Topic: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

So I want a 4x12 speaker Cab to run my Fender Bandmaster Reverb and my Ceriatone 2550...

I want to get a cab that can run through them at the same time,  but I'm not sure what to get. I've looked at Marshall, Mesa, Avatar....etc. I don't like hauling two speaker cabs with me to gigs lol.


Budget is probably around a grand or so (probably gonna get it around November or December).

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

I think this ones up to you dude!  If your budget is a grande, then you have a lot of choices.  If you like particular speakers with each head, you can even have one made by avatar or mojo and have 2 different sets of speakers installed.  Also, to keep things simple, you can just have 2 input jacks on the back, one for each side.  Thats how I do my cabs.

People seem to like those Orange cabs but they apparently are super heavy.  They do come with V30s if you like those.  My only suggestion would be to get something that is made of good wood, not particle board.  There is a difference in sound, some people like the more sterile sound of MDF particle board but it's just not as good. -Seth

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

If you can find one...and the price is right...THD. Easy.

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

Well I need help figuring out the ohms set up and stuff... I'm having a hard time comprehending that part..

My Ceriatone can switch from 4 to 8 to 16, and I believe the Fender is 4 at least that is what I've read if anybody knows if that is wrong please let me know....

5 (edited by helrazr84 2011-07-25 17:20:27)

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

You probably want 8 or 16 ohms per side.  So the Ceriatone is good since it can run at 4/8/16.  Depending what your Fender is, you'll have to check.  And also, if you go 16ohms per side and you have another head in the future that only does 4 or 8, you will still be ok since you can get away with running a 4 or 8 load into 16.  Just not the other way around.  You're not going to hear any difference between the 3 so don't worry about that.  8 is usually a good way to go I think.  Any head will at least run at 8 ohms.

Also, are you dead set on a 4X12?  Just wondering cause if space is an issue you can get a 2X12 with 2 EV12's put in it.  Each speaker will obviously handle each head.  Thats what NPB on here did.  It will still be heavy as a mofo but smaller in size.

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

helrazr84 wrote:

You probably want 8 or 16 ohms per side.  So the Ceriatone is good since it can run at 4/8/16.  Depending what your Fender is, you'll have to check.  And also, if you go 16ohms per side and you have another head in the future that only does 4 or 8, you will still be ok since you can get away with running a 4 or 8 load into 16.  Just not the other way around.  You're not going to hear any difference between the 3 so don't worry about that.  8 is usually a good way to go I think.  Any head will at least run at 8 ohms.

Also, are you dead set on a 4X12?  Just wondering cause if space is an issue you can get a 2X12 with 2 EV12's put in it.  Each speaker will obviously handle each head.  Thats what NPB on here did.  It will still be heavy as a mofo but smaller in size.


The 2x12 with EV12's probably would be a better plan...Any idea how much that would run me?

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

EVs run ~$250 each. Make sure that you communicate with your cab builder, because they are very heavy. Their weight needs to be taken into consideration when the cab is built (with regards to mounting them).

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

What year Bandmaster?  They usually require a 4 ohm load.  If it is an older head...keep your speaker load at 4 ohms.  a 4x12 cab with 8 ohm EV's will do the trick.  Then you will have 4 ohms a side and each head will be happy.

Amps: Hand Made JTM-45, 18 Watt TMB, AB763 Pro, Route 66 Clone.
Guitars: 2007 R8 Les Paul Iced Tea Burst, Refinished 83 Les Paul Studio, , Homemade 50's S style guitar.
Effects: Micro Vibe, CryBaby, Fulldrive II, OCD, Fat Boost V1

9 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2011-07-26 08:46:54)

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

wharris wrote:

EVs run ~$250 each. Make sure that you communicate with your cab builder, because they are very heavy. Their weight needs to be taken into consideration when the cab is built (with regards to mounting them).

The hole pattern is different too on EVMs as I understand it... so they should know what kind of speakers are going in. Yes, my cab also has extra bracing.

I had this cabinet made for me:
http://fortemusical.com/

My actual cab is on the homepage  cool
The cab is deeper than a marshall cab, and built sturdier. I had the choice to order a vertical 2x12 or a horizontal 2x12 from Forte, and I got to choose what tolex and grille I wanted on it, pretty sweet. Lots of choices. The open sides make it sound more like an open back'd cabinet.

2x12 is what joe plays through, even though they are housed in a 4x12, each amp only goes through 2x12 of each vertically. His cabs are built deeper as well to handle the EVMs.

