July 15

Best Guitar Speakers of 2024: Find Your Perfect Tone

Ever been to a friend’s gig, excited for a great night of music, only to be let down by the awful sound coming from their speakers? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like listening to your favorite classic rock band through a phone speaker. But guess what could have saved that gig? The best guitar speakers.

Choosing the right guitar speaker is a big deal. It’s essential for getting that perfect tone you’ve been chasing for years. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, the right guitar speaker can make all the difference in both practice sessions and live performances.

Our guide doesn’t just list our top guitar speakers of 2024. We’ll also walk you through key considerations, detailed reviews, and expert tips to help you find the perfect match for your unique sound preferences and needs. We approach each guitar speaker with the same passion you bring to your music, ensuring you can choose with confidence.

So, let’s get started and find the perfect speaker for you!

Why Guitar Speakers Matter

Guitar speakers play a huge role in sound quality. They shape the tone and character of your guitar, making a huge difference in how your music comes across. The right speaker can bring out the brightness, warmth, crunch, and more, transforming your instrument’s sound.

You’ll also notice how speakers respond to your playing style. They react to your picking dynamics and volume changes, highlighting the subtle nuances in your performance.

Different speaker types complement various genres, too. For instance, clean tones work great for blues, while high gain suits metal. So, the right speaker choice can be crucial for capturing the perfect sound in your music.

Best Guitar Speakers

We’ve put together a list of the best guitar speakers to help you upgrade your sound. Check them out below!

Best Overall – Celestion Vintage 30 Guitar Speaker

Upgrade your sound with this remarkable guitar speaker, perfect for various genres and playing styles.

Pros

  • Exceptional clarity and warmth
  • Versatile for different playing styles
  • Famous vocal mid-range richness

Cons

  • Takes time to break in
  • May not suit all amplifier brands
  • Slightly pricier than alternatives

The Celestion Vintage 30 Guitar Speaker impressed us with its amazing tonal quality. No wonder it’s one of the world’s best-selling premium guitar speakers.

With a warm low-end, rich vocal mid-range, and beautifully detailed top-end, this speaker is perfect for a variety of genres and playing styles. It pairs well with both hand-wired boutique amps and those crunchier vintage sounds.

Powerful and capable of handling high gain, the Vintage 30 is an excellent choice for modern rock guitarists. Its sensitivity of 100dB makes it ideal for use with high-gain valve amplifiers. If you’re looking for a new guitar speaker with unmatched tone and versatility, the Celestion Vintage 30 is worth checking out.

Keep in mind that you might need to experiment with different amp settings to find your perfect tone. At 10.4 pounds, this speaker is relatively lightweight and easy to install. While it’s priced a bit higher than some alternatives, its outstanding sound quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment.

Overall, we highly recommend the Celestion Vintage 30 Guitar Speaker for its rich and detailed tone. It’s a fantastic upgrade for musicians wanting to elevate their sound.

Best for Classic Rock – Celestion G12M Greenback Guitar Speaker

You should consider this speaker for its classic tone and superb mid-range crunch.

Pros

  • Original Celestion ceramic magnet speaker
  • Beautiful break-up and mid-range crunch
  • Ideal for modern high gain amplification

Cons

  • Limited to 25-watt power handling
  • Not waterproof
  • Meant for adult age range

The Celestion G12M Greenback 12″ speaker has been a favorite of legendary musicians like Angus Young of AC/DC. While its tone has evolved over time, it still delivers that classic sound that made it famous.

One of the key features of this speaker is its ability to bring drive and definition to modern high-gain amps. Its well-controlled low-end allows it to work well in low-powered amps and even better in multiples for high-power rock heads. When it comes to chords, you’ll love the forward, punchy attitude this speaker provides. Plus, it gives your lead tone a searing edge without any fizz.

Whether you’re an aspiring musician or just looking to upgrade your gear, the Celestion G12M Greenback is a fantastic choice. Its unique sound and compatibility with various amplifiers make it a versatile and reliable option for any guitarist. Just keep in mind its 25-watt power handling, so it might not be for everyone. Overall, we think it’s a great addition to your musical arsenal and well worth the investment.

Best Value – Eminence GA-SC64 Guitar Speaker

We truly believe this Eminence speaker offers great value and sound for any musician.

Pros

  • George Alessandro vintage voicing
  • Dynamic and balanced tone
  • Warm, rich sound

Cons

  • Not waterproof
  • Basic look
  • Limited to 40 watts

The Eminence GA-SC64 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a balanced, dynamic guitar speaker. Designed by renowned amp guru George Alessandro, this 12-inch speaker delivers a tight, punchy tone with warmth and richness.

The GA-SC64 is built with alloy steel and has a 40-watt output power. It features passive amplification, which means it doesn’t require an external power source to operate. The speaker also offers sparkling highs that complement its warm lows, making for an overall well-rounded sound.

If quality sound is your priority, the GA-SC64 is a solid investment. Give it a try and hear the difference it can make to your sound.

Best for Small Cabinets – Celestion G10 Gold Guitar Speaker

Upgrade your sound with this top-notch speaker for an incredible audio experience.

Pros

  • Impressive tone
  • Dynamic range
  • High-quality build

Cons

  • A bit pricey
  • May need break-in time
  • Limited to 10″ size

The Celestion G10 Gold Guitar Speaker can elevate your guitar setup with its powerful, crystal-clear sound. Its tonal quality and dynamic range set it apart from the competition.

While it might be on the pricier side, the investment is worth it for serious musicians. From the moment we installed this speaker in our amp, we noticed a significant improvement in sound quality. The highs are bright, the lows are solid, and the overall tone is rich and full.

Keep in mind that this speaker is limited to a 10″ size, so make sure it will fit your amp before purchasing.

If you want to upgrade your guitar setup and achieve fantastic sound quality, the Celestion G10 Gold Guitar Speaker is a great choice. It offers excellent tonal quality, dynamic range, and a high-quality build, making it a top pick for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Best for Blues – CELESTION T5953 Creamback Guitar Speaker

Grab this speaker for its vintage tones and warmth, perfect for every amp type.

Pros

  • 90-watt power rating
  • Warm, high-definition sound
  • Suits amps from 1 to 90 watts

Cons

  • Weighs 9.3 pounds
  • May be too large for some
  • Slightly pricey compared to others

The CELESTION T5953 Creamback speaker bring vintage vibes to your sound. It’s excellent for preserving the rich alnico essence, even when it’s cranking out 90 watts of power.

We also noticed that the Celestion Cream produces warm lows and a delightful bell-like chime. It’s perfect for a laid-back attack, and the smooth mids add a high-definition quality to the vocal range.

No need to worry about compatibility with your amp. The Creamback is designed to work with various amps, from 1-watt to 90-watts. We loved the satisfying warmth, detailed expressiveness, and musicality it offers, even at low power levels.

Just a heads up, though! At 9.3 pounds, this speaker might be a bit bulky for some setups. Plus, it can be a tad pricey if you’re on a budget. But we genuinely believe the rich, vintage sound makes it worth the investment.

Best for Versatility – CELESTION G12M-65 Creamback Guitar Speaker

You’ll love this speaker for its well-rounded sound and improved tone quality.

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Easy installation
  • Handles more power than Greenback

Cons

  • Slightly pricier option
  • May require break-in period
  • Not waterproof

The CELESTION G12M-65 Creamback is a 12-inch, 8-ohm, 65-watt guitar speaker that enhances the familiar tone of the legendary Greenback while handling more power. It’s perfect for upgrading or replacing your current speaker and is a solid investment for any musician.

When it comes to sound quality, the Creamback doesn’t disappoint. It offers a fuller, well-rounded tone that tames harsh high frequencies. When we used it with our Vox clone amp, we noticed a significant improvement in audio output.

Keep in mind, though, that the Creamback is a bit pricier than some other options. But we believe it’s worth every penny for the exceptional tonal improvement.

Best Budget – Eminence Patriot Cannabis Rex 12″ Guitar Speaker

You’ll love this speaker for its clean, full sound with body and high-end definition.

Pros

  • Hemp cone creates unique tone
  • Versatile for diverse music styles
  • High-quality sound at 50 Watts

Cons

  • May not suit heavier genres
  • Limited power for large venues
  • Not waterproof

The Eminence Patriot Cannabis Rex 12″ Guitar Speaker, with its hemp cone and 50 watts of power, delivers a clean, full sound that can handle various music styles.

It’s perfect for country, jazz, and classical music lovers. Whether you’re playing on stage or in your bedroom, you’ll appreciate its excellent sound quality. However, if you’re into heavier genres like metal, this speaker might not be the best fit.

We noticed its 50-watt output might be a limitation for larger venues. But for smaller gigs or practice sessions, it’s perfect.

Overall, the Eminence Patriot Cannabis Rex 12″ Guitar Speaker is an excellent choice for musicians looking for a versatile speaker with a unique tone. Give it a go and experience its exceptional sound quality firsthand.

