Vintage WEM 2x12 Closed-Back Speaker Cabinet
This is a proper piece of British rock history: a vintage WEM (Watkins Electric Music / Westminster Electric Manufacturing) 2x12 closed-back guitar cabinet. WEM cabinets from the golden era (1960s-1980s) the real road warriors, favored by players chasing that raw, mid-forward British tone alongside amps like Hiwatt, Marshall, or even Vox setups. Built tough with solid construction (typically marine-grade ply or similar heavy-duty materials), this cab has that unmistakable retro vibe; black tolex covering, classic red "WEM" badge (showing some authentic patina and wear for character), and the iconic checkered/red-piped grille cloth that screams vintage UK gear.
Originally likely loaded with period-correct drivers (often Fane or similar British ceramic speakers), this example has been tastefully upgraded with a pair of non-original Vox/Wharfedale GSH1230-8 12" speakers. These are highly regarded 2000s-era units (often found in Vox Classic/Custom series amps like AC30CC/AC50 models), designed as modern takes on the legendary Celestion G12H-30. They deliver punchy mids, articulate chime, tight response, and enough low-end thump to make a closed-back cab sing; perfect for classic rock crunch, bluesy overdrive, or anything wanting that aggressive British edge without muddiness.
The closed-back design focuses the sound forward for more projection, tighter bass, and increased efficiency compared to open-back cabs; ideal for stage use, rehearsal, or recording where you need controlled dispersion and punch. The speakers are wired in series for a total 16-ohm load (standard and versatile for most vintage/modern heads).
Condition-wise: Solid player-grade vintage gear with genuine wear on the tolex, badge, and grille (as shown in photos); nothing structural, just honest patina that adds to the mojo. Speakers test fine, cones intact, no issues.
A rare, characterful cab that's way more than a generic box; great platform for British-voiced tones, and easy to recone or swap if you ever want Greenbacks, V30s, or originals. Perfect match for Marshalls, Hiwatts, or even lower-watt Vox-style amps craving extra midrange bite.
Grab this slice of British amp lore before it's gone—serious tone at a fraction of modern boutique prices! Contact Sun-Sounds for price, shipping, or to arrange a test. Photos show the real deal.
SPECS
- Brand/Model: WEM (Watkins Electric Music) 2x12 Closed-Back Guitar Speaker Cabinet (vintage, likely 1970s–1980s era)
- Configuration: 2 × 12" speakers
- Cabinet Type: Closed-back (sealed rear for focused, punchy projection and tighter low-end)
- Covering: Black tolex with classic red piping/grille cloth (checkered pattern, vintage wear/patina present)
- Speakers: 2 × Vox/Wharfedale GSH1230-8 (non-original but period-correct vintage replacements, 15–20+ years old)
- Speaker Specs: 12" diameter each, 8 ohms impedance, 30W RMS power handling (60W total pair rating)
- Total Impedance: 16 ohms (speakers wired in series; common for WEM/vintage British cabs)
- Power Handling: Conservatively 60W RMS (speakers handle more in real-world use; cab built for higher-output British amps)
- Tone Profile: Punchy mids, bright chime/highs, tight bass response; Celestion G12H-30-inspired voicing with added articulation
- Condition: Good vintage player condition—authentic wear on exterior, fully functional, no major damage
- Best For: Classic rock, hard rock, blues, indie; pairs excellently with 30–100W tube heads (Marshall, Hiwatt, Vox-inspired, etc.)



























