Who Makes Supro Speakers? | The Definitive Guide (2024)

The Direct Answer: Who Makes Supro Speakers?

If you are looking for the short answer to who makes supro speakers, the current manufacturer is Eminence Speaker LLC. Based in Kentucky, USA, Eminence builds these speakers to proprietary, custom specifications provided by Supro (owned by Bond Audio). While Eminence handles the physical production, the tonal signatures—like the famous BD12 or CR12—are unique designs that you cannot buy as “off-the-shelf” Eminence products.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways on Supro Speakers

• Current Manufacturer: Eminence Speaker LLC (USA) produces modern Supro speakers.
• Design Ownership: Supro (Bond Audio) owns the specific “recipes” and voicing designs.
• Signature Models: The BD12 (Bolt Design) and CR12 (Ceramic) are the most common stock units.
• Tonal Profile: Known for a “hybrid” sound that blends American low-end with British mid-range bark.
• Vintage Origin: Original 1950s/60s Supro amps typically featured speakers from Rola, Jensen, or Oxford.

The Partnership: Why Eminence and Supro Collaborate

In my years of touring and session work, I’ve found that the “Supro sound” is notoriously difficult to replicate. When the brand was relaunched by Absara Audio (and later acquired by Bond Audio), they needed a manufacturing partner capable of consistent, high-volume production without sacrificing the grit of the original Valco-era tone.

Eminence was the logical choice because they specialize in OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partnerships. They don’t just put a Supro sticker on a standard Legend or Patriot series speaker. Instead, they use specific paper cone formulations and magnet weights chosen by Supro engineers to ensure the amp sounds like a 1964 Thunderbolt or a Coronado.

The Engineering Behind the Build

Most modern Supro speakers feature a high-power ceramic magnet. Unlike some boutique speakers that use Alnico, these ceramic units are designed to handle the high-headroom requirements of modern pedal platforms while still breaking up musically when the volume hits “7” or higher.

Understanding the Different Supro Speaker Models

When researching who makes supro speakers, it is vital to distinguish between the various models found in their current amp lineup. Each is “tuned” for a specific circuit.

The BD12 (Bolt Design)

This is the workhorse of the Supro line. I’ve often described this speaker as a “Celestion on steroids with more low-end.” It features a massive magnet and a large voice coil, making it ideal for the Delta King and Black Magick series.

The CR12 (Ceramic)

Found in the Royale and other high-headroom models, the CR12 is designed for clarity. If you are a player who relies on complex delay trails or lush reverbs, this speaker provides the “hi-fi” response necessary to keep your signal from turning into mush.

The BD10 (10-inch version)

Used in smaller cabinets like the Delta King 10, this speaker punches way above its weight class. Eminence uses a specific cone ribbing pattern here to prevent the “boxy” sound often associated with smaller 10-inch drivers.

A Brief History: Who Made Vintage Supro Speakers?

If you are restoring a vintage amp from the 1950s or 60s, the answer to who makes supro speakers changes significantly. During the Valco era (the parent company of Supro, Airline, and Gretsch amps), they sourced parts from several American giants.

• Rola: These are perhaps the most coveted vintage Supro speakers. They have a distinct mid-range “honk” that defines the early Jimmy Page sounds.
• Jensen: Often found in lower-wattage Supro models, providing a brighter, “sparklier” top end.
• Oxford: Known for being a bit “darker,” these were common in the mid-60s builds.

Expert Pro-Tip: If you are looking at a vintage speaker and aren’t sure of the maker, look for the EIA Code. A code starting with 285 is Rola, 220 is Jensen, and 465 is Oxford.

How to Choose the Right Supro Speaker for Your Rig

Choosing a speaker involves more than just knowing who makes supro speakers; it’s about matching the driver to your playing style. Based on my bench testing, here is how to decide:

For the “Jimmy Page” Enthusiast

Go with the BD12. It has the necessary “sag” and compression when pushed hard. I recommend pairing this with a 6L6-based amp for that classic “Black Magick” roar.

