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Post by swampcooler on Nov 27, 2022 16:22:05 GMT -7
Happy Post T-Day,
I just hooked up an 8 ohm Mesa C90 to a single 12" Z cab, one back panel open. Using it with my Remedy. Yikes! Enormous sound, even at 20 watts. Not just volume, but big, powerful sounds and tones. High notes punch like Ali.
I also have a fairly new Celestion Classic Lead 80 (made in UK) which many say is very similar. I'm just curious if any folks here have experiences with either of these speakers.
Yes, I know greenies and creamies are popular with the Remedy, but this isn't about that.
What do you guys think?
Thanks for your time, Swampcooler
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Post by LT on Nov 27, 2022 18:50:08 GMT -7
I've owned the C90 before and liked it. I don't think I've tried the Lead 80.
Mesa has stuck with the C90 for MANY years so obviously they believe in it.
Most important: if it sounds good to you, then it is good.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Nov 28, 2022 9:48:37 GMT -7
I have the C90 and the only amp I liked it with is a Blue Angel I had. Tried it with several of my Z amps and liked other speakers better, although I haven't owned a remedy. I haven't used a CL80 for many years so can't help with personal comparison. There is a very good comparison video on Youtube though.
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Post by GuitarZ on Nov 28, 2022 15:57:51 GMT -7
I bought a Classic Lead 80 some 30 years back. Our other guitar player had a nice wood grain Mesa Boogie 1x12. I loved the look and decided I'd copy it, sort of, with my own 1x12 cab with the Lead 80 to go along with my Marshall 50 watt master volume amp. It was a good fit.
Fast forward some 15 or 20 years. I get to experience Celestion Greenbacks, a Vintage 30, and a Tone Tubby. So, now I can maybe compare.
I'd say the Classic Lead 80 has a more neutral sound. The Greenback and Vintage 30 provide more of the classic Celestion sound and coloration. So, if you're looking for neutrality, the Classic Lead 80 can give you that.
And, now that I'm thinking about it. Is the C90 also a Celestion? I seem to remember calling Celestion or Mesa to ask about getting what was in my friend's amp. And, I recall, they pointed me towards the Classic Lead 80 since I could buy the 'Mesa' branded speaker. So, with that said, are they possibly very similar? Or, am I just causing smoke around your question.
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Post by swampcooler on Nov 28, 2022 16:53:59 GMT -7
GuitarZ,
Thanks for your reply. Most people see the Mesa as a near twin to the Lead 80. The specs are nearly identical, both Celestions, except the Mesa is 90 watts with a vent on the back of the magnet. The Mesa also appears to have slightly thicker doping. Both are made in the UK.
I agree, much more neutral than other Celestion types, definitely less sizzle-fizz. I'm not into that. I like drive without the fizz. The Mesa C90 is excellent with the Remedy and a Barber Gain Changer. Powerful tones for rhythm and lead without the high frequency hash.
With regard to LT's comment above, I generally go with my own assesment of gear and tone, and if it sounds good to me, it usually goes over well with others. However, I bet we've all encountered other guitarists who think they're rocking something good and are satisfied. But is it actually good? Too much distortion for the part being played, too much bass, too much treble, not enough mids, too much volume . . . ? Sometimes, for some folks, even if they think it's good, it's really not. 2 cents.
Swampcooler
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Post by GuitarZ on Nov 29, 2022 10:19:49 GMT -7
Hmmm. You got me thinking. My UA Ox has the Classic Lead 80 in it. (It doesn't have a C90.) When I pulled out my Les Paul P90 today, I did a little speaker comparison. The Classic Lead 80 is definitely more neutral. The thing that really jumped out at me was the bass emphasis that comes with the Greenbacks & Vintage 30s that's not there with the Lead 80.
My Les Paul is a perfect match with my old Marshall. I have to work it a bit with my Z's. And, with my Ghia, it can sound fuzzy on the bottom end. If you asked me what my favorite Celestion might be, I'd definitely respond Greenback since that's my 'go to' with my Z's and my Strat. But, the Lead 80 gave me my Les Paul sound. I'm not sure why I never tried it before with the UA Ox. But, there it was. It's kind of raw and just sounds good.
So, it just reminded me that getting your speaker (and amp, guitar, effects, etc) to produce 'your sound' isn't a preset that you just call up. I get why you like the C90 for your sound. Cool!
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Post by LT on Nov 29, 2022 15:40:36 GMT -7
Timely AMA. And yes, of course we've all heard bad tones that the player thought was fine. I meant that if a piece of gear delivers what you hear in your head, then it's good. It certainly sounds like you have found your Remedy's mate. FWIW when I had my Rem, I used a Creamback M in a Z 1-12 and it sounded great IMO.
Here ya go:
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