I didn't want to carry around a 4x12 loaded with EVM12Ls. My 2x12 (with EVM's) is plenty heavy.


Best prices I've found on either speaker.
For speakers, I got the Zakk Wylde EVMs cause they were normally more expensive than the classic, and I found them here @ $219, and they're normally around $300. Just saw more value here. Pretty identical, but this is made a little more heavy duty (imagine that!) and 100 more watts I think.
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i- … ABEL8-LIST

The Classic EVM 12L's are $229 or $179 for the scratch and dent.
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i- … CLSC8-LIST

Good luck! Let me know what you come up with!

- 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

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

If your looking for a good well manufactured split 4X12 cabinet, my choice is and has always been Orange. They're made like a tank. Indestructible! If you don't like the color, paint it. But if your going to use EV12's make sure the baffle board is sturdy enough to handle the extra weight.

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

If you want the most bomb-proof cabinet on the planet, look at the Category 5. I got great deal on one loaded with EVs. It sounds incredible. It will also serve as a shelter for an F5 tornado or nuclear attack!

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

Hillcountry wrote:

What year Bandmaster?  They usually require a 4 ohm load.  If it is an older head...keep your speaker load at 4 ohms.  a 4x12 cab with 8 ohm EV's will do the trick.  Then you will have 4 ohms a side and each head will be happy.

The guy I bought it from said it's a 1969...

So is there a good place I could order a cab with EV12's?

I don't know anybody where I live that can build speaker cabs.

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

Spider wrote:

If your looking for a good well manufactured split 4X12 cabinet, my choice is and has always been Orange. They're made like a tank. Indestructible! If you don't like the color, paint it. But if your going to use EV12's make sure the baffle board is sturdy enough to handle the extra weight.

Most of the time they're available in black too ..unless that's just a UK thing?

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

Check Mojo

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

JBFan1 wrote:
Hillcountry wrote:

What year Bandmaster?  They usually require a 4 ohm load.  If it is an older head...keep your speaker load at 4 ohms.  a 4x12 cab with 8 ohm EV's will do the trick.  Then you will have 4 ohms a side and each head will be happy.

The guy I bought it from said it's a 1969...

So is there a good place I could order a cab with EV12's?

I don't know anybody where I live that can build speaker cabs.

There are a lot of custom cab manufacturers if you search around the internet.  You also don't have to blow your wad on EV's, probably any 100+ watt speaker would do.  Plus I think Eminence makes an EV12L style speaker and there might be another company that makes a super high wattage speaker for less than EV.  I'd look around a little.  And if you have one made, plan on it taking at least a month to complete.  I'd def check into Mojo, they know what they're doing and the prices are reasonable too. -Seth

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

The Eminence version is the Delta Pro 12a and I understand that it is an outstanding speaker.  I have not personally tried it, but I love Eminence products and that is all I have in my amps. 

I am a huge fan of the Swamp thang speaker and it is 150 watt. I think they are 80 a piece and sound awesome. 

I tend to stay away from EVs because they are heavy...and I have to carry all of my own stuff.

Amps: Hand Made JTM-45, 18 Watt TMB, AB763 Pro, Route 66 Clone.
Guitars: 2007 R8 Les Paul Iced Tea Burst, Refinished 83 Les Paul Studio, , Homemade 50's S style guitar.
Effects: Micro Vibe, CryBaby, Fulldrive II, OCD, Fat Boost V1

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

Hillcountry wrote:

I am a huge fan of the Swamp thang speaker and it is 150 watt. I think they are 80 a piece and sound awesome. 

I tend to stay away from EVs because they are heavy...and I have to carry all of my own stuff.

I've had the swamp thang... it is a very clean speaker... and can handle a lot of low end... just like the EVM
I ended up getting the EVMs just to see what the fuss was about. And to throw out my back before the age of 40.

- 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

Re: Recommend me a 4x12 Speaker cab

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:
Hillcountry wrote:

I am a huge fan of the Swamp thang speaker and it is 150 watt. I think they are 80 a piece and sound awesome. 

I tend to stay away from EVs because they are heavy...and I have to carry all of my own stuff.

I've had the swamp thang... it is a very clean speaker... and can handle a lot of low end... just like the EVM
I ended up getting the EVMs just to see what the fuss was about. And to throw out my back before the age of 40.

Nic you don't ever want a bad back. Trust me on that cuz I know first hand. Always get help lifting. No need to prove anything to anyone including yourself.

Work smart, not hard!