Bill Fitzmaurice rig build

megadethjohn · #1 05-16-2010, 03:03 PM

So I've been tossing around the idea of building Bill Fitzmaurice designed speaker cabs for my rig. I currently use a Peavey 4X10 cab and power it with a Peavey Pro 500 head(tube pre, 350watts at 4ohms, 3 band fully parametric mid EQ, high/low shelving, tons of functions)

My main band plays very fast metal ala Exodus, Slayer, early Sepultura but I also play blues, funk and classic rock with two other bands. In one of my bands I play through an ancient Cerwyn Vega folded horn sub with a 10 inch built in above it and love the deep tones. It's to heavey to move and stays in the guitar players garage. For my metal band I need precision and lots of mid range drive.

I basically want more power and better tone. Less weight per box would also be a plus(the peavey is over 100LB). I might keep my Pro 500 head but I've heard great things about the Tech 21 VT Bass and would consider using that with my Pro 500 or with a power amp(maybe an Avalon U5 too).

For reference: http://billfitzmaurice.net/

Considered Rig 1: Omni 15 Tallboy. It's fairly simple, one box does it all. I'm sure it will be louder then my current setup. I'm worried that if I use some distortion I might fry the 8 inch driver. If figure this will work better with my Pro 500; a power amp setup might be overkill.

Considered Rig 2: Jack 2X10 and a Subwoofer. I already have two brand new 10 inch eminence basslite speakers that I found in the trash at my practice space. Talk about luck. I figure if I run a crossover rig the Jack will handle the mids and highs without a problem even if distorted and I can build a sub to handle the lows. This would be cheaper as I already have 2 of the 3 speakers needed but I would probably have to get a two channel power amp and crossover.

Considered Rig 3: Stack of Jack 1x12s. Keep it simple.

So what are your thoughts? What are the advantages and drawbacks of both rigs? Any other setups that you guys would recommend? If I go with rig 2 would a tuba subwoofer work or would a titan be better? If I decided to switch to an all tube head would it sound good with Bill's cabs?

cracker75 · #2 05-16-2010, 03:08 PM

Subscribed....

I just got the plans for the O12TB, and look forward to hearing what others think.

playerunk · #3 05-16-2010, 03:17 PM

i don't know very much about BFM cabs (just a read trough) but i know they have a pretty active community and they can help you with pro/cons of the cabs since many of them have built and tested them.

jgroh · #4 05-16-2010, 03:26 PM

I am interested in this as well. I have been toying with the idea of building one. I have an Ampeg 410HLF as my main cab, but occasionally we play small bars and clubs and a 2x10 would be great for those places. Im thinking of a Jack 2x10 but im not sure just yet. Ill keep my eyes on this thread.

rpsands · #5 05-16-2010, 03:52 PM

Stack of j12s for wht you describe. No question. Use 3012hos. Make sure to get the newest jack plans.

cracker75 · #6 05-16-2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Stack of j12s for wht you describe. No question. Use 3012hos. Make sure to get the newest jack plans.

would using three thousand and twelve ho's be somewhat immoral?

(sorry...I just had to)

billfitzmaurice · #7 05-16-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cracker75

would using three thousand and twelve ho's be somewhat immoral?

Immoral, maybe; expensive: for sure. Just ask Tiger Woods.

Gintaras · #8 05-16-2010, 05:09 PM

I would build the 2x10 since you have the speakers. See how that works and then decide on the next cab.

Have you looked at the BFM forum?

kesslari · #9 05-16-2010, 05:18 PM

Definitely, go to Bill's forum and ask there. Good folks who know a ton about his designs and their applications, and have built lots of them.

For myself - I built and play through Omni's (a 10, which is the 210 predecessor of the Jack 210) and a 10.5 (the predecessor of the Jack 10). Small gigs/rehearsals, I play through the 10.5. Medium gigs through the 210, big gigs or gigging with my funk band (when I want more bottom) I play through the two cabs together, a 2.67 ohm 310 stack that just kills.
All the clarity in the world, wonderful tone.

Grooveman1961 · #10 05-16-2010, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Immoral, maybe; expensive: for sure. Just ask Tiger Woods.

Nice. Pretty clever for an old guy.

megadethjohn · #11 05-17-2010, 01:46 PM

I might start off with a Jack 2X10 and if all goes well build a stack of Jack 12's.

Two quick questions, If I stack the 2X10 on top of the 12 would that be better then stacking two J12's? Would I run into any phase issues?

Are there plans for a Jack 2X12? I only saw an option for 1X10, 2X10 and 1X12.

Thanks for the responses and I posted this up on Bill's forums too.

mike_v_s · #12 05-17-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megadethjohn

I might start off with a Jack 2X10 and if all goes well build a stack of Jack 12's.

Two quick questions, If I stack the 2X10 on top of the 12 would that be better then stacking two J12's? Would I run into any phase issues?

Are there plans for a Jack 2X12? I only saw an option for 1X10, 2X10 and 1X12.

Thanks for the responses and I posted this up on Bill's forums too.

The plans for the Jack 2x12 are with the 112 plans.

Mike

PaulNYC · #13 05-17-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megadethjohn

If I stack the 2X10 on top of the 12 would that be better then stacking two J12's? Would I run into any phase issues?

Just build what you want and keep the sizes consistent. ie, 10's with 10's etc.

Paul

pearcey · #14 05-17-2010, 11:22 PM

FWIW I really like my O15TB. I play a preamp/Yamaha 3500s power amp through it and it hasn't blown up. I mostly play blues/rock type stuff, but it seems versatile enough; I reckon funk/slap would be great.

It's pretty deep and loud, but if you were desperate for low end you could build a sub as an add-on - I've always hankered after a BFM T39, which would kind of match. You could use your tens in the sub...

cracker75 · #15 06-11-2010, 12:25 AM

Just in case you're still thinking about it...I've really enjoyed my BFM Omni 12TB build....If everything works out I'll be taking it for a test-drive next week.

This is a link to my build thread (with pics) at the BFM site:

http://billfitzmaurice.info/forum/vi...p?f=30&t=11703

**Rune Bivrin** · #16 06-11-2010, 02:41 AM

I've had an O12TB without tweeter for quite a while. Great sound, but a little unweildy to transport. I can't imagine how you'd blow the mid and still have ears left. Remeber it only gets significant power above 500 Hz, where there isn't that much power to begin with.

I've recently built two J110's (one as an airhead) and they are a little more bass shy but definitely more managable, transport-wise.

jokerjkny · #17 06-11-2010, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kesslari

Definitely, go to Bill's forum and ask there. Good folks who know a ton about his designs and their applications, and have built lots of them.

For myself - I built and play through Omni's (a 10, which is the 210 predecessor of the Jack 210) and a 10.5 (the predecessor of the Jack 10). Small gigs/rehearsals, I play through the 10.5. Medium gigs through the 210, big gigs or gigging with my funk band (when I want more bottom) I play through the two cabs together, a 2.67 ohm 310 stack that just kills.
All the clarity in the world, wonderful tone.

dam,

this looks like it'd hurt someone in the first row...