Mesa Celestion C90?

[michael c]

Anyone know what 'regular' Celestion this speaker sounds similar to? Any opinions on what this speakers sounds like and is best suited for?

Thanks.

[rockon1]

Originally Posted by michael c

Anyone know what 'regular' Celestion this speaker sounds similar to? Any opinions on what this speakers sounds like and is best suited for?

Thanks.

I believe its based on a Classic Lead 80. Dont know how it sounds though.

[scottywompas]

There's one in my MKIV. It sounds OK to me although I'm not the biggest celestion fan. I just havn't had the time to put an EV in that sucker (not to mention the MKIV already weighs a ton and the EV isn't light)

It has more mid range than the EV's Im used to. IT doesn't seem to break up much on its own. Overall I don't think it's a bad speaker.

Scott

[aleclee]

Originally Posted by rockon1

I believe its based on a Classic Lead 80.

Yup

[1973Marshall]

I seriously feel it sounds like a CL80 - only it's browner, looser, and sweeter, with a nice top that shines with some roll off in the brights.

I prefer it to the CL80.

[medwards1969]

It makes a Fender sound just slightly darker. This is partly why the Lonestar is viewed as slightly darker, in some contexts. It does not explain the issues about the dark lead channel on it, though. Personally I like them, as I think a Stratocaster sounds too shrill for me in general. I like the Les Paul sound even though it has less ability to take on effects.

[John Phillips]

It's not actually based on a CL80.

Both the MC90 and the CL80 are based on the old G12-80 model from the 1980s. The MC90 is closer to the G12-80 than the CL80 is, IMO - there is at least one major construction difference between the CL80 and the other two, which is that both the G12-80 and the MC90 have vented magnets, and the CL80 doesn't. (Celestion say that the CL80 is the same as the G12-80, but I don't know why they say that - since it's quite obviously not, either physically or tonally.)

I agree with 1973Marshall - the MC90 sounds chunkier, richer and more resonant than the CL80, which is tighter, harder and has a slightly metallic top-end. I also prefer the MC90 - it's my favorite Celestion in fact.

[LSchefman]

>>I agree with 1973Marshall - the MC90 sounds chunkier, richer and more resonant than the CL80, which is tighter, harder and has a slightly metallic top-end. I also prefer the MC90 - it's my favorite Celestion in fact.<<

I agree, too. Perfect description of this speaker.

I've run a Mesa 3/4 back 112 loaded with one of these with my TR for close to a year. More of a rock speaker than the smoother TR 12-65, but not shrill like a V-30 can be.

I would like to try a Celestion gold with my TR, but haven't seen 'em pop up in stores yet.

[michael c]

How different sounding is it from a G12H30 Anniv? Is it that 'vibe' rather than say a Greenback 25 watt?

[ericb]

Originally Posted by michael c

How different sounding is it from a G12H30 Anniv? Is it that 'vibe' rather than say a Greenback 25 watt?

Hi , the MC90 is not the vibe of a g12h30 70th anniversary , original g12h30 , or a GB.. It's most definitely a higher wattage speaker , solid as can be , pretty well balanced , not quite as bright as a g12h30 , handles hi-gain GREAT as opposed to g12h30's and g12m's. The hi-end is different than both too... The closest speakers I've played to MC90's are the Rivera/Celestion G12t-85 (they're hard to come by , except in some Rivera amps) and /or the 80['s ROLA G12-80's.... NOt the Classic 80's and not the G12H80's. It also shares some in common with a Vintage 30 as in it handles hi-gain great, but it has better cleans with many amps than the V30's. There's my experience.. I got no better adjectives!

Eric

[ericb]

Originally Posted by John Phillips

It's not actually based on a CL80.

Both the MC90 and the CL80 are based on the old G12-80 model from the 1980s. The MC90 is closer to the G12-80 than the CL80 is, IMO - there is at least one major construction difference between the CL80 and the other two, which is that both the G12-80 and the MC90 have vented magnets, and the CL80 doesn't. (Celestion say that the CL80 is the same as the G12-80, but I don't know why they say that - since it's quite obviously not, either physically or tonally.)

I agree with 1973Marshall - the MC90 sounds chunkier, richer and more resonant than the CL80, which is tighter, harder and has a slightly metallic top-end. I also prefer the MC90 - it's my favorite Celestion in fact.

I posted my post above without reading the full thread, and then I read this. I agree with John's description very much. I don't always prefer the MC90 over the Cl80 though. I have a few amps where the CL80 is perfect.

Eric

[KRosser]

Originally Posted by 1973Marshall

I seriously feel it sounds like a CL80 - only it's browner, looser, and sweeter, with a nice top that shines with some roll off in the brights.

I like this description!

I like it very much in my old Mark 1 re-ish....

[boonhogganbeck]

I didn't care for it in my F-50. I replaced it with a Emi Red White and Blues, and I like that much better.

[Lashing]

I bought an mesa combo cab which had just the speaker in it. Its a VINTAGE Black SHadow with the VINTAGE in big bold letters up top. Only other markings is VS-12.

This speaker works for me. It sounds great. I have no idea what this speaker actually is but i have a collection of Celestions here and none sound like it at all.

Anybody?

[zombiwoof]

Celestion used to make the 90 watt speaker in their regular line, when Celestion discontinued it Mesa had them continue to manufacture them for their use. I got that info from Mesa at the time.

Al