly think the vintage has it all over the greenbacks in detail crispness & balls.. ps: relax a bit when you play you seemed a bit tight..beautiful les paul absol gorgeous i want one so bad...i would hold onto that puppy..

good luck..

[simonsmanor]

@MOSKII58 Thanks that's good advice will try and relax it, was very unrehearsed.

Sadly the guitar has to go. Anyone interested please PM me...

[5150VanAlien]

@simonsmanor Can you play more chords next time. In the beginning when you played some A/E chords I personally felt the AHW had it over the V30's. No doubt the AHW is better built than the stock 1960av. Also the AHW has a rear solid back not MDF as other Marshall cabs have.

[MOSKII58]

@simonsmanor can you send me the details and asking price you can email me at moskii58@msn.com any damage, issues, guitar history etc..thanx

[GTguitarworks]

Keep the 1960ahw Much better cab and you can always chang the speakers..

I'm looking into the celestion 65's

[ZomgGuitarz1234]

I wish I had a British accent.

[UnpacifiedResistance]

How do you hook up the a/b switch with only one head? I thought it was meant for 2 heads.

[simonsmanor]

@UnpacifiedResistance easy, just do it the other way around



[hawg427]

Correct me if I am wrong but the Celestion G12H that comes in the AHW cab isn't a Greenback speaker. But it has the qualities of both the greenback & the Vintage 30.

[simonsmanor]

@hawg427 Yes I think you are correct

[hawg427]

@simonsmanor Have you ever played through a Marshall 1960 TV Cab?

[simonsmanor]

@hawg427 no alas I never have

[EyEDyD]

This is a great video and just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing.

[TheNonautomatoN]

I think I would have put two of each in.

You would get the best of both worlds then.

That or drive both cabs but that might be a bit of overkill. :)

I found the Hendrix stuff sounded closer with the greenbacks but I like V-30's too.

There is definitely some warmth in the 30's.

By the way the greenbacks are 25 watts and the V-30's come in either 30 or 60 watts.

[misterminhas]

@simonsmanor yeah I have an AFD100 with the marshall vintage 30 cabinet. Its quite a versatile amp - been enjoying it. I've never tried or heard the greenbacks in person but according to your video they seem to have better highs than the vintage 30s. I did try out the G12-75s (1960 Lead cabinet) vs the 1960 vintage cab and preferred the vintage cab because it gave a better clean tone.

[misterminhas]

This makes a fantastic demo for the AFD100 actually. You managed to show how the AFD100 has many other sounds than just the Slash Appetite. It's got some lovely blues and cleans (almost) in there too. It's quality amp. Well done with the video.

[simonsmanor]

@misterminhas Thanks Man, have you got an AFD100?

[nochix96isnuts]

@simonsmanor which one is still with you?

[simonsmanor]

@nochix96isnuts the vintage 30's

[simonsmanor]

@nochix96isnuts I've not tried it with those speakers but I once had a Marshall vintage modern loaded with them, it was pretty nice sounding

[nochix96isnuts]

@simonsmanor But those are the speakers you are doming? XD

[ipsofacto297]

Very interesting. I'm sure you've resolved your dilemma by now, but aren't speakers sound characteristics also influenced by how hard they are driven? At these lower volumes I tend to like the sound of the Greenbacks better, but I get a feeling that the V30's would really shine if pushed harder??

[simonsmanor]

@ipsofacto297 you may well be right, I've got a decimeter and don't like pushing things over 90 db

[laser74hobby]

Green backs win!

[stratelite]

I really like the greenbacks better, for cleans, just breaking up blues, and classic rock. For anything heavier than that I'd go V30s. If you play in a band, the V30s cut through better.

[simonsmanor]

@stratelite Yeah that's a pretty good summation I'd say

[topdog2328]

dang, sounds almost like two different amps

[ericrico22]

Nice comparison, but add more depth to your tone...reverb/echo/analog delay, wah-wah, and something to open up the amp (either an OCD, TS-808, etc.) And, do what I do...use both cabinets in STEREO! You don't need to make your mind up - blend the two cabinets together and have it all...the raw greenback tone and the V30's to fatten up your sound. Myself, I have a great Marshall head powering a vintage Marshall cab with 25 watt speakers and a custom 4-12 with G12H30's and V30's in a X-pattern!!

[simonsmanor]

@ericrico22 yeah i'm going to get an effect unit and try it out again soon. I wish I could of blended them to try that out but I only had one cable.

[BonnardsBluesBand]

Its very difficult to tell the difference because the camera is in front of the handwire cabinet, that means more treble and mids, and the other cabinet its going to have more bass and less mids and treble.. The position of your camera its the reason why there is a lot of difference between cabinets and i know they sound different because of the speakers... Nice cabsssss BTW!

[simonsmanor]

@BonnardsBluesBand watching the video back it sounds very much like it did in the room, the greenbacks were simply louder and sharper and you can hear that in the clip. I did the maths and the angle difference is neglible in this room. Thanks great cab but the HW had to go, I couldn't justify keeping both.