For the Jazz or Clean Player

The CR12 is your best bet. Because Eminence builds these with a focus on headroom, you won’t get early speaker breakup. This allows your pedals to do the heavy lifting for your gain stages.

For Recording Engineers

The BD10 is surprisingly effective in the studio. Because it moves less air than a 12-inch, it is easier to mic up without dealing with overwhelming low-frequency standing waves in a small room.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace or Upgrade a Supro Speaker

If you want to swap your current driver for an authentic Supro/Eminence model, follow these steps to ensure a safe installation:

1. Check the Impedance (Ohms): Most Supro amps run at 8 Ohms, but some extension cabinets are 16 Ohms. Match the new speaker to the old one exactly to avoid frying your output transformer.
2. Discharge the Amp: Even unplugged, tube amps can hold lethal voltages. Ensure the amp has been off for at least 30 minutes.
3. Remove the Back Panel: Use a Phillips head screwdriver. Keep track of the screws; Supro often uses different lengths for the top and bottom.
4. Disconnect the Leads: Carefully pull the “spade” connectors off the speaker terminals. Do not pull on the wires; pull the metal connectors.
5. Unbolt the Driver: Most Supro cabinets use a 4-bolt or 8-bolt pattern. Loosen them in a “star” pattern (like car tires) to prevent warping the speaker frame.
6. Install the New Speaker: Place the new Eminence-made Supro speaker on the studs. Finger-tighten all nuts before using a wrench.
7. Reconnect and Test: Slide the leads back onto the terminals (Positive is usually the red wire). Test at low volume before cranking it.

Why Speaker “Break-In” Matters

When you buy a new speaker from whoever makes supro speakers, it will arrive “stiff.” The spider and the surround (the parts that allow the cone to move) need to be softened through use.

I recommend a 24-hour break-in period. You can do this naturally by playing through the amp, or you can “re-amp” a loop of guitar playing through the speaker at a moderate volume. After about 20-40 hours of play, you will notice the high-end becomes smoother and the bass becomes more “rounded.”

Common Alternatives: If You Can’t Find an OEM Supro Speaker

Sometimes getting an official OEM replacement is difficult. If you love the Supro sound but want an off-the-shelf alternative from other manufacturers, consider these:

• Celestion G12H-30: Offers a similar British “growl” but with a slightly tighter bottom end.
• WGS Reaper: A fantastic boutique alternative that captures the “Rola” vibe of vintage Supros.
• Eminence Legend GB128: Since Eminence makes the originals, this is their closest standard catalog item to the Supro voicing.

The Future of Supro Speaker Manufacturing

Since Bond Audio took over, they have leaned even harder into their partnership with Eminence. We are seeing more specialized designs, including Neodymium options for lightweight “Neo” cabinets. This innovation ensures that while the brand respects its vintage roots, it isn’t stuck in the 1950s.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Supro Speakers

Does Celestion make any Supro speakers?

No. While many people assume Supro uses Celestion because of their “British” tone, modern Supro speakers are exclusively made by Eminence Speaker LLC in the USA.

Are Supro speakers made in China?

No. The official Supro-branded drivers (BD12, CR12, etc.) are manufactured at the Eminence facility in Eminence, Kentucky. However, some of the entry-level components in the very cheapest Supro solid-state practice amps (if applicable) may be sourced differently.

Can I buy Supro speakers separately?

Generally, Supro speakers are sold as replacement parts through authorized dealers or directly from Bond Audio. They are not usually stocked on the shelves of big-box retailers as standalone items like a standard Eminence or Celestion would be.

What is the wattage rating of the Supro BD12?

The BD12 is typically rated at 75 Watts. This high wattage rating is intentional, allowing the speaker to handle the 35-watt output of a Black Magick or Statesman with plenty of safety margin to prevent “blown” cones.

Why do Supro speakers use hemp cones in some models?

The DT12 (Dual-Tone) speaker often uses a hemp cone because hemp fibers are denser and more “fibrous” than standard paper. This results in a much smoother high-end response, removing the “ice-pick” frequencies that can occur with bright single-coil guitars.