• Registered: 2008-04-29
  • Posts: 7

Topic: Need Help with cabs...

Hello everybody...this is my first post,but i've been a long time lurker here.
anyway i'm thinking of selling my marshall 4x12 box and buying a 2x12.
my main pick would be bogner closed back with v30 (pricey as hell but i heard just good things about) but i'm also looking in some mesa and engl...also keep in mind that i'm from croatia so there is not much of options for me...gear wise.

the thing is i'm worried that 2x12 will be quiet (i have real loud drummer and i also like playing real LOUD) but when we go to the gigs i won't be able to carry a 4x12 and thats the reason to buy 2x12.
i have a modded marshall JMP 50w master volume amp,and i think it will sound great with a bogner cab...
so what do you think,should i get the 2x12?what are your expiriences?maybe joe could also have some advice...?oh and sorry for the bad english...

  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Hi Nino,
Welcome to the forum! You should post to the introductions thread, so everyone can give you a big welcome.

I had the oversize 2x12 bogner cab. They make a smaller one also.
The oversize cab sounded amazing, and is very loud. I don't think you would notice any difference in volume between it and a 4x12.

3 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2008-04-29 12:13:26)

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

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Hey and welcome to the forum.

I started out with an old 2x12 bassman cabinet loaded with hughes & kettner spearkers. I thought it did a really nice job with a 100Watt Peavey tweed head I had.

The next cabinet I had was a 5150 4x12 cabinet with "shefield" speakers in it...it had more bass.


when I got rid of that, I "upgraded" to a Marshall 1960A cabinet 4x12...it sounded ok, and the cab had plastic handles etc, whereas the peavey had nice metal ones.

I really prefer the 4x12 sound to the 2x12 sound, but they are pretty close. I heard a more full sound in the 4x12 - you might want to A/B them in a guitar store with your amp and decide for yourself.

My drummer liked to play loud too, so I had the amp behind his drum kit, so the loud guitar would kill his ears and not everyone else's

- 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

4 Reply by kwsjb1238 (edited by kwsjb1238 2008-04-29 17:59:28)

  • From: Tampa, Fl.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 870

Re: Need Help with cabs...

First off, I just want to ask - is there any reason you have to buy a Bogner cab?  The difference in tone between different cabs with the same speakers in them is minute - you could just get any old 2x12 closed back cab and put in v30's and you'll have basically the same sound - you're just paying for the Bogner name...

"Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought-- particularly for people who can never remember where they have left things." - Woody Allen

http://www.last.fm/user/skynyrd128
  • gsj
  • gsj
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  • From: North Essex, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-21
  • Posts: 2,149

Re: Need Help with cabs...

I wasn't going to get into this one but I have to say that not all 2x12's are the same. For instance.....the Marshall 1936, which is of a ply construction, doesn't carry the bottom end as well as (for example) a Cornford 2x12 which is solid pine. Cabs are sometimes 'tuned' differently....it isn't just about the speakers.

kwsjb1238 wrote:

First off, I just want to ask - is there any reason you have to buy a Bogner cab?  The difference in tone between different cabs with the same speakers in them is minute - you could just get any old 2x12 closed back cab and put in v30's and you'll have basically the same sound - you're just paying for the Bogner name...

never give up, never slow down
never grow old, never ever die young
  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Amen!

gsj wrote:

I wasn't going to get into this one but I have to say that not all 2x12's are the same. For instance.....the Marshall 1936, which is of a ply construction, doesn't carry the bottom end as well as (for example) a Cornford 2x12 which is solid pine. Cabs are sometimes 'tuned' differently....it isn't just about the speakers.

kwsjb1238 wrote:

First off, I just want to ask - is there any reason you have to buy a Bogner cab?  The difference in tone between different cabs with the same speakers in them is minute - you could just get any old 2x12 closed back cab and put in v30's and you'll have basically the same sound - you're just paying for the Bogner name...

  • From: Tampa, Fl.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 870

Re: Need Help with cabs...

gsj wrote:

I wasn't going to get into this one but I have to say that not all 2x12's are the same. For instance.....the Marshall 1936, which is of a ply construction, doesn't carry the bottom end as well as (for example) a Cornford 2x12 which is solid pine. Cabs are sometimes 'tuned' differently....it isn't just about the speakers.

kwsjb1238 wrote:

First off, I just want to ask - is there any reason you have to buy a Bogner cab?  The difference in tone between different cabs with the same speakers in them is minute - you could just get any old 2x12 closed back cab and put in v30's and you'll have basically the same sound - you're just paying for the Bogner name...

Definetly a valid point - I've heard people go either way on this one... personally, I think you can rectify that with a different choice of speaker... guess its mostly how you hear things personally...

"Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought-- particularly for people who can never remember where they have left things." - Woody Allen

http://www.last.fm/user/skynyrd128
  • From: Upper Yukon, Alaska
  • Registered: 2006-12-05
  • Posts: 128

Re: Need Help with cabs...

I'm convinced solid pine, without tolex sounds better to my ears than ply cab.  I hear good things about birch cabs too.  Before I'd ship something in, figure I would consider building my own cab with local wood.  Speaker, amp wattage combination really affects it all too.  Some amps sound like garbage, different cab combination changes everything.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-23
  • Posts: 553

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Hi,

let me to throw in a veto here. A good cabinet from birch or pinewood will sound much better than a cheapo MDF or plywood cab. I agree it doesn't has to be a Bogner but I would care for a quality cab. I have tried so many cabinets and was amazed about their differences in sound even with same speakers. Its a science by itself (which I dont understand myself too much smile. The construction, baffle board, materials and inner space are very important to the final result.

