Still on the fence about cabs

[Bertotti]

I have four 12” speakers. I have asked questions about these before but I’m still on the fence. Do I do two 2x12 oversized a bit but side by side not angled speaker placement or 1x12 cabs oversized. Or a set up of each. The speakers are two 1230-55 ceramic webers, one grey wold alnico and one silver bell alnico also Weber. One thought is the 1230 in a 2x12 and the two alnico son their own 1x12 but I like the blue fog silver bell 2x12 I have in ceramic and think these two would make a great 2x12 also but as two 1x12 I could do a mini stack or side by side or just play each individually, more flexible options.

Any and all thoughts welcomed. I can say I am very biased towards 2x12 cabs I just like them they always just seem bigger sounding to me even compared to two 1x12s played as a mono stack it side by side.

 

[pmac11]

A 2x12 and two 1x12s. And I agree, 2x12s can sound amazing. Two different speakers with roughly the same sensitivity can sound huge.

 

[Bertotti]

A 2x12 and two 1x12s. And I agree, 2x12s can sound amazing. Two different speakers with roughly the same sensitivity can sound huge.

Yea, I think that is the way to go as well. it should give a fair amount of versatility.

 

[pmac11]

And be really loud, which is always fun.

Yea, I think that is the way to go as well. it should give a fair amount of versatility.

 

[cielski]

And be really loud, which is always fun.

Bertotti lives a half mile from the middle of nowhere. Loud isn't an issue.
I agree with a 2X12 and two 1X12 idea. It'll give you the most flexibility.

 

[Bertotti]

The middle of nowhere!
No one complains about my noise! Outside until 2130 windchills at -44F

 

[JohnnyLaw]

I’d put the two Alnicos in a 2X12 and call it a day. Though I never get on a stage large enough for four twelves.
I use a 2X10 semi-open back slaved off a combo for outdoor events or “larger” stages.
It really depends on how you git ‘er done.

 

[Ricochet]

2x12”, maybe a bit deeper, and make the back removable.

 

[swivel]

I like those Silver Bells. One mixed with the 1230-55hz might be a good combo.
But you better send that Silver Bell to me to test and make sure it's ok!

 

[Synchro]

I have one silverbell and one blue dog in a Marshall style slant back cabinet.

 

[capnhiho]

The middle of nowhere!
No one complains View attachment 204778 View attachment 204779 about my noise! Outside until 2130 windchills at -44F View attachment 204780

Ugh!

 

[Bertotti]

Ugh!

It’s a good thing I like winter.

 

[Bertotti]

2x12”, maybe a bit deeper, and make the back removable.

My current 2x12 was a slant front Lopo Line cane with Remo eagle back or half the back.

 

[pmac11]

I'm with @Ricochet ... I've got an open back 2x12 with a Tone Tubby GMC and and Eminence 1218. It's heavenly, even at basement volumes.

 

[capnhiho]

Before I downsized my gear and went solid state (Quilter) a couple of years ago, I plugged my Egnater Tweaker 15 into a rather compact 2x12 loaded with a WGS ET65 and a WGS Veteran 30. It sounded terrific - was well suited for my modded G5420. Cab was semi open back, BTW.

 

[Bertotti]

Before I downsized my gear and went solid state (Quilter) a couple of years ago, I plugged my Egnater Tweaker 15 into a rather compact 2x12 loaded with a WGS ET65 and a WGS Veteran 30. It sounded terrific - was well suited for my modded G5420. Cab was semi open back, BTW.

Yea I usually have my 2x12 half open. Room filling is the only way I can describe it. I just put the back on because I want to play it closed for awhile. I think it might feel a bit, what’s the word, tighter? compressed?

 

[loudnlousy]

May I steer you towards a totally different direction, @Bertotti ?

Originally I am a non-mastervolume Marshall player.
I used to play standard 4x12 Marshalls for deades.
Good sounding cabinets with nice dynamics but loud as hell and bulky to carry around.
Always discussions with the man at the board until I found that 2x12 Mesa wedge.
It was part or their rectifyer-range and is no fullrange-box but a "classic" guitar box in a monitor format. I read that it was originally built by the suggestion of John Petrucci.

That thing was a major revellation for me.

Compared to my trusty 4x12s it has a bit more compression partially due to the great Vintage 30 Celestions but the overall grade of compression is still nice for a closed -back construction. It has an very useable voice. So it records very nicely and is a more easy to carry alternative to a 4x12.

But the main achievement of this construction is that it solved all my volume problems because it is directed away from the audience and the closed-back-construction gives it a strong and focused "beam". I can move it exactly towards me and (away or towards) my bandmates. That`s totally brilliant! I never had any discussions about me being too loud since I am using this one.

My friend Karsten built a 1x12 guitar-monitor for his rig according to the same principle. It works like a charm and is even more portable.
I would prefer the 2x12 setting for me, though. It has a more pleasing "wideness" and it`s tone is less mid-heavy.

If you are planning on something "really" new you might consider this option. For me it works perfectly.

 

[Bertotti]

May I steer you towards a totally different direction, @Bertotti ?

Originally I am a non-mastervolume Marshall player.
I used to play standard 4x12 Marshalls for deades.
Good sounding cabinets with nice dynamics but loud as hell and bulky to carry around.
Always discussions with the man at the board until I found that 2x12 Mesa wedge.
It was part or their rectifyer-range and is no fullrange-box but a "classic" guitar box in a monitor format. I read that it was originally built by the suggestion of John Petrucci.

That thing was a major revellation for me.

Compared to my trusty 4x12s it has a bit more compression partially due to the great Vintage 30 Celestions but the overall grade of compression is still nice for a closed -back construction. It has an very useable voice. So it records very nicely and is a more easy to carry alternative to a 4x12.

But the main achievement of this construction is that it solved all my volume problems because it is directed away from the audience and the closed-back-construction gives it a strong and focused "beam". I can move it exactly towards me and (away or towards) my bandmates. That`s totally brilliant! I never had any discussions about me being too loud since I am using this one.

My friend Karsten built a 1x12 guitar-monitor for his rig according to the same principle. It works like a charm and is even more portable.
I would prefer the 2x12 setting for me, though. It has a more pleasing "wideness" and it`s tone is less mid-heavy.

If you are planning on something "really" new you might consider this option. For me it works perfectly.

I have seen them but never played on. But I did take my 2x12 LopoLone slant front and tilt it back and it worked well. Oddly I generally sit not to far in front of the amp and cab when I play so having it pointed at me hasn’t been an issue. Playing out would change my desires completely, probably. I like the idea and since I am building these myself I might try one. Maybe a cab with a front removable speaker baffle so I could putt it out of one cab and drop it in another? I’ll have to drop this idea in my drawing program and see what I can do. Thanks!

@loudnlousy how does this wedge tone vary from a closed back 2x12 tilted back? Anything discernible?

 

[Bertotti]

Dang, I just scrolled up and scared myself! I hope no children or adults get nightmares from my psycho crazed frosted look!

 

[loudnlousy]

Anything discernible?

I compared it to a regular Mesa 2x12 and the tone is "live" the same. I think if you would record them side by side you could possibly hear a difference under the "magnifying lense".
I `ve recorded several times with mine and I prefered it over my straight Marshall 1960B.