Celestion 18" speakers - 1964 to 1967
These are real heavyweights - cast iron frame, thick paper cone, and sturdy terminal board. Produced by Celestion for Vox (initially exclusively for the Foundation Bass cab). The driver is rated at 50-60W.
The model number of the speaker is G18C. This is generally only designated however on units that have Celestion's own label.
The T1022 (early 1964) and T1079 (to mid 1964)
Above, an early Celestion 18" T1022 in 1964 Vox blue from a Foundation Bass cab that was apparently beyond saving, along with a T1079 from a slightly later cab, long gone. The dust-caps have rubber trim to dampen vibrations.
15/16ohms was the norm. Both of the above are 8ohms, however, which may indicate reconing. The cone of the T1022, with the Pulsonic stamp 47/859/002 (Pulsonic was one of the principal and best cone manufacturers in the 1960s and early 1970s), looks similar to that of the T1108 below.
Details of a T1079
The T1108 (from mid 1964 to early 1965)
Effectively the same speaker as the 1079 illustrated above, but sprayed silver (poly grey). The Pulsonic cone however is slightly different - note its number. When this speaker surfaced initially, it was said to be 4ohms, which if true, certainly indicated reconing.
The Foundation Bass cab accompanying large box AC50 serial no. 1360. Further pics of the amp and cab are available on the AC50 website.
From 1965 the 18 inch speaker most commonly used by Vox was the Goodmans Audiom 91, however, 50 watt and 100 watt versions. Examples can be found on this page.
T1296 (late 1966 on)
The speaker redesigned - four large spokes replacing the scalloped frame of the early drivers. The company that made the new-style frames also supplied Fane and Goodmans from the later 1960s.
A T1296 in place in a Foundation Bass cab; beneath it the solid state Foundation Bass cab's port.
Salvaged from the remains of a Foundation Bass cab. Note the "T1296" stamped on the rim.
The T1296 remained in use in "Vox Sound Equipment Limited" days (mid 1968 - 1970) after JMI had folded. Note, however, that the cab has a serial plate with "Vox Sound Limited.", the successor company to VSEL.
Above, a silver T1296 (?) in a Marshall bass cab (model 1988) said to be from c. 1969 - 1970. It is hard to see how the baffle attaches to the cab, but it clearly does in some way.
Above, pictures of a Celestion T1296 - one can just see the stamping on the rim - from a Marshall cab during the course of restoration. The pictures come from this thread (requires one to sign up to the forum).
Later Celestion 18" Greenbacks (late 1960s / 1970s)
Advert placed by Wilmslow Audio in "Radio Constructor" magazine, December 1973. The G18C available in 8ohm and 15ohm versions, price £33 - in today's money, around £320.
One version of the G18C, pretty much identical in build to the speakers sprayed grey for Vox in the late 1960s, was designated a T1200 by Celestion. Below, one at home in a Marshall bass cab:
T1200
The 16ohm version.
T1201
15ohms, bass resonance 20c/s.
A G18C 8ohm version, bass resonance 45hz.
Of a similar speaker, "Dr Decibel" of Celestion stated "The 18 is a G18-200 or 250. Both have a 3" coil, with a claimed response from 25-5000Hz. The 250 had a 26lb magnet assy, and the 200 had a 14lb assy. Really nice old speaker dating from sometime in the 70's. Should have really natural deep bass and low distortion, but to be honest I doubt if it goes up to 5k as claimed, due to the rubber edge. A serious subwoofer driver for the 70's though, and these old speakers were beautifully built."
A G12-200, light magnet.