Advice on choosing a Cab

[ThomasTronics]

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum and was doing some browsing on cabs and ideas and thought I would just start a thread as I wasn't getting what I was looking for.

I play 2 fender american Jazz basses w/ half wounds.
No effects.
And currently play through
Ampeg SVT classic
8X8 or 8X10 cab.

I don't want to sell off the head because I imagine the head can produce the sound I want and it's the cab that not providing.

I find I don't get the low end growl and power I want with the clarity of the high end. And I want to downsize.
I was thinking of selling off the cab and just getting a 115 cab.

Was looking at Hartke as I wanted to try some aluminum cones but getting mixed reviews on those.

Advice on what I should look at?

[MacBass57]

Avatar TB153 is on my gas list!

[VanillaThundah]

I'd say go to a store and play through some different cabs with your basses and preferably your head as well...although another SVT in the store should fit the bill just fine.

We don't have a lot to go on as well. Is your 8x10 an AMPEG 8x10 or is it another brand? A 1x15 from hartke will not give you low-end plus clarity compared to your 8x10 or 8x8. If you're looking for really low bass but with some clarity, look for an 8x10 that is ported and has the option of an adjustable tweeter...you may find this to your liking. Many cabs fit the bill for that, you just need to go look on musiciansfriend or guitarcenter's website to see which one works around your budget. If money is no object, my recommendation would be a Mesa powerhouse 8x10.

[VanillaThundah]

Originally Posted by MacBass57

Avatar TB153 is on my gas list!

OP, this is definitely a viable option. You may like a scooped sound more than you thought though, which is not this cab. What style do you play? What techniques do you use? What type of band do you play in?

[ThomasTronics]

The Cab is Ampeg.

I play a mix between walking blues and a Jaco style. Don't play in a band just.
Technique: 2 finger but I use my ring at the same time as my middle. I play near the bridge pick up when I want that pop and near the neck pick up when getting low.

Never had to think of my technique before lol.

I think the cab has an adjustable tweeter. I don't know much about equipment. But it has like a dial in the back ranging -X# DBs to Infinity. I'm at work so I don't have the exact numbers.

I'm looking for something smaller than 8x8. And I don't know what a scooped sound is like. What about a 15" 3 way? I think my amp head isn't properly biased since new tubes were put in (idiot at the local music store don't know ****), could this be the problem or the head isn't the problem with the tone

[RickenBoogie]

Going from an 8x10 to a 1x15, you will not get anywhere near the volume you're used to. Just fyi, if you need loud, you're gonna need more than a 1x15 for sure.

[ThomasTronics]

I don't need to be really loud but I do enjoy some power.

I'm really looking for tone over loud. I most do recording so I'm looking for something loud enough to record on.

[rad bassman]

a fEARful 1515/66 would rock your world, or if thats too big for your needs... a 15/6

[sad_katz]

Any 15" offerings from fEARful, BFM, Barefaced would be loud, light, and sound good.

[Oobly]

Originally Posted by sad_katz

Any 15" offerings from fEARful, BFM, Barefaced would be loud, light, and sound good.

+1, and the Avatar TB153 comes pretty close, so it's worth considering.

[mpdd]

i bought an orange obc115 for my mesa d180, and if i get into a situation where i consistently need more volume, i'll either switch to a 410 or get another 115 depending on what will fit in the subaru and how much money i have

[ThomasTronics]

Thanks for the advice.
i think i'm going to get the 115 then if i need mroe power or tone i'll get a 2X10 or 4X10

[brndn123]

Avatar NEO 2x12. Deep tone and comes with a horn if you're into that sorta thing. Just a thought

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by ThomasTronics

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum and was doing some browsing on cabs and ideas and thought I would just start a thread as I wasn't getting what I was looking for.

I play 2 fender american Jazz basses w/ half wounds.
No effects.
And currently play through
Ampeg SVT classic
8X8 or 8X10 cab.

I don't want to sell off the head because I imagine the head can produce the sound I want and it's the cab that not providing.

I find I don't get the low end growl and power I want with the clarity of the high end. And I want to downsize.
I was thinking of selling off the cab and just getting a 115 cab.

Was looking at Hartke as I wanted to try some aluminum cones but getting mixed reviews on those.

Advice on what I should look at?

My advice is to keep the bass rig you have now and use it to A/B all of the bass rig recommendations you get here along with the idea’s you come up with on your own. Good luck and more importantly take your time and enjoy the ride.

[Cirk]

Using a 1x15 with a 4x10 may cause problems. Do some looking around the site for better explanations than I can give. And play a bunch of different cabs before you decide on one type. You may be very surprised.

Also, hang around in the amp forum. There's a lot to be learned there. It will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

[Cirk]

That's good advice, Joe