[WorldsJungleGym]

are they g12h30s or greenbacks?

[LesterPaul01]

Dam, one hell of a rig you have there. Rock on. Are you in a band?

[simonsmanor]

@LesterPaul01 thanks Bro, Yeah it's awesome. unfortunately my skills don't do it justice and I don't have the time to practice! Very frustrating

[bocolis88]

I like the vintage 30s most.....

[SamCritchlow100]

v30s, slash chooses those and allthough the greenbacks have a bigger sound on their own the v30s would cut through the mix in a band better and make the whole thing sound tidier.

[sgbigsby1989]

im preffering the greenbacks over the v30s, much more ballsy than the v30s. but frankly it all comes down to your taste, nobody can realy tell you what you can only find for yourself \nd thats the sound you like

[RazorAceYU]

I would definitely go for the Vintage 30s. Like you said, it's really smooth, and as for treable and bite, you can always increase the pressence and treble control to desired levels, but personally I don't think you need to. Sounds great as it is. :D

[TheRNRNation]

And you should use a reverb pedal !! (for example a Boss FRV-1) :)

[simonsmanor]

@TheRNRNation Yes got one now - I'll be using the boss ME-80 in the effects loop. Can't wait to try it out

[TheRNRNation]

I think if u have

> a SG take the 1960ahw

> a Les Paul take the 1960av

Keep Rockin' on

[spudgun05]

can anyone tell me ,how does the fact that a cab is handwired make any differance at all ,it's just two wires soldered to the speaker tabs and up to the jack ,a machine could'nt wire it anyway, look in your cab and tell me different ,all cabs must be wired by hand ,just sales bullshit.

[simonsmanor]

@spudgun05 Yeah! It is the most ridiculous marketing ever if that the case but it could be that it's just the cab desing to go with the 1959 HW head

[spudgun05]

@simonsmanor glad you agree ,not dissin your rig though buddie it's very nice ,whitch speaker would you recomend for 70's rock acdc ,zep ,i am waiting for a 4x12 and dont want to get the wrong on for my taste in music also lots of bottom end is required.

[simonsmanor]

@spudgun05 defo the Greenbacks for those sounds - classic rock through and through

[simonsmanor]

@spudgun05 Also I don't think you're going to have prob getting bottom end with any 4 by 12 cab

[spudgun05]

@simonsmanor thanks for all yor kind replys ,just for your info try tayden speakers if you get chance,i'm running 2 true brit 55's ,supposed to be greenback a likes ,in my english valve amp 2x12 cab they sound very good ,thanks again

[simonsmanor]

Well funnily enough I've just upgraded to some Sheptones and a vintage harness. Sweet! Will put up a demo when I get back

[MrJohnnyDistortion]

Also keep in mind that every amp has it's "sweet spot" and this will change with speaker,pickup,tube changes,even room changes.Might want to look into a good brake/volume governor along with my previous suggestions.

[simonsmanor]

@MrJohnnyDistortion yeah that sweet spot is a bit loud for my neighbours though! What tubes do you recommend?

[MrJohnnyDistortion]

@simonsmanor 1st,know what type tubes are in your head.Then look at all articles of information online at Tubeworks & Thetubestore,take notes,then call them,tell them your gear/speakers & style of music you play and they'll steer you in the right direction,Learn about tube grades,balanced & matched tubes and the very important and neglected intermediate tube.Don't forget to upgrade your guitars pot's & caps.Everything is impostant,cables.True bypass stomp boxes.Takes research,it's out there,R&R.

[MrJohnnyDistortion]

If it were me,I'd keep the Greenbacks. Those are the speakers my ears always select. You might also try some custom pickups and upgrading the tubes and I bet you'll "really" be surprised of what you hear.

[simonsmanor]

@MrJohnnyDistortion Well funnily enough I've just upgraded to some Sheptones and a vintage harness. Sweet! Will put up a demo when I get back

[dec151974]

At first I was appreciating the V30’s more thru your video - but after you switched back to the handwired/greenback cab a couple times, I really think I like the Greenback stocked cab better. At-least in this video I do. The mids seem to be warmer & more apparent thru the greenback stocked cab, which is what I personally would be looking for with your kind of setup. Both are beautiful cabs though.

[simonsmanor]

@dec151974 I think it all depends on what you call the mids. The GB's definitely had more treble, more presence, the v30's were smoother and I would say had more mids. In hindsight I should of made sure the camera was in the middle between the two cabs rather than giving preference to the GB's.

[johnnyrayguitars]

v 30's

[fluff191]

Vintage 30's all the way. Great video!

[decooke01]

the new green backs are nothing compared to the old ones i've got an older model 1960AC with REAL greenbacks and i wouldn't trade it for the world

[StratMatt777]

To truly do an A/B test for yourself between these speakers you'll want to bump up the treble or presence when playing the Vintage 30 and with the G12H30s you might need to reduce the treble down just a bit - like to 4.5. Tonally, these two speakers are like opposites since the V30 has tons of mids and lack high treble while the H30 has lots of high treble and not as much mids. The G12T-75 would be the V30's POLAR opposite (much more than the H30) since it has hollow mids (yuck)!

