Need Advice For New Speakers

[RocknRoll5]

Have a Metro JTM45, currently have a 2x12 cab with a Celestion mix - a Vintage 30 and a G12H30. New speakers have been on the list, and I'm thinking its time to upgrade.

I play in a rock/blues band. Love that natural distortion, really after that classic rock tone. I like the BB King type blues tone but favor the rock n roll blues sound the most.

After some research I'm thinking of Scumbacks, H series. Thoughts?

Also, any recommendations on wattage? Thinking I should get the 65 watt speakers, but wanted to get some opinions. Also, any recommendations on which Scumback H series speakers to get?

Thanks, really appreciate it

[toner]

I have Scumback H55/H75 mix in a 2x12 that sounds great! I have no complaints whatsoever. They just sound right to me. They're 65w (130 total). The 55 has more bass and less mids than the 75. If you play strat/tele it's a great mix. If you only use humbuckers you may want two 75's.

If you're used to new Celestions, these will have a warmer, fatter tone. The high-end can still be bright if you want it but without the ice pick. They have a strong midrange growl that works great for classic rock, blues, even country cleans sound pretty good. The only thing I probably wouldn't recommend them for is modern metal but they may work for that. I've never played a super high-gain amp through them.

If you don't dime your JTM45, you might get by with two 30 watts but that might be pushing it. I'd recommend two 65w.

[RocknRoll5]

1) I typically run my amp at 1/2 power for shows. I can't remember the wattage on the vintage 30, but I'm pretty sure the G12H30 is 30 watts....been fine, but from what I see the Scumbacks are the same price for 30 or 65 watts, so I guess I should just get the 65 watts to be safe?

2) The 2x12 is currently wired in parallel, both speakers are 16 ohms, so it makes an 8 ohm cab. If I get two 16 ohm Scumbacks, would it be ok to just switch out the speakers? Seems like it should be but I figured I'd ask...

3) Also, wired this way (in parallel), from what I understand: The wattage from the 2 speakers is added. So, two 30 watt speakers wired in parallel equals 60 watts handling for the cab, correct? This would be enough for how I run my amp, the JTM45 puts out in the 50's when dimed, which I never do. Typically run it at the 1/2, which puts out in the 30's....so a 60 watt cab would be fine. (which I guess is what I'm doing now lol). Would you say there would be any tonal difference in getting the two 30 watts vs the two 65 watts?

4) I use a Fender Strat and a Gibson SG, so I've got both the single coil and humbucker options....maybe a mix, or what would you recommend?

Lol, sry for so many questions lol....like with the tubes I'm still learning about this stuff Btw I've been very happy with the tubes from tubetramp, I'll have to figure out a way to get some audio on here

Thanks!

[toner]

Jim from Scumback says the higher wattage speakers have slightly more bass and less treble than the lower ones. You should be fine with two 30w but you may want two 65w in case you use the cab with a higher powered amp.

I went with a mix because Jim recommended it. I had never mixed speakers before but I've been very happy with them. I mainly use single coils so the 55 probably helps the bass response.

Regarding cab wattage: Cab watts = lowest watt speaker times the number of speakers so yes, your current cab would be 60w. Series vs. parallel doesn't affect wattage.

Series vs. parallel:
You may want to run two 8 ohms in series so you can use the 16 ohm out of your amp. Some people think that using the full winding of the OT sounds better but it's probably a minimal difference, if any. The advantage of parallel wiring is that if one speaker blows, the other keeps working.

Also, I've read that parallel can have more damping for a tighter sound where series can sound/feel looser. I haven't compared this personally, just something I read in a book.

[908ssp]

That combo toner suggested is a great sounding pair. Another thought is to go with the Scumnicos a sweeter softer tone than the H's but a terrific Blues speaker that I love with my JTM 45 amps.

[SB Monster]

I have Scumback H55/H75 mix in a 2x12 that sounds great!

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