WGS Speakers

[bcmatt]

What do you guys think of Warehouse Guitar Speakers? Have you tried them? How have they rated for you in comparison to others?

I've been trying some of them over the last couple years because, well, I'm rather cheap and they haven't seemed to disappoint me. (Well, I did ditch the Classic Lead 80 pretty quickly because it just seemed too harsh for me).

I had been using a Celestion G12H(Anniversary) with a WGS Veteran 30 in my 2x12 with my liverpool. Or for a more compact rig, I used a WGS ET-65 in a 1x12.
I was thinking of getting an open-backed 2x12 and saw that there is a guy on the WGS site with a blog that answers emails, so I asked for his recommendation for the TW Crowd. Here was his response:

Yes, the ET-65 is the speaker in the WGS lineup that stands out when people are needing to beef up the bottom end, or tame down the top end. The only problem is that, by itself, the ET65 can be a bit sterile and overly tight sounding. That’s why we often suggest pairing it with a Vet 30 (or maybe a retro 30)– which is an extremely responsive and touch-sensitive speaker – so that’s the 2-12 combo I would most recommend. The Retro 30 / Reaper 55 combo you suggest would be a little beit more of a middle-of-the-road choice; the Reaper would not be as beafy as the ET65, and the Retro 30 not quite as nimble as the Vet 30. That may be exactly what you want … maybe not.

I know this may sound a little outta left-field, but … Another interesting idea would be a single 15 open-back cab with the G15 in it – Alnico version if you can swing it. The WGS 15’s are really impressive in every way imaginable. It would be a good fit with the Liverpool as it would sound very big and three-dimensional. The G15 has a particularly pleasant top end – especially the Alnico version – that would work well with either the Liverpool or Express designs.

Food for thought.

Vaughn Skow
Tone Guru, WGS

So, from this, I dropped the ET65 into the 2x12 with the Veteran 30, and finally got what I was after. Great combination.

I am intrigued by his 15" Alnico suggestion, but alas, again, I am too poor. Have any of you guys had any luck with 15"ers with your clones?

I have an Eminence Big Ben but I find it sounds harsh even a little fizzy sometimes. Maybe it's because it hasn't broken in; maybe my cabinet for it just sucks. I don't know.

[mike9]

I was running a 2x12 ported bass cab with ET-65 and a Vet 30 with a clone of the #40 Dumble I have and it's a great combination. I have a Mojotone 15" that I want to build a cab for. I think WGS are probably the best bang for the buck going these days. Been through a slew of Eminence and found some good combinations, but not as good as the WGS.

I have a tricked out SuperChamp XD with a WGS Black & Blue (Alnico) in it and sold a Celestion Blue after I installed it.

[bcmatt]

I have a tricked out SuperChamp XD with a WGS Black & Blue (Alnico) in it and sold a Celestion Blue after I installed it.

So, do you prefer the Black and Blue to the Celestion Blue? I was wondering how they compared from an unbiased point of view, because of course, WGS says theirs is improved...

[M Fowler]

The WGS Retro 30 in my Red Plate Blackverb Basic is very good sounding speaker.

Mark

[dorrisant]

I have a Rockster and a Kustom 4x12 with blown speakers... The cab is really like two 2x12 cabs, one on top of the other. I'd like to get two WGS speakers now for the Rockster and later get two more for an Express. Are there any new suggestions as far as WGS? What have you guys found that sounded the best? How do you guys think they compare to Celestions?

Tony

[Clyde]

Best bang for the buck possibly, but not the best.

[selloutrr]

The only way you can truly answer these types of tone questions is to A/B the speakers in question for yourself using the equipment you plan on using with it.
It's so subjective it's impossible to tell much more then.. yeah it's a speaker and it's price point.
Then you have to take into account at what point in the speakers life are you comparing. A broken in speaker is most likely going to run circles around a new one. If it doesn't then think about how that new speaker will sound after it ages. Those highs you like in the new speaker will most likely smooth out and soften over time. If you are running multiple speakers then you have phase to take into account. Both Physical direction + / - and proximity to the other speakers causing select notes to cancel out and others to stand out. Add that to the room you are testing the speakers in and materials of the cabinet...
I'm sure by now you can see the what if's can go on and on
best advice- go to a retailer that carries both brands/models and try them in person ask for them to both be new, or purchase one of each and return the one you don't like.

Hope it helps, I wish I could just say buy that one but it's not that easy.

[leadfootdriver]

Tried a bunch. ET's are my favorite.

[Structo]

I think the WGS are a very well made speaker.

I bought a couple when he was blowing them out on eBay for something like $23 each.

It was one of those, sounds too good to be true, type deals but since they were so cheap I bought a Vintage 30 and CL80 clone.

That was a good sounding combo.

But now the price is higher and they are more priced like their competitors.
Maybe a little savings on the popular speakers such as the 12-65 which I understand sound pretty good.
Some dye in the wool Celestion fans will say that they don't sound as good.

But for the price it is a good deal.

I still like my EVM 12L Classic.

[Clyde]

On Guitars Canada, there's a pic of a 4x12 with WGS's and one of the magnets fell off the speaker. I've never seen that before.

[Structo]

Not sure what would cause that but I would imagine rough handling during shipping could damage any speaker.

Are those magnets glued on or mechanically fastened?

I've read of magnets shifting during shipment which can cause voice coil rub and failure.

The WGS speakers I have are very high quality, at least as good as Celestions.

[dorrisant]

Thanks guys,
Keep in mind... I AM going to buy a pair of WGS, just wondering what combo would be best for Rockster. Kind of like Weber Blue Dog and Silver Bell combo being their best offering, (for a Rocket/Rockster). I was considering a Reaper and a Veteran. What do you guys think of that combo? ...I should have been more specific earlier.

Tony

[bcmatt]

I've had a bit more experience with other WGS speakers since I started this thread. I have since gone to a Retro 30 in my 1x12 cab and I find it to be an ideal speaker for that cab. I used to have a Celestion G12H in it (as well as a Veteran 30, Et 65, P12N, Governor, etc) and this is definitely my favourate speaker for this cab and especially with my Liverpool. I do like Vintage 30s and that sort of mid-strong speakers in general, but I found the Retro 30 gave me the extra bottom and top end that I wanted for this 1x12, without being overly harsh like the G12H. More mids and smoother to my ear.

Regarding speakers for the rockster, I would think that the Reaper and Veteran mix would be pretty good. I think of Rockets as the same sort of family as my DC30 which I have with a Celestion Blue and a G12H and think it can't get any more perfect. WGS equivalents would be a Reaper and a Black and Blue. But the Veteran should be a cheaper ceramic version of that Alnico design. Seems like it would be the way to go.