For example I tried this cheap 2x12 box and fitted them with greenbacks..
Its cheap but also it sounds cheap. Very cheap...
http://www.thomann.de/de/harley_benton_g212_vintage.htm

Maybe its all about what amp you play or what you expect.
But if you have a great guitar and a great amp then I wouldn't
send these two good components through the weakest link...

just my minds...
Alex

...it's a musical journey
www.u2-experience.de

Stratovari's Website

  • Registered: 2008-04-29
  • Posts: 7

Re: Need Help with cabs...

first of all thanks for advice guys...the thing with the cabs is i've played through engl 2x12 once it vas boomy but not mushy,with good mids and superb treble response (the thing is build of siberian birch)-anyway i was really impresed with engls but didn't know how good would it sound with marshall amps (when i played engl it was also an engl amp) and guy said that someone said to him that engl cabs are meant for much more heavy music and high gain amps so he wasn't shure about marshall amp going through it...

and the sounds i'm going for are the black crowes,zeppelin,gov't mule...
so i think i don't want to buy that bogner becouse of a name (even do here in croatia bogners are considered holy grail) but simply just for the sounds (ok and looks big_smile )

and also friend told me he had a marshall 2x12 and it sounded like crap...
so that leaves me really with just bogners or some beringher,randall,line 6 stuff that i REALLY don't want to even consider (like i said in my country there are good stuff like bogner,mesa,engl and theres bad stuff like randall beringher...speaking of cabs of course).

and like someone said i did think of building an cab but i just don't have the time right know.oh and the price for a bogner 2x12 (larger one) here in croatia is more than 1000$...it's not 700$ or 800$ like in the states

11 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2008-04-30 10:43:04)

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

Re: Need Help with cabs...

I had an old 60's Fender 2x12 and it sounded great..even with Hughes and Kettner speakers

the marshall 2x12 yeah i'd stay away from.

The best 2x12's I've ever heard are Rivera 2x12....and like you said they are just brand name with celestions in it.

- 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

12 Reply by ken

  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Need Help with cabs...

www.earcandycabs.com

I have a 2x12 buzzbomb (unfortunate name, for a great quality cab). I like, but everyone is different.

Ken

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

Re: Need Help with cabs...

ken wrote:

www.earcandycabs.com

I have a 2x12 buzzbomb (unfortunate name, for a great quality cab). I like, but everyone is different.

Ken

how much are they? the snake skin one is speaking to me.

- 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

14 Reply by ken

  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: Need Help with cabs...

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:
ken wrote:

www.earcandycabs.com

I have a 2x12 buzzbomb (unfortunate name, for a great quality cab). I like, but everyone is different.

Ken

how much are they? the snake skin one is speaking to me.

You can build it on the website with any options, and it will calculate the price for you.

  • mitch
  • mitch
  • Gold Member
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  • From: Swindon, UK
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 92

Re: Need Help with cabs...

I guess this one's really for UK based Bonamassa guitarists- but check out

http://www.guitarampcab.com/home.html

I highly recommend these guys- boutique handmade cabs with mics built in!

I've just ordered a stereo Horizontal 2x12 in blue snakeskin... I've decided to go for a rig like Joe's- but using just two amps & one stereo cab- I couldn't transport or have stage room for two cabs given the clubs I play- but I highly recommend using two amps- it's huge sound when you combine different distortions like Joe.  Currently I'm experimenting between a Two Rock type amp head & a Vox AC30,  also I'm going to try a 20w Marshall head soon.

The key thing is that speakers & cabs are really important- the amp is only half the equation IMHO.

This don't look like no express way to me...

16 Reply by gsj

  • gsj
  • gsj
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  • From: North Essex, England
  • Registered: 2006-09-21
  • Posts: 2,149

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Valid points raised there Alex. I know Joe isn't a fan of Dr Z but I love the tone and projection from the Z 2x12, which is best used when it's 'up-ended'.

Stratovari wrote:

Hi,

let me to throw in a veto here. A good cabinet from birch or pinewood will sound much better than a cheapo MDF or plywood cab. I agree it doesn't has to be a Bogner but I would care for a quality cab. I have tried so many cabinets and was amazed about their differences in sound even with same speakers. Its a science by itself (which I dont understand myself too much smile. The construction, baffle board, materials and inner space are very important to the final result.

For example I tried this cheap 2x12 box and fitted them with greenbacks..
Its cheap but also it sounds cheap. Very cheap...
http://www.thomann.de/de/harley_benton_g212_vintage.htm

Maybe its all about what amp you play or what you expect.
But if you have a great guitar and a great amp then I wouldn't
send these two good components through the weakest link...

just my minds...
Alex

never give up, never slow down
never grow old, never ever die young
  • Registered: 2008-04-02
  • Posts: 8

Re: Need Help with cabs...

hey I read that you said you were trying to get a govt mule sound. Warren haynes uses engl cabs. Well he used to. But they are great cabs. Also avatar makes done great cabs for the money.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-23
  • Posts: 553

Re: Need Help with cabs...

Hi Mitch,

we should share some information. By now my main amp is a Valvetech Hayseed 30
(Botique AC-30) also I have a Vox AC-30 RI and a Berger 18w (Marshall 1974x clone).

The Hayseed has an FX loop where I run a Rocktron intellifex for Reverb an delays.
This works pretty good. So in fact all effects run over one amp. The second amp
(AC-30) is running parallel with no effects. I have to mention that both amps are cranked
3/4 up (normal channel) and in front I have a treble booster. Vom clean to dirty I use the vol.
pot of the guitar (strat, Les Paul - and a Gigliotti GT is in the making).
This setup works great for me.

Tell me a bit about the amps you use.

If this might be boring here for others (??) you can also write me PM.

/Alex

...it's a musical journey
www.u2-experience.de

Stratovari's Website