Vintage broken Greenback value (repair or sell?)

[Obulus]

Okay guys, I could use some help to decide what to do with this:



It's a vintage Celestion Greenback G12H30 55 Hz (it's marked with t1534, so I found out it's made in 1971 too). Problem is that there is a little tear in the speaker, as shown in the picture. It's right on the edge of the speaker on the underside of the picture. The cab I pulled it out seemed to work fine though, I didn't really notice any major problems with it. This was before I even opened the cab and learned it held a greenback. Here's a crappy detail pick, if that would help anything.


If it was in good shape I most definitely would try to sell it, but I don't know how the value is affected by the tear. Can I still sell it? How much should I ask? Should I have it repaired or what would that cost? Many questions so I hope some of you can give me some insight. I hope the pictures are somewhat clear.

[Obulus]

No one? Even some knowledge about speaker repair would be greatly appreciated!

[chillerthanmost]

If the speaker still works it should be worth enough to sell or trade. I had FOUR 1971 M greenbacks that were all blown (no signal at all) and I was able to trade them for two Alnico Scumbacks which cost way more than anything I would buy new. That might not help you much. Old greenbacks have a certain clientele and that's over on TGP, so I would check out the buy/sell forum over there, unless you know someone who's into them. Good luck.

[rustywire]

If the rest of the cone is in good condition (and original, without other issues) then you've got an easier fix: speaker surround repair kits can handle it. Or you could sell as-is and let someone attempt a DIY silicon caulk fix. Either way, it's probably best to leave the decision up to the buyer, if you're not going to keep it yourself.

If the only issue is that small surround tear, I would expect you can get $150 or more. If it needs a full re-coning that would lower the value to about $100 or less IMO.

[Obulus]

Thanks guys! That's great news. I'll test it again to make sure it works and then try and get some money for it. Any tips for testing it without installing it in a cab again? Just alligator clip it to a jack? Or can I do some damage that way?

[mysteriousj]

Should be fine for a quick test to check it works. The only thing is be super careful not to short them by accident with your amp on. If there's a bit of corrosion might be a good idea to clean it for those clips.

[chillerthanmost]

9v battery will make it pop. Google it.

[Obulus]

Ah yeah, now that you mention it. Had to use that trick once before. So I tested it with the battery and it popped. Also used an amp and some alligator clip cables to test it with guitar to be sure and it sounded like a guitar so that's all good news I guess. Definitely selling now, hopefully I can get some decent money locally.

Thanks for the help guys!