• Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Topic: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

Hi!
I thought I'd keep you posted about my amp history. I was the one who asked Joe about either choosing a vintage Fender Bassman head or a JTM45 a couple of months ago. I eventually took the plunge after Joe pleaded for the JTM45 and ordered a Metro JTM45. It is now complete and a working beast. I can't compare it to an original 1966 JTM45 but it truly puts the Marshall reissue model to shame! I had a rehearsal yesterday and really nailed that One of These Days tone, it was amazing! Metro provides a really awesome kit and the sound is world class, no doubt about that!

Anyway, I play it with a 1X15 cab and I'd like to change that if you think it might be any good. I think it's a little too bassy and lacking in dynamics with a 15" speaker. Obviously the Metro website only sells Greenbacks, but I'd rather trust Joe and you guys as to what speaker I should get. I'm thinking of a 2X12 cab (I only play small to medium venues ranging from 50 to 200 people) loaded with 2 EVM12-L speakers... And last question, do I get a straight or a slant cab? If I remember well Joe uses only straight cabs... What do you think?
Thanks!:)

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

I have a pair of these http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/scumnico.html#s12
Clones of the Silver Alnico speaker. Great for the 60s JTM45 tone (Clapton's Beano tone). Otherwise I'd go with Greenbacks.

  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

Those scumnicos look cool! That may be an answer! I wonder how they sound compared to the EVM12-L's...
The problem with greenbacks is that they're only 25 watts. Thta' perfect for a 4X12 configuration, but it must be a problem with a 2X12 cab... Only 50 watts of speakers for a JTM45 is not enough, am I wrong?

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

I'd probably toss a couple Vintage 30's in a Marshall 2x12 cab and call it a day.  I have an anniversary vintage 30 in my Maz 18 reverb and it's fantastic!  Very british and warm and can rock with the best of them.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

twistingcrow wrote:

Those scumnicos look cool! That may be an answer! I wonder how they sound compared to the EVM12-L's...
The problem with greenbacks is that they're only 25 watts. Thta' perfect for a 4X12 configuration, but it must be a problem with a 2X12 cab... Only 50 watts of speakers for a JTM45 is not enough, am I wrong?

A JTM45 is rated at about 35 to 40 watts (I think) but cranked to 10 may reach 50 watts. Two 25 watt Greenbacks should be sufficient but could be critical. You could also try the Scumback clone (their M series) of the Greenback http://www.scumbackspeakers.com/m_series.html#m75
The cool thing about these clones is they're available at 25, 65, and 100 watt power handling, so you can pick the speaker that suits your amp.
Do you have an impedance selector on your Metro? Traditionally the JTM45 is run at 8 ohm with two 16 speakers wired parallel. You might want to try 16 ohm, though.

  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: MetroAmps, Speakers and Cabs...

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

I'd probably toss a couple Vintage 30's in a Marshall 2x12 cab and call it a day.  I have an anniversary vintage 30 in my Maz 18 reverb and it's fantastic!  Very british and warm and can rock with the best of them.

At first I had two Vintage 30s in my JTM45 BB clone (Made in China ones, though) and they were absolutely ghastly. They may be great for other (more metal-oriented) amps. This is just my opinion, of course.