Best for Metal – Eminence Patriot Swamp Thang 12″ Guitar Speaker

You should definitely consider this speaker for a powerful tone and impressive performance.

Pros

  • Big bottom end
  • Thick and chunky tone
  • Good sustain

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Takes time to break in
  • Not ideal for all genres

The Eminence Patriot Swamp Thang 12″ guitar speaker offers a powerful sound with a big bottom end and a thick, chunky tone that really stands out.

This speaker is especially great for blues, rock, and jazz genres. If you’re looking for a powerful and reliable speaker to enhance your music, this one’s a solid choice. It’s weight is nearly 12 pounds so if you need something lighter, this might not be the best option.

But all in all, the Eminence Patriot Swamp Thang 12″ guitar speaker is a reliable and powerful option for musicians wanting to elevate their blues, rock, or jazz sound.

Best for Vintage British Tone – CELESTION Blue Guitar Speaker

For an iconic and versatile British Invasion sound, the CELESTION Blue is your go-to speaker.

Pros

  • First-ever purpose-built guitar speaker
  • Famous warm lows, mellow mids, and bell-like highs
  • Used by legendary guitarists like Brian May

Cons

  • Not ideal for heavy distortion or overdrive
  • Higher price compared to other speakers
  • Some customers received opened or returned items

The CELESTION Blue has been a standard for superb sound quality since the early days of electric guitar amps. Found in Vox AC30 amps, it’s known for its legendary tone.

Installation is a breeze. Just swap it into your current cabinet or build a new one, and you’ll experience its unique sound. Warm lows, mellow upper-mids, and sparkling highs are just some of the tonal qualities you’ll enjoy. This speaker truly excels when paired with a suitable amplifier, bringing out the best in your guitar.

However, the CELESTION Blue may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re into heavier distortion or overdriven tones, this speaker might not suit your style.

Overall, the CELESTION Blue Guitar Speaker is a fantastic choice for those seeking vintage, British-invasion tones. Its rich sound quality is ideal for clean and mildly overdriven styles but may not be suited to heavy distortion. Though on the pricier side, it’s a solid investment for legendary guitar speaker performance.

Best for Dynamic Control – CELESTION Gold Guitar Speaker

You should consider this speaker for its impressive dynamic control and fantastic sound quality.

Pros

  • Exceptional dynamic control
  • Warm and complex midrange
  • Suitable for various music styles

Cons

  • Expensive price tag
  • Takes time to break-in
  • Limited to 50-watt output

The CELESTION Gold 12-inch Alnico-magnet speaker not only boasts a warm and complex midrange, but it also excels in providing guitarists with exceptional dynamic control.

While testing, we noticed that the speaker softened high frequencies and produced a satisfying, rounded low end. This results in substantial rhythm voicings and saturated vocal lead tones. It’s perfect for musicians working in diverse music genres.

Although the Gold is pricier than other guitar speakers, the quality justifies the cost. Keep in mind that this 50-watt speaker might not be suitable for those looking for an extremely high-powered option. Despite this, the CELESTION Gold Guitar Speaker remains a favorite among guitarists worldwide due to its outstanding sound.

If you’re looking to enhance your guitar’s sound with rich, dynamic tones, the CELESTION Gold is well worth the investment.

Best for High Power Handling – Celestion G12H-75 Creamback Guitar Speaker

You’ll love this speaker for its power, tonal balance, and amazing performance.

Pros

  • Delivers 75-watt power handling
  • Tighter low end and punchy high end
  • Perfect for lead guitar and 4×12 cabs

Cons

  • Slightly heavy at 10.4 lbs
  • No waterproofing feature
  • Limited to 70-5000Hz frequency range

The Celestion G12H-75 Creamback is a powerful, high-quality speaker that you’ve been looking for. It’s known for its impressive 75-watt power handling capacity, delivering that unmistakable G12H tone with a firm bass and more pronounced high end. This speaker has a tighter low end and more dynamic high end compared to the G12M-65 Creamback, making it stand out among its competitors.

One of the most exceptional features about this speaker is its highly articulate and vocal character. It’s perfect for highlighting lead guitar and sounding fantastic when loaded into a 4×12 cab.

This speaker is on the heavier side at 10.4 lbs, which might affect cabinet weight. But if you’re after a powerful, punchy guitar speaker that delivers exceptional performance, the Celestion G12H-75 Creamback is definitely worth considering. You won’t be disappointed!

What to Look For When Buying a Guitar Speaker

Understanding speaker specifications is crucial for achieving the sound you want. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a guitar speaker, helping you make informed choices based on our “Best Guitar Speakers” recommendations.

Wattage and Power Handling

The speaker’s wattage (power handling capacity) needs to be compatible with your amp’s wattage to avoid speaker damage. A basic wattage range for common 10″ and 12″ speakers will typically vary between 20 to 75 watts. Different wattage ratings affect tone and volume – higher wattage often offers cleaner tones at high volumes, while lower wattage may break up more quickly, resulting in natural distortion.

Speaker Size

Speaker size affects the overall tone. For instance, 10″ speakers generally produce brighter sounds, while 12″ speakers give you fuller sounds. In addition, smaller speakers are more portable, making them better suited for on-the-go musicians.

Impedance

Impedance refers to electrical resistance. It’s crucial that it matches your amp’s impedance for optimal performance. Common impedance ratings include 4 ohms and 8 ohms. Make sure to choose the correct impedance for your setup, as mismatched impedance can damage both the amp and the speaker.

Speaker Sensitivity and Frequency Range

Sensitivity affects perceived loudness. The higher the sensitivity, the louder your speaker will sound at a given wattage. Frequency range relates to the audible tones the speaker can reproduce. These specs influence the speaker’s performance and sound output, so it’s important to find sensitivity and frequency range suitable for your needs.

Speaker Configuration

Choosing between single and multiple speaker cabinets impacts your tone. Single speaker cabinets usually deliver tighter sounds, while multiple speaker cabinets provide fuller sounds. Consider your tonal preferences when deciding on a speaker configuration.

Magnet Types: Alnico vs. Ceramic

Alnico and Ceramic magnets have different tonal characteristics. Alnico magnets are known for their warm tones, while Ceramic magnets are brighter and more aggressive. Keep these differences in mind to find the magnet type best suited for your desired sound.

Cabinet Design

Finally, cabinet material and construction can also influence the overall sound. Typically, closed-back cabinets produce tighter sounds, while open-back cabinets offer more breath and resonance. Just like with other factors, your choice depends on your desired tone.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered some of the best guitar speakers out there, and for us, the Celestion Vintage 30 is the best overall.

When choosing, keep your musical style and budget in mind because no two speakers are alike. Everyone has unique preferences, so try out different speakers to see what you like best. Whether you’re a studio musician, live performer, or a hobbyist playing at home, your requirements might vary.

We’d love to hear about your speaker experiences. Share your stories in the comments below. Everyone’s journey is different, so let’s learn from each other and enjoy the quest for that perfect sound together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different speaker brands in one cabinet?

Yes, you can mix different speaker brands in one cabinet, but there are some key considerations for optimal performance. It’s important to match speaker impedance (ohms) with your amp. Speakers should have similar wattage ratings and ideally complement each other tonally (e.g., warm vs. bright speakers might clash). We recommend researching individual speaker specs and user reviews to assess compatibility before mixing brands.

Should guitar speaker wattage be higher than amp?

No, your guitar speaker wattage ideally shouldn’t be higher than your amp’s wattage. Exceeding the amp’s wattage can damage the speaker. Some speakers can handle slightly more wattage (headroom), but it’s best to stay within a safe range (e.g., 80-100% of amp wattage). We recommend matching or going slightly below your amp’s wattage for optimal performance and speaker longevity.

What makes a good guitar speaker?

Several factors contribute to a good guitar speaker, depending on your desired sound. Key factors include:

  • Wattage and impedance: Matching your amp for safety and performance.
  • Speaker size: (e.g., 10″ for brighter sounds, 12″ for fuller sounds).
  • Magnet type: (e.g., Alnico for warmer tones, Ceramic for brighter and more aggressive tones).
  • Sensitivity: Affecting perceived loudness.
  • Frequency response: The range of audible tones the speaker can reproduce.
  • Construction materials: Cabinet material and design can influence the overall sound.

A good speaker should also be reliable and durable.

Do guitar speakers make a difference?

Absolutely! Guitar speakers play a significant role in shaping your overall tone. Speakers affect characteristics like:

  • Warmth vs. Brightness: Different speakers emphasize different frequency ranges.
  • Breakup: How the speaker distorts when pushed, impacting overdrive and distortion sounds.
  • Dynamics: How well the speaker responds to different picking strengths.

While other factors like pickups and pedals contribute to tone, the speaker is the final translator of your playing into sound.

Related Buyer’s Guide


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