Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (16)
$150.29
Guitar Center
5.0 (17)
$150.29
Amazon
4.8 (206)
$149.79 New
$129.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$159.00 New
$100.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (60)
$150.29
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$159.00
Thomann
4.8 (98)
$139.00 $138.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£123.50

Average Price: $145

Standard/Professional

$119

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm, a classic staple of modern music that has defined generations of guitar tones since the 1960s. This speaker is well-known for its warm body, distinctive growl, and assertive voice, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking that authentic British tone.

The G12M Greenback is the first Celestion speaker to feature a ceramic magnet structure, giving it an extra punch and bite that ensures you stand out in any musical style. It pairs perfectly with a powerhouse tube amp, and its 25-Watt power rating ensures it can handle even the most demanding performances.

Whether you're playing Manchester Brit-pop, L.A. shred-metal, or Seattle grunge, the Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm will deliver the distinctive sound that has made Celestion the undisputed Voice of Rock 'n Roll.

Key Features:

  • A 12" guitar speaker with classic British sound
  • Ceramic magnet gives you extra punch and bite
  • Great for all musical styles
  • 25W power rating ensures performance under demanding conditions
  • Frequency response of 75Hz-5kHz
  • 8 Ohms impedance
  • Weighs 7.9 lbs.

Product specs

Application Guitar
Size 12"
Impedance 8 ohms
Power Handling 25W
Frequency Range 75Hz-5kHz
Magnet Type Ceramic
Magnet Weight 35 oz.
Magnet Diameter 5.9"
Weight 7.9 lbs.

FAQs

What type of music is the Celestion G12M Greenback speaker best suited for?

The Celestion G12M Greenback is renowned for its warm, mid-range heavy tone, making it ideal for rock, blues, and classic rock genres. Its ability to deliver vintage-style drive and definition is particularly favored by guitarists seeking a classic British sound.

How does the Celestion G12M Greenback handle high gain?

The Celestion G12M Greenback excels at bringing clarity and definition to high gain amplifiers. Its smooth breakup and dynamic response enhance distorted tones, making it a popular choice for players who use overdrive and distortion.

Is the Celestion G12M Greenback suitable for live performances?

With a power handling capacity of 25 watts and an impedance of 8 ohms, the Celestion G12M Greenback is well-suited for small to medium-sized venues. It provides a classic tone that cuts through the mix, making it a reliable choice for live performances.

What is the frequency range of the Celestion G12M Greenback speaker?

The Celestion G12M Greenback has a frequency range of 75Hz to 5kHz, offering a balanced response with pronounced midrange frequencies. This makes it ideal for guitarists seeking rich, full-bodied tones.

What kind of magnet does the Celestion G12M Greenback use?

The Celestion G12M Greenback utilizes a ceramic magnet, which contributes to its distinctive vintage tone and dynamic response. This magnet type helps deliver the speaker's characteristic warmth and midrange emphasis.

Adam Steel

Adam Steel

G12M vs G12H - Celestion Greenback comparison

Video thumbnail for G12M vs G12H - Celestion Greenback comparison by Adam Steel

G12M vs G12H - Celestion Greenback comparison

Adam Steel

Adam Steel

Video thumbnail for Celestion G12M Greenback, an in-depth look. by Zilla Cabs

Celestion G12M Greenback, an in-depth look.

Zilla Cabs

Zilla Cabs

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for rock and metal, especially when paired with Vintage 30s

  • Dramatically improves amp sound, yielding creamy, defined vintage tones

  • Highly versatile across various amps and cabs

  • Offers a classic British rock sound with warmth and clarity

  • Provides a balanced tone with good mids and warm highs

  • Reduces harshness and adds smoothness, especially in UK-made versions

  • Great for taming bright amps, enhancing overall tonal character

  • Enhances low-end and tightens sound for smaller amps

  • Strong build quality with durable construction

  • Affordable upgrade for improved tonal performance

CONS

  • Chinese versions may be louder, harsher, and less durable than UK versions

  • Possible power handling issues with some models

  • May exhibit nasal upper midrange compression when driven hard

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm.

