China G12C vs Ipswich G12C

[OdgeUK]

So, I've got one pair of M.I.C G12C now, ready to go in my 4x12.

Thanks to SteveD and the FAQ on this forum, I was able to order an additional pair of G12C from my Marshall Dealer.

At ordering I was given a choice of the Ipswich ones used in the Hendrix cab or the Chinese ones used in the VM.

Thinking that I already have a pair of MIC ones, I figured I'd order the Ipswich ones (solder tags), the pair only worked out £15 more than the MIC ones and apparently there are not many Ipswich ones left.

Now......I've just realised my cab is all spade connectors. I'm not sure that I can really be arsed to cut the wires and start soldering when these speakers arrive in a weeks time. BUT.....I'm really not sure I want the Chinese ones (spade connectors) if the UK made ones are avaliable.

Is it REALLY true that the UK and MIC ones are the same? I mean....REALLY? Cos if so....I think I'd better change my order asap and save £15 as well.

[Anton DC]

I got 2 G12H30s recently to replace 2 G12T75s in a 2x12 cab and had to solder them as well. Didn't take very long, just a minor inconvenience really. Worth it in the end I'd say.

[OdgeUK]

Yeah soldering's no problem really but I like easy maintenance, and using the spade connectors makes for easy speaker swaps later. If these UK and China ones are really the same thing, but the only difference is that a Chinaman does up the screws rather than an Englishman, then I think I'd be silly to continue ordering the Ipswich?

[OdgeUK]

Dammit. Seems I'm too late to change the order. Not to worry. Would have been nice to save a little cash. Still, I'll have 2 MIC and 2 Ipswich G12C's! Nice to have both types :)

[slowpokerhino]

I think you're better off. If you ever try to sell them you'll get quite a bit more for the English ones.

[DeanM]

if you have a stereo cab you should put the M.I.C speakers on one side and the ipswich on the other and then switch sides and see for your self if ders any difference.

or just say fuck it, dont bother a/b-ing em and just get straight to breakin em in!! rock n roll style!!

[OdgeUK]

if you have a stereo cab you should put the M.I.C speakers on one side and the ipswich on the other and then switch sides and see for your self if ders any difference.

or just say fuck it, dont bother a/b-ing em and just get straight to breakin em in!! rock n roll style!!

LOL!! Actually, that is a very smart idea. It IS a stereo cab. How does a 1960A split the speakers in stereo mode? Columns or Rows?


ALSO.......I noticed the Celestion website tips for breaking in speakers. Do you guys agree with this method?

BREAKING IN YOUR SPEAKER
Brand new speakers usually require a “breaking in period”. Start with a few minutes with low-level playing or background hum. Then, turn up the power amp volume to full, and control the level with the preamp gain and play with a fat, clean tone.

Have the bass and mid up full, and the treble at least half. On your guitar, use the middle pickup position (if your guitar has more than one pickup) and play for 10-15 minutes using lots of open chords, and chunky percussive playing. This will get the cone moving, and should excite all the cone modes and get everything to settle in nicely.

[DeanM]

it splits into columns!! so its like a vertical 2x12 on each side.

[LivewireBlanco]

Only one way to break it in......play it LOUD AND PROUD!

[SteveD]

Yeah soldering's no problem really but I like easy maintenance, and using the spade connectors makes for easy speaker swaps later. If these UK and China ones are really the same thing, but the only difference is that a Chinaman does up the screws rather than an Englishman, then I think I'd be silly to continue ordering the Ipswich?

Too late now but I can tell you that the only difference is the Ipswich ones were made for the handwired Super100 stack and therefore come with solder tags for historical accuracy and the Chinese ones come with spade terminals. Absolutely no difference in the sound or quality; they are both Celestion.

The only reason why the G12Cs in the Vintage Modern cabs are made in China is that Ipswich aren't geared up for mass production quantity orders. The Hendrix Super100 was a limited edition run of 600.

On the plus side is Slowpokerhino's point of the resale value being higher due to them being made here in the UK, but will you ever sell them?

[OdgeUK]

Thanks SteveD. I'm feeling a bit silly for ordering the UK ones now, but as the price difference is equal to a round of drinks I think I'll get over it :) I'll have to dig out the soldering iron once they arrive (they were supposed to be here on Friday!).

Really looking forward to hearing these things. I've never owned any G12M sounding speakers, just G12-30H and G12-75T but I've always been extremely impressed by the hundreds of G12M clips on the web, I think that Greenback sound is a very big part of the Classic Rock sound. I'm expecting good things for my sound using these speakers with my old 70's JMP :) :)

[SteveD]

Don't forget they are brand new and therefore will need a breaking in period before they sound their best.

[LivewireBlanco]

I also found that the Greenbacks sound best when pushed to within an inch of their lives. I just love running the JTM45 on about 7 on a 2x12 cab. There is this bell like sound that really comes out at higher volumes that I didn't get with the G12H30s.