My 10" speakers really "beamy"

[SteadyEddie]

Help! I've got a Marshall 1965A 4x10" cabinet loaded with the stock G10L-35 speakers.
I'm finding that it has these slicing highs when you're in front of the cabinet.

I've tried Weber Beam Blockers (did weird things to the sound) and made some DIY Tone Bras (like Beam Blockers but has foam in the center to absorb highs instead of reflecting them back to the cone) which improved things a bit.

I've made the Jay Mitchell foam donuts but I think I misread the directions and made the center hole 3" instead of 2". The donuts seemed to help a bit but not quite as effective as the DIY Tone Bras I'm using now.

Maybe it's just me. I like the sound of these speakers, but the treble spike is a bit much. This is my first closed-back cabinet so maybe it's a function of closed-back speakers?

Maybe I should just point the damn thing away from everyone? Not sure what is normal or not here, so give me some advice.

Thanks,
Ed

[jnewlyn]

I have two of these cabs. Actually, 1965B, straights. These things kill. I love them. I don't notice that they are any more beamy than my 4X12. I mean, all cabs are to an extent. The 4X10 isn't going to move as much of the low's freq's as the 4X12 so in theory, this beamy effect may be slightly enhanced in comparison.

[SteadyEddie]

I loaded Celestion G10 Greenbacks into my cab, and it sounds a lot less beamy, the speakers are also a bit darker so I can run my amp's presence and treble up more and it gives me more sustain and touch sensitivity that way.
I'd like to hear the 1965B, see if the straight cab sounds deeper than the angle cab. I bet it does, a bit.

[jnewlyn]

I loaded Celestion G10 Greenbacks into my cab, and it sounds a lot less beamy, the speakers are also a bit darker so I can run my amp's presence and treble up more and it gives me more sustain and touch sensitivity that way.
I'd like to hear the 1965B, see if the straight cab sounds deeper than the angle cab. I bet it does, a bit.

I've always wondered about those 10" Greenbacks. Would you say they are an improvement to your cabs tone?

[SteadyEddie]

They have this tight bottom end chunk I really like and the upper mids are darker and smoother. I like them a lot but they have to be broken in. I like these speakers more and more as I play them.

[jnewlyn]

They have this tight bottom end chunk I really like and the upper mids are darker and smoother. I like them a lot but they have to be broken in. I like these speakers more and more as I play them.

Nice. Maybe one day I'll give them a go as well. The original G10L-35's are tough to beat though. Pretty much handle anything you throw at them. They just feel a little quicker in response.

[SteadyEddie]

The greenbacks are quick in response as well. I think it's a 10" thing
When you're riffing on the bottom strings, it has this nice tight resonant chunk that I can't get enough of. It does sound more consistent around the front of the cabinet, as well. Definitely less beamy. It has a 1 3/4" voice coil, compared to the G10L-35's, 1 1/2" voice coil. I think this is part of the darker and smoother sound.
Now here's a little secret. Celestion has a speaker that's almost identical but a lot cheaper. It's the G10N-40.
Compare the specs, it's identical. They have the same "soft parts" in the speaker but the greenback is stamped steel and made in England, the G10N has a cast metal basket and is made in China.
It was an OEM speaker for Orange, who loved the sound of the Greenback but wanted something more cost effective to put in their amps.
I spent the cash and went for the Greenbacks, but the G10N is supposed to be really close for a fraction of the price.

[jnewlyn]

That's a nice little tid bit there. I'll remember that.

[Scumback Speakers]

I've actually got four 10" Greenbacks coming my way soon. One of my clients had them in a cab that I heard earlier this year, and liked them. When I discontinued my 10" line I opted for getting four of those.

[jnewlyn]

I've actually got four 10" Greenbacks coming my way soon. One of my clients had them in a cab that I heard earlier this year, and liked them. When I discontinued my 10" line I opted for getting four of those.

We shall expect a full detailed report. Will you be able to A/B them with the stock G10L-35's?

[Scumback Speakers]

We shall expect a full detailed report. Will you be able to A/B them with the stock G10L-35's?

Sorry, I never liked the G10L speakers I heard, so I don't have any to compare.

[jnewlyn]

Fair enough.

[SteadyEddie]

One thing about the Celestion G10 Greenbacks is that you're gonna have to break them in. I'm sure that won't be an issue for someone who does that kinda stuff for a living
I think mine still have some breaking in to do. I've used a program called burninwave generator or something like that. I just fed the signal from my computer to the input of my amp. Ran a 60hz signal for a few hours and then did a slow sweep of the upper frequencies for a while. Stuck a heavy blanket in front of the cabinet and went mow the lawn. Then did 3 or 4 band rehearsals, I was sure it was pretty broken in but it keeps sounding a little better to me every time I plug in. So I might run a few more hours of the program when I get back home...