Celestion’s Heritage Series returns with new G12M (55) Blackback at NAMM 2026

At this year’s Winter NAMM 2026, Celestion has announced the return of its Heritage Series guitar speaker line, including the G12H (55), G12H (75), and G12-65, alongside the debut of the Blackback edition of the long-sought-after G12M (55). The Heritage Series, back by popular demand, brings several of the company’s most beloved classic drivers, coveted by collectors and tone purists, to recapture the sonic qualities of the era.

The Celestion Heritage process identifies the most desirable version of a driver from a specific point in time and sets about a painstaking process of regressing the speaker’s development to its inception.

Using original blueprints and material specifications, Celestion sound engineers have ensured magnet assemblies and coil formers are produced exactly as they once were. 

In addition, they have reformulated adhesives and edge treatments that are no longer commercially available. Finally, authentic labels have been used to bring these exquisite old speakers back to life.

One of the stars of this year’s NAMM exhibit is the G12M (55) "Blackback" (originally released as the T1511). While Celestion’s earliest popular ceramic speakers featured green plastic cans, the company transitioned to a black can in the early 1970s – a change that has taken on great significance for tone enthusiasts.

This G12M version with a 55Hz bass cone has been inextricably linked to players like Paul Kossoff of Free, whose famously sweet sustain defined an era. Rated at 25 watts with a sensitivity of 96dB, the G12M (55) delivers the punch, sparkle, and singing midrange that many consider the very essence of Celestion tone.

Joining the G12M (55) are the returning Heritage Series G12H (55) and G12H (75). These faithful re-creations capture the unmistakable mojo of late ‘60s rock guitar tones, both famously powering the rigs of legends like Jimi Hendrix.

The G12H (55) features a 55c/s bass cone known for a deep back end – a definitive choice for towering 4x12 stacks. The G12H (75) employs a 75c/s lead cone, providing a tighter bottom end and punchy upper-midrange for those seeking a different tonal balance. Both G12H models feature a 30-watt power rating and 100dB sensitivity.

Also now found under the Heritage Series umbrella is the currently available G12-65. A firm favourite of hard rock players in the early ‘80s, this 65-watt driver features a precisely tuned midrange and crisp, defined top-end that delivers an aggressive crunch capable of punching through any mix.

“Celestion fans have been asking us to reintroduce the drivers found in the new Heritage Series for years, and no stone was left unturned in pursuit of their original sound,” said Paul Cork, Celestion’s head of engineering.

“We poured through our large archive of drawings, blueprints, and parts lists; we called upon the expertise of Celestion engineers past and present, and spent hundreds of hours in our listening room, critically auditioning the original speakers against the Heritage models in development, before we were comfortable in proceeding with production.”

Visit Celestion at the 2026 Winter NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center, Booth #6602, January 22-24, 2026.