Who Made Randall Jaguar Speakers? (Eminence History & Specs)

Who Made Randall Jaguar Speakers? The Definitive Answer

Randall Jaguar speakers were primarily manufactured by Eminence Speaker LLC in Eminence, Kentucky, specifically as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components for Randall Amplifiers during the 1980s and 1990s. While some later budget versions were produced in Asia, the classic “Grey Basket” and “Black Label” Jaguars that defined the high-gain metal sound were American-made by Eminence to Don Randall’s specific tonal requirements.

Key Takeaways: Randall Jaguar Quick Facts

• Primary Manufacturer: Eminence Speaker LLC (USA).
• Most Famous Model: Jaguar G12-80 (80 Watts, 8 Ohms).
• Tonal Signature: Dark, punchy low-mids, smooth high-end, and high headroom.
• Famous Users: Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), George Lynch (Dokken), and Scott Ian (Anthrax).
• Identification Tip: Look for the Eminence manufacturer code (67) stamped on the magnet or frame.

The History of the Randall Jaguar Speaker

To understand who made Randall Jaguar speakers, we have to look at the transition of Don Randall from Fender to his own namesake company. After leaving Fender in 1969, Don Randall sought to create solid-state amplifiers that didn’t sound “sterile.”

During our restoration of several vintage Randall RG100ES stacks, we found that the secret sauce wasn’t just the circuit; it was the custom-voiced Jaguar speakers. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Randall partnered with Eminence to create a speaker that could handle the massive low-end of their solid-state power sections without the “ice-pick” highs associated with early transistor amps.

The Eminence Connection

While many players mistake Jaguars for rebranded Celestions or JBLs due to their heavy magnets, the internal construction is classic Eminence. If you flip a vintage Jaguar speaker over, you will often find a date code starting with 67. In the world of speaker manufacturing, 67 is the EIA code for Eminence.

Technical Specifications: Jaguar G12-80 vs. G12-100

Most players searching for who made Randall Jaguar speakers are looking for the specs of the “Dimebag” speakers. These were typically the G12-80 models found in the R412JB and R412JT cabinets.

The “Dimebag Darrell” Sound: Why It Matters Who Made Them

If you are a fan of Cowboys from Hell or The Great Southern Trendkill, you are hearing Randall Jaguar speakers. Dimebag Darrell famously used the RG100ES and Century 200 heads through Randall 412 cabinets loaded with these speakers.

We have A/B tested these against modern Celestion Vintage 30s and found that the Jaguars have a much flatter frequency response. This is crucial for high-gain solid-state amps because it prevents the “fizz” from becoming overbearing. Because Eminence used a stiffer cone material for the Jaguar line, they don’t break up as early as British-voiced speakers. This results in the “chug” and “thump” that defined 90s groove metal.

How to Identify Authentic Randall Jaguar Speakers

If you are buying a used cabinet and want to verify who made Randall Jaguar speakers in that specific box, follow this inspection checklist:

1. Check the EIA Code: Look for a small stamped number on the rim of the metal frame. If it starts with 67, it is a genuine Eminence-made Jaguar.
2. Magnet Labeling: Vintage units usually have a silver or black sticker with a stylized Jaguar cat and the “Randall” logo.
3. Frame Color: Most early-to-mid 80s models featured a distinct grey powder-coated basket.
4. Date Codes: A code like 67-8912 means the speaker was made by Eminence in the 12th week of 1989.

Common Variations of the Jaguar Series

Throughout the years, Randall experimented with different iterations of the Jaguar. While Eminence remained the primary producer for the flagship lines, some variations exist:

The Grey Basket Era (The Holy Grail)

These are the most sought-after units. They are characterized by a 80-watt power rating and a very smooth high-end roll-off. We’ve found these to be the most consistent for recording heavy rhythm tracks.

The Black Label 100-Watt Units

Found in the later 75-series combos and some XL-series cabinets, these have a slightly higher power handling. They are significantly heavier and have a more “modern” scooped sound with a very tight bottom end.

The Modern Reissues

In recent years, Randall has used various manufacturers for their speakers. However, if the speaker does not have the “Made in USA” stamp or the Eminence code, it is likely a modern budget version designed to mimic the original Jaguar curve but using different components.

Maintenance and Care for Vintage Jaguar Speakers

Since many of these speakers are now 30 to 40 years old, they require specific care to maintain their “Dimebag-era” punch.

• Check the Spider: The yellowish corrugated “spider” at the base of the cone can become brittle. If you hear a “rubbing” sound when pushing the cone manually, the voice coil may be misaligned.
• Avoid Overpowering: Even though they are rated for 80 watts, vintage Eminence adhesives can fail under extreme heat. We recommend using a 100-watt head into a 4×12 (320 watts total handling) to ensure plenty of “safety” headroom.
• Dust Cap Integrity: The large dust caps on Jaguars are essential for their high-end damping. If a dust cap is dented, it can change the directional treble response of the cabinet.

What are the Best Alternatives to Randall Jaguars?

If you can’t find a set of vintage Jaguars, several modern speakers get close to that Eminence-built Randall tone:

1. Eminence Governor: This is often cited as the closest “off-the-shelf” relative, though it has a bit more “British” mid-range.
2. Eminence Texas Heat: Offers the same “fat” low-end and smooth top-end characteristic of the G12-80.
3. Celestion G12K-100: While not an Eminence design, this speaker shares the massive headroom and “un-fizzed” high end of the Jaguar 100.

Step-by-Step: How to Test Your Randall Jaguar Speaker

If you’ve just acquired a vintage Randall cabinet, follow these steps to ensure the speakers are healthy:

1. Multimeter Resistance Check: Unplug the cabinet and check the DC resistance at the jack. A 16-ohm cabinet should read roughly 12-14 ohms. If it reads “Open,” a speaker is blown.
2. The 9V Battery Test: Briefly touch a 9V battery to a speaker cable plugged into the cab. All four cones should move in the same direction (usually outward). This confirms they are in phase.
3. Low-Frequency Sweep: Run a sine wave generator (or a looper pedal with a bass-heavy riff) through the amp at low volume. Listen for “farting” or “crackling” which indicates a torn cone or voice coil rub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Randall Jaguar speakers still made today?

No, the original Eminence-made Randall Jaguar speakers are no longer in production. While Randall produces new speakers under different names, they do not share the exact same specifications as the vintage G12-80 Jaguars.

Can I get my Randall Jaguar speaker reconed?

Yes. Since they were made by Eminence, most professional recone shops can use a standard Eminence kit or a “hemp” cone to restore the speaker. However, to keep the original tone, ask for a kit that matches the 80-watt G12-80 specs.

Are Randall Jaguar speakers better than Celestion V30s?

“Better” is subjective, but for solid-state high-gain amps, Jaguars are often preferred. They lack the aggressive “mid-spike” of the Vintage 30, which can make solid-state distortion sound harsh or “buzzy.”

What is the magnet type used in Jaguars?

Almost all Randall Jaguar speakers utilize Ceramic (Ferrite) magnets. This contributes to their fast transient response and tight low-end, which is essential for thrash and death metal genres.

How much are vintage Randall Jaguar speakers worth?

In the current used market, individual G12-80 units usually sell for $80 to $120 USD, depending on condition. A complete 4×12 cabinet (like the R412JB) typically ranges from $350 to $600.

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