Build quality

  • Baltic birch plywood is recommended for constructing a durable cabinet for the Celestion G12M Greenback speaker.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a 1/4" mono jack and 18-gauge speaker wire with spade connectors is advised for easy future swaps.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Larger gauge wires are unnecessary for short runs; 18-gauge is sufficient for connecting the Greenback speaker.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • An oversized cabinet with a convertible back plate is suggested for flexibility between open and closed back configurations.

    Source
  • High gain Marshall tube amps paired with Greenbacks are a staple in heavy music, highlighting their suitability for genres like metal.

    Source
  • Scumback's pre-worn speakers, like the BH75, are praised for their aggressive sound and compatibility with overdrive.

    Source

Other

  • Building a 1x12 cabinet offers learning opportunities in woodworking and electronics, despite potential cost parity with buying a pre-made cabinet.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Celestion EVH is preferred by some over the standard 25-watt Greenback due to its modeling after an earlier version of the Greenback.

    Source
  • The Eminence Reignmaker, similar to the Greenback, allows sensitivity and dB adjustments via a dial, offering versatility with volume control.

    Source
  • The Celestion Classic Lead 80 is recommended for diverse genres, offering a balance between vintage tones and modern versatility, unlike the pricier Celestion Blue.

    Source
  • The WGS Veteran 30 is noted for being more balanced and less nasal in the upper mids compared to the Vintage 30.

    Source
  • The Neo Creamback significantly reduces amp weight and works well with distortion if the bright cap is clipped.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that speaker efficiency impacts volume and headroom more significantly than wattage rating, particularly with low-output amps.

    Source
  • The Avatar Fane M65 offers clarity with distortion, staying warm without becoming muddy, and provides crisp highs without harshness.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Celestion G12M Greenback 25W Speaker - Darth Phineas

darthphineas.com

The Celestion G12M Greenback is hailed as a quintessential rock and roll speaker, admired for its versatility across genres from hard rock to jazz. With well-balanced tones, it delivers clear cleans and rich, punchy overdrives, making it a favorite among many renowned musicians. The speaker's ability to handle a wide range of pickups and effects, combined with its availability as an Impulse Response, offers great flexibility for both traditional and modern setups. While the choice can be tough among Celestion's lineup, the Greenback's performance makes it a top contender for any guitarist's rig.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 26 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

not bad, not durable

these current production, made in china 25 watt greenbacks will do if you don't have any old G12M's around.... there are plenty of better clones on the market these days, but I got my pair of current production greenbacks for free, so I use 'em in my sealed 2x12 for the time being. They are a little louder and harsher than even the black backed G12M of the 70s and exhibit a nasal upper midrange compression when driven hard that even the 90s UK-made Ms didn't exhibit to this degree (and pulsonic coned M's don't have AT ALL, its a Kurt Mueller cone thing). But overall they are okay. I don't mind them and they have a different flavor than my usual blue/G12H pairing. Keeps life interesting and there are much worse british voiced speakers out there.

UPDATE: I had sold 2 of these and kept one paired with a vintage alnico speaker. I recently blew that one out with 15 to 20 watts of power. A UK greenback can take its full 25 and then some. It doesn't just have a voicecoil rub, it is BLOWN. Low farting/growling sounds only. So that's where the difference between UK and Chinese celestions is. Durability. I docked a star for the poor power handling.

robin_buckingham

After 30+ years...

I am simply used to this speaker. I can jump from head to cabs, whatever. I know the difference a head makes because I am always using the same speaker. If I change the speaker as well then I really have no reference. I do like the other Celestions and a couple of other brands, but again, I gotta keep it simple. If someone prefers another speaker, you can call one up on your tone module or they will have it in their cab already.

If you love another speaker, use it. But if you need the AKG-414 of speakers, this is a good starting point.

miguel_angelo

I love it

Made a world of a difference in my small 5W Blackstar HT5 II. Had the Vintage 30 before, didn't quiet enjoy that one as much, way to nasal

rifflordofir

Best Speaker

Came stock on my Vox AC15, I'm in love since

N

great

I've got this in my MHZ 112A and it sounds great.

andre_scott

Yup.

Greenbacks are good. There's a reason why everybody has tried them and most people still use them.

miggytrasmonteofficial

Good

Been good to the amp and makes the tone strong and fat.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Slashparadise

Slash uses Celestion G12M Greenbacks too in his cabinets.

See how Angus Young uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Angus Young

Guitarist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Groundguitar

He also used cabinets fitted with Celestion G12M speakers and Neumann U 47 microphone.

See how Jerry Cantrell uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Jerry Cantrell

Composer, Guitarist

Alice in Chains

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram, Jerry Cantrell uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm in one of his speaker cabinets.

See how Joe Perry uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Joe Perry

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube

"Original 25-watt Celestion amp, this is a little bit more gritty, and we want a little more breakup out of that. If you don't see a microphone in front of it it's on but it's for the stage sound. This whole thing fills up this whole side of the stage. We don't obviously mic everything because we've got twelve different cabinets. You don't need twelve different microphones going everywhere. That's kind of silly! What we do is we pick and choose what really sounds good for certain things," says Joe Perry's guitar tech. (These are the speakers used inside the Marshall cabs.)

See how James Iha uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's article, Iha's VHT cabinet is loaded with 25 watt Celestion Greenbacks.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

From our live touring Marshall 4x12 cabinets All Killer No filler, Does this look infected, Chuck cycles

See how Doug Aldrich uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Doug Aldrich

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Photo

Doug uses three Marshal 1960BX 4x12 Straight Cabinets loaded with 25-Watt Celestion Greenback speakers.

See how Steve Rothery uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Steve Rothery

Guitarist

Marillion

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's article, one of his Marshall cabinets is loaded with Celestion Greenbacks.

See how Takayoshi Ohmura uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Takayoshi Ohmura

Guitarist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this reamp comparison video, Takayoshi Ohmura mentions using a Celestion Greenback speaker.

See how Brad Whitford uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Premierguitar

The Whitfords depended on the time-tested—and Hendrix-approved—Marshall Super Lead and a Marshall 4x12. The head is a reissue 100-watt model, and the cabinet is a 1960BX loaded with Celestion Greenbacks. It’s mic’d with a Shure SM57

See how Susan Tedeschi uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Susan Tedeschi

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

As far as rigs paying tribute to Hendrix, Tedeschi’s hit the nail on the head with the loud, clean power of a reissue Marshall Super Lead 100- watt head driving a Marshall 1960BX cabinet loaded with Celestion Greenback 25-watt speakers and mic’d with a Sennheiser e906

See how Leslie West uses Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm

Leslie West

Guitarist

Mountain

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Two Marshall JCM900s with Greenback Celestions loaded inside. They sound great, but I’m negotiating a deal on a new line of amps. They’re 80 watts – a little less wattage – but because the deal isn’t done yet, I can’t mention any names."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson Les Paul Standard Solid Body Electric Guitars
4
Marshall 1960BX
Marshall 1960BX Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
3
Marshall Super Lead 100-Watt Head
3
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
2
Celestion Alnico Gold
Celestion Alnico Gold Speakers & Accessories
2
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator
Electro-Harmonix POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

Show yours
gtrplyr83

gtrplyr83

Gear IQ 176

marek_s

marek_s

Gear IQ 451

oedipoes

oedipoes

Gear IQ 1391

kyle84

kyle84

Gear IQ 61

1 alternative for Celestion G12M Greenback 12" 25-Watt Speaker 8 Ohm, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Celestion Guitar Amp Speakers

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides