1 Topic by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2010-03-22 17:29:49)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: half stack preference

Here's a question.

Has ANYONE played a full stack... i.e. two 4x12 cabinets hooked into one amp?

I've had the dream of doing this fulfilled a while back, and I was underwhelmed. I thought the following amps sounded better through only one 4x12: Sovtek Mig 50, Marshall JCM 800 (50 watt), and Metro Amps JTM45 clone. Do I see theme here as in there is just not enough power in wattage to drive both cabs? I mean there's a real difference here. The look with two cabinets is cool, but the sound does not have the 'knock you on your butt' as you would expect.   hmm

BTW, the cabinets I used were Marshall 1960 A & B with V30's and another Marshall (blueish/purple cabinet) with Greenbacks, and a 1960A cab with G12-75's.

Is there any logic to this?

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2010-03-14
  • Posts: 31

Re: half stack preference

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

Here's a question.

Has ANYONE played a full stack... i.e. two 4x12 cabinets hooked into one amp?

I've had the dream of doing this fulfilled a while back, and I was underwhelmed. I thought the following amps sounded better through only one 4x12: Sovtek Mig 50, Marshall JCM 800 (50 watt), and Metro Amps JTM45 clone. Do I see theme here as in there is just not enough power in wattage to drive both cabs? I mean there's a real difference here. The look with two cabinets is cool, but the sound does not have the 'knock you on your butt' as you would expect.   hmm

BTW, the cabinets I used were Marshall 1960 A & B with V30's and another Marshall (blueish/purple cabinet) with Greenbacks, and a 1960A cab with G12-75's.

Is there any logic to this?

I've never played a 50 watt amp through a full stack, though I know that your feeling of "underwhelming" is the result of a lack of power to push all 8 of those speakers.  I used to own a Randall full-stack back in my heavy metal days of chasing Dimebag Darrell's gain staged, solid state tone and that too was a futile effort.  Randall doesn't make the RG100 like they used to and the gain staging is a pain in the ****.  Just doesn't have the "cajones" anymore.

However, if you hook up a 100 watt Marshall of any kind to 2 4x12's you will find the "push" that you are looking for.  If you have a local guitar shop that carries the Vintage Modern or a new JVM, I would hook those bad boys up to the 2 cabs and crank the volume and time how long it takes for a sales rep to come over and turn it down.  It will be LOUD.

"Aaaaaawwww Sh*****t!!!"-  Buddy Guy
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Re: half stack preference

Most stages I play wouldn't even have enough room for two 4x12 cabs *lol*
Honestly, I prefer playing with one 4x12 cab. I have tries the full stack one time over at a friends house but it was too much for me.

Jimi75's Website

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: half stack preference

I usually unplug my 1x12 55 watt combo and go into a 4x12. The tone is a LOT more full through a 4x12. Huge noticeable difference in tone.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool