3x10 cabs... questions

[rojo412]

Ever since abandoning the 95 lb SWR Goliath that I used to have, then subsequently blowing up 2x10 cabs like they are going out of style, I've been thinking to myself "Self, what about a 3x10? That seems to be a logical choice!"

"Well, Self," I says, I says "That's a darn good question. Why don't you ask around and see what people think."

So that's what I'm doing...

I think a 3x10 may be something fun to try. Currently, I'm running a 2x12 and as stated, have had experiences with 2x10 and 4x10.
Tonally, I loved the 4x10. Booty and clarity. But huge and hefty.
I liked the 2x10s as well, but lacked the booty... and were quite "glass jawed" when it came to my needs.
The 2x12 is holding up nicely, but the 3x10 seems to keep itself on my mind, for the fact that it may be just the right size, tone, and booty that I require.

How do they stack up in the real world? What "voice" do they tend to have? Can they be the only cabinet for someone in a funk band?
Also, they seem rare. Any particular ones I should look at?

I know the ohm ratings tend to keep these tough to power in multi-cab rigs, but that's not gonna happen for me anyway. I am in a band that practices weekly and plays gigs MAYBE 5 times a year. And the show we played at House Of Blues, with my 2x10, I didn't even have to turn up, so I'm not looking for another cab. This would be a half stack only.
If I hit it big, I'll have roadies and a much bigger cab later, but don't plan to cross that bridge until... well, never.

[ThunderousFunk]

Yeah, I'm definitley subscribed to this thread, cause this is about where I'm at too.

[ninepoundjammer]

I own a Bergantino HT310, but the model is discontinued. 4 ohm cab rated for 600 watts. A great sounding cab, but at 87 pounds there's a whole slew of 4x10's that are lighter weight, and while it's a little narrower than a 4x10, the cab volume is also probably close to a 4x10. Can't say there's any reason to prefer it over a comparable 4x10. I got it because it sounds good, not because it's a 3x10.

It's plenty loud, stage volume would need to be ridiculous for it to not hold its own.

[ninepoundjammer]

Originally Posted by rojo412

I liked the 2x10s as well, but lacked the booty... and were quite "glass jawed" when it came to my needs.

I also recently picked up a Bergantino HT210. Far from glass jawed. It has Berg's newer drivers that make it a 500 watt cab, 8 ohms. It's a bit more aggressive and grindy than my HT310 but I'm not sure if that's the cab or the beating that previous owners gave it

I don't have an amp that can put out anywhere near 500 watts at 8 ohms, so I can't get quite as much volume out of it as my HT310, which is 4 ohms. Are you sure your trouble with 2x10's isn't due to a lack of amp headroom?

If the 2x12 is working for you what's the problem? My main rig is currently two 1x12's, but it's mostly due to weight/size considerations.

[Eminor3rd]

I had the same problem, and ditched the Goliath (which I liked a lot) for a Schroeder 1212L (2x12). It's hilariously light (one hand-able) and sounds amazing. I would recommend seriously looking into one of these.

[KJung]

The classic 310 cab is the Epifani 310UL. They are a bit heavier than they used to be now (about 52 pounds), and are very wide and smooth sounding.

Just like you would guess, they put out volume that sits right between a 210 and 410... so very similar in total output to a 212 cab. The Epi is 5.3ohms, which works will with the typical micro amp (the Markbass heads sound particularly good with this cab... especially the F500, which has the low mid precision to punch the wide Epi's up).

If you find a 410 a bit much, but find that 210's don't quite do it for you, this might be a good compromise. The output is closer to the 210 than the 410 though... which is why I describe it as a 'super 210'.

Nice, relatively small box, which is still large enough to use with castors, setting your small head and stand on top for a nice one trip schlepp.

I'm quite excited about the new Bergantino AE212, which is about the same weight as the Epi310UL, a bit smaller footprint (it sits higher though, which is nice), and should be a bit punchier and grindier than the very smooth Epi. It is a 4ohm cab... nice! Due out in early August.

[Lennard III.]

I have an Epifani UL2 3x10" 750W @ 4 Ohm which does a great job - I'm never too quiet on stage

The 5,3 ohms are like 4 ohms for the amp

[gkbass13]

I have one of the original Epifani NYC 3x10 cabs and it might be the best sounding cab I have ever played through. On that note, I personally Don't need it as i play with pretty low stage volume and am switching to a 2x10+2x10 setup to mix and match with my Markbass F-1. If you're looking into an amazing sounding 3x10 and don't mind the 70ish lbs of the Epifani NYC, feel free to PM me.


Edit: I'm expecting my first Epi UL 2x10 in the mail today. If tone wise, I can't get used to it after playing through the 3x10 for the last year, then the latter part of this post will be moot.

[RS]

If you find yourself on the eastside, you're welcome to check out my the Epifani 310UL (S1).

[rojo412]

I will certainly let you know if that's a possibility.

GK, will PM, ok?

[ThunderousFunk]

What about the MarkBass 310 combo, any experience with that anyone?