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Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2003 1:43 pm
by Bex148
hello, i have recently inherited a pair of Rola 12" speakers. I would like to use them in a bass amp i am making. The speakers do not have details printed on them (only 12U and 30 Sept 1966) and i have not been able to find much on the internet. If anyone can tell me what resistance, wattage, any details about them it would be greatly appreciated...

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 5:58 pm
by Davis
I've seen several amplifiers for sale on ebay that contain Rola speakers. Since they appear in guitar amplifiers, I'm not sure whether you can use them for a bass amp. I would check with a dealer in your area to get some background info on them before playing your bass through them.

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2003 6:44 pm
by Jeppe Scaramangas
Go to the speakers and cabs discussion forum on the Plexi Palaca Vintage Amp Forum and ask those guys. They can probably help you out.


Big Pics OR 120 from 1973
Listen to indie music from Finland at:
http://www.thescaramangas.com

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 3:42 pm
by Davis
I found out that the Rola speakers you're talking about are actually Rola Celestions. Check out the Celestion web site for more info.

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 8:49 pm
by bclaire
doubtful that they're good for bass- I suspect you'll blow them up quickly. The History of Marshall book has a great section on dating Celestions- if I had it with me at work I'd check it for you.... I'll try to remember when I get home. There's a two digit code (the two letters you mentioned) that are the key to the year of the speaker. Billy

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2003 4:02 am
by bclaire
I have the Marshall book in front of me but doublecheck the stuff printed on the speakers again. I would imagine that the 12U is the model like G12M or G12H or G12L- but there is no mention of a "U" could it be a different letter? There also should be a code with numbers and then two letters.... incidentally, the letters L, M, S, and H meant light, medium, small, and heavy. T is the modern-day equivalent of an "M."

the only way to know the impedance is to put it on an ohm meter. It'll be either 8 or 15 ohms...

a physical description or better yet, a photo would help too as the chart lists descriptions as well.

Wattage is going to be low if it is a real '66 speaker- from the book: "The power ratings increased gradually during the sixties and seventies from 12 to 20, 25, and then 30 watts...." So at best 30 watts, but probably 20-25. Billy

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2003 1:15 pm
by Meole
Here is a link for date codes for celestion:


http://www.celestion.com/pro/text/tdatecod.htm