Celestion G12-35XC

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rex Rocker
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Rex Rocker

Rex Rocker

Well-known member
So I came across this at the local former Celestion dealer that's been clearing out their stock for a while. I originally wanted a G12-EVH for low-volume at-the-house practice, but this was discounted, and it seemed kind of obscure.

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I replaced the Chinese Vintage 30 in my Orange 1x12. I have nothing against Chinese V30's, but I have never been 100% sold on it inside this particular cab.

This 35XC is advertised as having a "Pulsonic-inspired cone". Well, it doesn't, lol. It has the 444 cone V30's have (not the 914-whatever cone they use on the Creambacks and the Heritages), except the doping and the dust cap on this seem different. It has the odd 42 oz magnet that's in between the M and the H variations of the Greenback and the vented voice coil, so it's obviously not a re-badge of anything else in the lineup.

I only fired it up briefly, but it sounds nice! Of course, it's not broken in at all, but right now, it sounds edgier and raspier than the V30 it replaced. I'm sure that will smooth out over time, but I actually kinda like it. It has more of a Greenback-like rasp than a V30-ish bite. The second thing I noticed is it definitely has the vintage Greenback type of breakup even at moderate volumes. It sounds raspier and dirtier.

So far, I like it, but I'll give it more time to smooth out.

What has been you guys' experience with these? I don't think it's a speaker that is often talked about.
 
Here you can see the "444" cone:

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And the vintagey-looking doping and dust cap:

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Yeah these didn’t seem to get much attention. I remember liking it in clips I heard in the past. Seemed to lean towards the brighter side with a crisp attack from what I remember.

Does it hold up well under high gain?
 
I've got two of these speakers. I was given them by a local client when he bought a couple of speakers. I haven't even loaded then in yet, still breaking them in months later when I have time. But you're right, standard 444 55hz V30 cones with different doping scheme and a lower power rating.

I guess I should get off my butt and put them in a 212 cab and try them out with a 30w amp so I don't fry them. Surely not trying a 50w amp with them at the volume levels I like (around 7 or higher).
 
fearhk213":1puetfyq said:
Yeah these didn’t seem to get much attention. I remember liking it in clips I heard in the past. Seemed to lean towards the brighter side with a crisp attack from what I remember.

Does it hold up well under high gain?
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Yeah, brighter for sure. Not quite the crisp attack of the Creamback H, though. More of an edgy rasp. Just spent some time with it, and I definitely like it. It seems to like being pushed, but then again, what doesn't sound better louder, lol. It's not got the upper mid thing of the V30 going on either. Just kind of a raspy Greenback-ish vibe with some cool gritty breakup.

It holds up just fine under high gain. It's probably not anything like a Redback or a K-100, but if you like Greenbacks with high-gain amps (I do), this isn't far off.

Scumback Speakers":1puetfyq said:
I've got two of these speakers. I was given them by a local client when he bought a couple of speakers. I haven't even loaded then in yet, still breaking them in months later when I have time. But you're right, standard 444 55hz V30 cones with different doping scheme and a lower power rating.

I guess I should get off my butt and put them in a 212 cab and try them out with a 30w amp so I don't fry them. Surely not trying a 50w amp with them at the volume levels I like (around 7 or higher).
Click to expand...
Definitely try them. They seem like a somewhat unique mish mash of features from different Celestions... I guess Celestion felt inspired by your J series maybe, lol. Having tried Chinese and EVH-labeled Greenbacks, those are what it reminds me most of, but really, it's got its own thing going on.
 
Rex Rocker":2uc57sq7 said:
Definitely try them. They seem like a somewhat unique mish mash of features from different Celestions... I guess Celestion felt inspired by your J series maybe, lol. Having tried Chinese and EVH-labeled Greenbacks, those are what it reminds me most of, but really, it's got its own thing going on.
Click to expand...

Yeah, on paper they look like the J55 spec. I guess I should get off my butt and try them out.
 
We've got one of these in a cab somewhere - not a bad speaker actually. Don't think they are all that popular (or common) though.
 
Yeah, they only made 3,000, I believe.

Or 3,500. That would make more sense.

I put mine in a Peavey Vypyr that I gave away to a friend, LOL.
 
I know, right Brother B?

I thought I'd let him know in case it helps him figure out how he might've hit the "report" button, which is furthest-left of the links when the "reply" button is furthest-right.
 
Monkey Man said:
I know, right Brother B?

I thought I'd let him know in case it helps him figure out how he might've hit the "report" button, which is furthest-left of the links when the "reply" button is furthest-right.
Click to expand...
Wait, I sent it in as a report or he did?
 
He did.

It just said, "Thanks", 'cause the entire post, including the quote from you, was submitted.

That's why I coloured the submission blue in my post above.
 
Monkey Man said:
He did.

It just said, "Thanks", 'cause the entire post, including the quote from you, was submitted.

That's why I coloured the submission blue in my post above.
Click to expand...
Oh, I can't see the switch in color on my phone! I was confused, but that's nothing new under the sun.
 
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