Comparison of 12 'small bass cabs: Mesa vs. Agular vs. GK

[suvdecropp]

Yes, I know ... This is another boring thread about 12 'cabs...

I've just sold my 2 TC rs212 cabs and I'm looking for something to downsize more my rig. My amp is GK 800RB + ampeg svpCL...

I'm thinking about Mesa Boogie powerhouse 112 (in future I will buy second one) or Aguilar GS112 (the same situation as with mesa)... or maybe GK neo112-II x 2

Cab for rock... small and small-medium gigs and practice. I don't want to buy something that I will sell in next 6 months - want something loud (as 12" cab can be) with high sensivity and good sounding...

I have to add, that unfortunately, in Europe, in Poland (where I live) it is impossible to test as much gear as in the U.S. so I can only buy one of those 3 cabs...
Of course we have many distributors of delicious bass gear but to check them you must first buy them

Other option is to buy used SWR golight 410 and forget about worries...
__________________

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by suvdecropp

Yes, I know ... This is another boring thread about 12 'cabs...

I've just sold my 2 TC rs212 cabs and I'm looking for something to downsize more my rig. My amp is GK 800RB + ampeg svpCL...

I'm thinking about Mesa Boogie powerhouse 112 (in future I will buy second one) or Aguilar GS112 (the same situation as with mesa)... or maybe GK neo112-II x 2

Cab for rock... small and small-medium gigs and practice. I don't want to buy something that I will sell in next 6 months - want something loud (as 12" cab can be) with high sensivity and good sounding...

I have to add, that unfortunately, in Europe, in Poland (where I live) it is impossible to test as much gear as in the U.S. so I can only buy one of those 3 cabs...
Of course we have many distributors of delicious bass gear but to check them you must first buy them

Other option is to buy used SWR golight 410 and forget about worries...
__________________

I have a Mesa Powerhouse 412 and Avatar Neo 212, and have considered selling the Avatar to fund one or two Mesa Powerhouse 112 cabs as well. I also own a Powerhouse 610 cab and haven't found a Mesa cab I don't like yet. I haven't played the GK's or the Aguilar cabs so I can't really speak for them, but my PH412 is awesome, I think the 112 would be killer as well.

[bassgod0dmw]

I've heard nothing but good things about the GK cabs. I just don't like to form factor at all, they're too large for my liking considering they're only a single 12.

I've got a pair of Aggie GS112's that I love. They kill with a GK amp on top. For quite a few years my main rig was a pair of GS's and a 2001RB. I wish I had them with me (they're in storage right now) because I'd gig them this weekend with my 800RB. Hmmm...maybe I'll swing by and pick them up. They're sitting in storage because I gig my Bag End S15D's right now.

No experience with the Mesa, although I own and love Mesa stuff.

[jeff7bass]

I have an Avatar SB112, which you should also consider because it's of good quality and reasonable price. I've tried the GK 112 NEO also and I've heard the others. The Aguilar is awesome but a bit dark sounding, which is good for rock. Very solid cab.
The GK is a bit more neutral sounding and is of good quality, especially for the money. The Mesa is a powerful cab but costly.
IMO, a pair of the GK cabs would be a great match for the 800RB head. Nice and light, good transparent sound and quite crank-able. The Avatar SB112 has a slightly bigger sound due to the dimensions and port. It "fills" nicely by itself because of this. It's a good match for my Ampeg PF-350 but I feel the GK's would be a good match for your 800RB.

[dmrogers]

I have a trio of GS112's. I gigged with two of them for a couple of years (powered with a Thunderfunk). Before that, I used a single GS112 at a restaurant gig for about a year and a half (powered with an SVT 3 Pro).

I am completely satisfied with the GS cabs. They are well built and respond very well with my currents heads. The GS cabs cover the lowend very well, but it has been my experience that they respond equally well to EQ settings.

That's not to say that the Aguilar are better than any other cab mentioned, just thought I would give you my experience.

Good luck!

[milklounge]

I would throw a pair of Aguilar SL112 Cabs into the mix. Bought two of these last December and I'm more than happy with these. Using them with a GK MB500 (sounds just like my old 1001RB). I've used Ampeg (HLF 410), SWR (210) & Epifani (T310) Cabs before and never had a better stage sound before, very bottom heavy, but detailed all the way trough! And.. light as feathers...

[suvdecropp]

Is this true that a pair of Aggie GS 112 (and I think SL also) will be boomy with lot of (to much) low end? Is this theory also applies to a pair of Mesa PH?

