Sultans of sound pump up the volume 100 years on

A company whose name vibrates down the rock and roll years is celebrating its centenary.

Celestion, which is based in Great Blakenham, Suffolk, created the first speaker designed specifically for use with guitar amplifiers.

Some of the world's great guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, Brian May, Eddie Van Halen, and Slash, have used Celestion speakers.

But a boss at Celestion says not all staff are fully aware of the part the firm has played in rock history.

Celestion's website explains how former gramophone maker Cyril French and his three brothers set up the company in London in 1924.

The brothers built speakers for use in industry and on ships and submarines.

In 1959, the company's chief engineer, Les Ward, created a speaker that evolved into the T530 Alnico Blue - the first speaker designed specifically for use with guitar amplifiers.

A decade later, the firm moved its base to Suffolk - initially Ipswich.

"We invented the first-ever, purpose-built speaker for guitar amplifiers," John Paice, Celestion's marketing communications manager, told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"What was born was the Celestion Blue.

"The rest is history."

But he said not all Celestion staff were fully aware of the part the company had played in rock and roll history.

"Some are," he said.

"Some less so.

"I think it's our job to make sure that we educate and keep people really reminded about that fact, because it is something to be proud of."

Mr Paice said speakers had developed as bands developed in the 1960s.

He thought the first to use a Celestion speaker was probably Hank Marvin, lead guitarist with The Shadows, and then The Beatles.

The company lists guitarists who have used Celestion speakers on its website.

"Much has changed within Celestion over the past 100 years," added the company in a statement.

"Ownership and leadership have transitioned, and markets have shifted.

"Yet, at its core, the company’s essence remains the same."

The statement added: "Celestion has left an indelible imprint on the landscape of sound technology and solidified a legacy that resonates across generations of musicians and industry professionals alike."

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