Marshall 4×12 20W (Celestion G12-M Greenback)
Marshall Amplification · 1966
What It Is
The Marshall 4×12 loaded with Celestion G12-M (Greenback) speakers is one of the most historically significant guitar cabinets ever made. The Celestion G12-M is a 20-watt 12-inch speaker with a distinctive warm, slightly compressed character — very different from the modern Celestion Vintage 30 or G12-65. The Greenback gets its nickname from the green magnet cover on the back of the speaker. These speakers were used extensively in Marshall cabinets of the late 1960s and early 1970s, meaning they are the speakers heard on Led Zeppelin, Cream, and Black Sabbath recordings.
Tonal Character
Warm, slightly compressed, and harmonically complex. The G12-M's 20-watt rating means it works harder (and contributes more character) at moderate volumes. The midrange has a rich, chewy quality more prominent than the neutral G12-65 or the aggressive Vintage 30. Bass is tight but with more warmth and bloom than a V30-loaded cab. Treble response is smooth rather than cutting. This cabinet contributes audible character to the signal — it's a 'colored' cabinet in the best sense.
Found In
| Platform | Model Names |
|---|---|
| HeadRush | 4X12 GREEN 20W |
Videos
Manual
Manual not yet available — check back soon.
Famous Uses
- →Jimmy Page — Led Zeppelin
- →Eric Clapton — Cream era
- →Tony Iommi — Black Sabbath
- →Pete Townshend — The Who