• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Joe Bonamassa's/Eric Johnson's Mystery Celestion Speaker

Django2014

New member
Joined
Sep 24, 2014
Messages
330
So between reading some posts the JB has written on this very forum, and watching a few interviews with Eric Johnson, it seems that they both prefer Celestion Speakers in their rigs, JB in his 50's Twins and Eric in his 4x12's (mainly for lead, although I think he now uses his signature Eminence speakers).

From the descriptions they have both given I believe they both use the same or at least similar models. It sounds like the speaker in question is some sort of 80 Watt from the late-70's to 80's

Anyone have any idea what model it might be?
 

jwalker

Les Paul Forum Sponsor
Joined
Dec 10, 2004
Messages
2,592
I caught a quick look at the speakers in one of Joe's Tweed Twins after the show. I could be wrong but I think they were new Celestion Seventy 80's.
 

Adevalera

New member
Joined
Feb 18, 2015
Messages
85
I caught a quick look at the speakers in one of Joe's Tweed Twins after the show. I could be wrong but I think they were new Celestion Seventy 80's.



I'm 99% sure they're Seventy 80's...I overheard Mike Hickey talking to a crowd member after a Bonamassa show about speakers. I didn't quite catch exactly what he said they were (almost positive he said Seventy 80's)..but I do distinctly remember Mike saying they were Chinese made.
 

JBLPplayer

Active member
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Messages
1,136
I use the 80 watt Celestions in my high powers. New outta the box and they sound great. I'm not sure what Eric uses these days.
 

duaneflowers

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
I never paid much attention to the 70/80s... I'll have to give them another listen to. There is a set that came stock in my Blackstar HTV-212 Cab that I was gonna swap out for something 'better'... I will definitely give them another chance first... I mainly use it as an extension cab on my TRRI alongside the stock Jensen C-12Ks when I need to blow the windows out of wherever I happen to be... they are rather handy that way... :spabout
 

MrFender

New member
Joined
Jan 27, 2015
Messages
17
I use the 80 watt Celestions in my high powers. New outta the box and they sound great. I'm not sure what Eric uses these days.


Joe....what are you using for speakers in your tweed bassmans? I read in Premier Guitar that you have one original speaker in each bassman and the other 3 are celestions. What model? Is this for purposes of tone or just necessity of speakers lasting through the tour?

I just bought a mint one owner 1959 bassman so I'm curious!
 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Joe....what are you using for speakers in your tweed bassmans? I read in Premier Guitar that you have one original speaker in each bassman and the other 3 are celestions. What model? Is this for purposes of tone or just necessity of speakers lasting through the tour?

I just bought a mint one owner 1959 bassman so I'm curious!


You know I hate you now? You just moved to the top of my list? You ain't got it unless you post pictures, so

PONY UP BUCKO!
 

MrFender

New member
Joined
Jan 27, 2015
Messages
17


Also curious what Joe or other folks with experience are using for tubes. The amp had original tubes except power tubes and V1 replaced with modern tubes. I want to switch those to the ideal NOS tubes.
 

Dishimyuh

Active member
Joined
Nov 4, 2005
Messages
1,206
I believe that originally those were equipped with Tung-Sol 5881's in the power section.
 

MrFender

New member
Joined
Jan 27, 2015
Messages
17
One more cool photo I took today. The amp just came in the mail last night but is in better condition than I was expecting. I bought it from a 93yr old widow who's husband played it the past 50+ years. Big thank you to Charlie D who helped me with Bonamassa's speaker choice for the bassman. I'm gonna spend some time with the stock speakers then maybe try the celestions.


 

renderit

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
One more cool photo I took today. The amp just came in the mail last night but is in better condition than I was expecting. I bought it from a 93yr old widow who's husband played it the past 50+ years. Big thank you to Charlie D who helped me with Bonamassa's speaker choice for the bassman. I'm gonna spend some time with the stock speakers then maybe try the celestions.



Ohhhhhh! Now I really hate you...
 

GuitarMikey

Active member
Joined
Mar 1, 2013
Messages
910
What i want to know is how a 93 year old woman was able to pack and ship that amplifier :##
 

JRiggio

New member
Joined
Mar 24, 2015
Messages
10
One more cool photo I took today. The amp just came in the mail last night but is in better condition than I was expecting. I bought it from a 93yr old widow who's husband played it the past 50+ years. Big thank you to Charlie D who helped me with Bonamassa's speaker choice for the bassman. I'm gonna spend some time with the stock speakers then maybe try the celestions.


So...what is the Celestion speaker choice for the Bassmans?
 

somebodyelseuk

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 10, 2020
Messages
454
I caught a quick look at the speakers in one of Joe's Tweed Twins after the show. I could be wrong but I think they were new Celestion Seventy 80's.
I saw a photo of the back of one of his cabs a couple of years ago showing the same.
 
Top