[Budbear]

Have you considered Barefaced Bass in England. The Midget might fit your needs. Small, loud and goes pretty deep without boominess. Weighs 9kg. Best of all, Alex has a 30 day return policy. Play it out, if you don't like it, send it back. Only cost is the return shipping.

http://barefacedbass.com/product-range/midget.htm

there's a lot of information on his website re: bass amplification.

[Mousekillaz]

410 golight ... problem solved

[PhatRon]

I've been using Bergantino HT112er's and they are super. even one gets plenty loud. at rehearsals and small rooms I use only one and have never been lacking (and we have a loud drummer). Then when I stack the second, the WOW factor!!
I recently used the two at an outdoor festival (with my shuttlemax 12.0) and it blew away (IMO and the sound guy) the svt4pro bridged into ashdown 810 which was used for back line. Go figure.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by suvdecropp

Yes, I know ... This is another boring thread about 12 'cabs...

Nothing boring about it to me. I love 1x12 cabs...

You're unlikely to go wrong playing ANY of those three makes/models of cabs. All of them will "do" rock just fine. It's down to personal preference.

Of the three, my choice would be the Mesa Powerhouse 1x12. They're heavy & expensive. But if you can swing it, get one. Then get another one. Nothing rocks better than a Mesa.

Alternatively, a pair of Barefaced Midgets sounds like just what you need. I'd also look into that...

MM

[suvdecropp]

Hmm... Bergantino... yes, my friend have few cabs from them, they are great but the price is not reasonable for me

Barefaced - nice option, I like Midget but Super Twelve is nicer Unfortunately, currency fluctuations are so large that the price of Barefaced S12 is comparable or even higher than the price of a new Mesa PH410 or SWR Golight 410

MysticMichael: Mesa ph112 is cheaper than Aggie gs112 here in Poland

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by Budbear

Have you considered Barefaced Bass in England. The Midget might fit your needs. Small, loud and goes pretty deep without boominess. Weighs 9kg. Best of all, Alex has a 30 day return policy. Play it out, if you don't like it, send it back. Only cost is the return shipping.

http://barefacedbass.com/product-range/midget.htm

there's a lot of information on his website re: bass amplification.

+1

Or I play a fEARful 12/6. If you can build it yourself you could save some dough.

[Budbear]

Originally Posted by suvdecropp

Barefaced - nice option, I like Midget but Super Twelve is nicer Unfortunately, currency fluctuations are so large that the price of Barefaced S12 is comparable or even higher than the price of a new Mesa PH410 or SWR Golight 410

A Super Twelve will blow away any 410 you could buy.

Or I play a fEARful 12/6. If you can build it yourself you could save some dough

Amazing cab, but are the skills present and the parts available and affordable for the OP in Poland? What if, in the unlikely event, he doesn't like it?

[CTC564]

I was in your position a few months ago and I chose to go with (2) Baer ML-112 cabinets...

I can honestly say that in 20+ years of owning or playing through some of the finest gear of the day, I am BY FAR most satisfied with these cabinets...

All the best with your search

[john nam]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

I have an Avatar SB112, which you should also consider because it's of good quality and reasonable price.

+1 on the Avatar SB112, mine is the newer version with the lower frequency neo speakers, sounds amazing with a lot of volume. Hands down the best bang for the buck out there and sounds better to me than most other cabs that I've tried. Sad to say, it sounds both better and louder than my Markbass 121p combo's 1x12 cab. I use the Markbass more often though because it's a combo and I really like how it sounds as well, just not as much as the Avatar.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by suvdecropp

MysticMichael: Mesa ph112 is cheaper than Aggie gs112 here in Poland

Then if you can afford one, jump on it boy!

MM

[engedi1]

I used a gs112 for years. Huge sounding rig, not boomy at all. I also used a tc electronic 112 which is a great small form cab. A little dark and lowidrangey compared to the gs112. But very affordable, and if you liked the tc electronic 212 but want it smaller, nothing will fit the bill more then 2 RS112.

[Crabby]

I have a pair of Mesa 112 cabs and they are fantastic. I paid a lot for them but wanted to pair them with my Mesa Walkabout and I could not be happier with these cabs. I have owned other 112 and 212 cabs and always seem to come back to Mesa gear.

[Daniel Piper]

Crabby I always love your Mesa pics. How would you describe your 2 powerhouse 112 cabs vs a 212 or 410 powerhouse?

Cheers
Dan