[longotown]

Nice comparison - the handwire sounds very distinct and much more vibrant on this video, and I currently run the V30's. Wow thanks for the video. 

[88ueshiba88]

nice gear man but... buy less and play more :D

[simonsmanor]

@88ueshiba88 You're right dude, but unfortunately I've got a job that gives me more money than time!

[88ueshiba88]

@simonsmanor ;)

[leuthaluca]

@simonsmanor The new millenium problem! I'm with you!!!

Good video!

[psklpt]

Now I understand why my tone sucks. You made me wanna throw my Vintage 30 and replace it with the G12.... the problem is it was a 1x12" cab, and a single G12 won't be enough as it is only 30w..... now i have to get a new 2x12" cab and i'm broke!!! AHHHHHHH

[mongoose979]

i vote for the Vintage's. Has anyone tried the G12Century ?

[roaster323]

Hi Simon

which did you go for in the end? Having to make the same decision as I want to order a H&K Trilogy head but dont know which 4x12 to go for

[simonsmanor]

Don't worry dude i don't take it seriously

[etabone1]

SRV, on a Paul...that's like cussing in church.

[simonsmanor]

@etabone1 C'mon bruv! What about SRV doing hideaway?

[etabone1]

@simonsmanor I was just playin' i'm not such a purest, I was just making a dumb joke...sorry if i offended you...nice vid by the way!!!!

[adam10603]

It's very interesting. The greenbacks (both M and H) are normally described as warm, rich, round, bassy. And the V30s are normally described as harsh, ice-picky, with strong midrange.

But this shows the completely opposite :D I'm quite surprised.

[simonsmanor]

@adam10603 Are you sure? if you look at the celestion website and check out the freq response of both sets of speakers. the V30 looks a lot smoother to me. Definately less treble...

[adam10603]

@simonsmanor

But people usually say that greenbacks are smooth, and V30s are harsh. I don't know why...

[StratMatt777]

@adam10603 It's because the Vintage 30 has a harsh spike in the upper mids that is very fatiguing and painful when soloing. I think that same EQ spike makes V30s have their characteristic growl for high gain crunching chords. I've finally gotten smart and turn my tone down to 7.5 when I play lead through V30s. My 2x12 has a V30 and a Greenback. The V30 does lack high treble (presence). The greenback has plenty of treble so it can sound a little sterile depending on how you EQ and how loud.

[StratMatt777]

@adam10603 I hadn't listened to this video yet when I replied. This video does not have "Greenbacks" this video has G12H30 - a big difference. I own both. I used to have a Vintage 30 and a G12H30 in my 2x12 that I run my strat and soldano astroverb into. At bedroom volumes the G12H30 is very harsh with tons of high, hard, biting treble. I replaced it with a Greenback, which IS much smoother than a V30 (it can sound trebly at LOW volumes, but compresses and gets smooth when pushed).

[StratMatt777]

@adam10603 I've never understood why the G12H30 would ever be described as warm in any way, but since so many people all over the internet (and at avatar speakers) say it I can only guess that the G12H30 must get less harsh and lose some treble when pushed into high volumes. The G12H30 + V30 combination did sound nice and crunchy at higher volumes the couple times I had it there but the G12H30 cuts too much if you are playing a strat (might be okay with a Les paul).

[PuroMojo]

Hey man, nice comparison. Usually G12M25 speakers are called greenbacks, and less often G12H30 that's what you have, as well as Hendrix. On video title you wrote greenbacks and it can 'cause some confusion about what speakers people may think the are. Thank you for the awesome comparison :)

[MsEilert]

These Greenbacks are rated at 30 Watts aren´t they?

[simonsmanor]

@MsEilert yes that's right

[multimudslinger]

Well I have to say that I prefere the greenbacks from this video. I purchased the afd100 and I havnt purchased a cab yet either, I have tried the marshall 1936 which is more punchy. I am undecided as well. they are both nice but do different things. good luck

[multimudslinger]

Well I have to say that I prefere the greenbacks from this video. I purchased the afd100 and I havnt purchased a cab yet either, I have tries the marshall 1936 which is more punchy. I am undecided as well. they are both nice but do different things. good luck

[simonsmanor]

@multimudslinger Thanks, the greenbacks are great speakers for sure

[1robjohnson]

Nice setup! How does the amp sound at low volume settings?

[simonsmanor]

@1robjohnson Hi Rob. Really good, power scaling is very impressive - this is in my shed/garage so I wouldn't say it's quiet but it's easy to wind it down to talking volume and still get the bones of the tone.

Any louder and speaker type becomes much more of a factor, hence the comparison

[bejonatrans]

vintage are better much smoother and you still keep the treblesound as well

[simonsmanor]

@bejonatrans yeah I think you're right, the green backs are great but for this amp it's the v30's. Listening to the playback I think the recording flatters the greenbacks a little as they're louder while the v30's are a little cleaner.