DIY Kappalite 3015 for Bass AND Guitar?

dug dog · #1 02-21-2011, 02:23 PM

A buddy wants to build a pair of cabs to do double duty on bass and guitar. I've suggested that something with a dedicated mid driver ala fEarful or BFM would be his best bet, but he would prefer something simpler due, primarily, to budget restrictions.

He would like to keep the cabs as small as possible, so my second suggestion was a 3015 in a small box similar to the Barefaced Compact, but my concern was that there would not be enough hi frequency content for guitar. Greenboy offered his thoughts in another thread that I briefly hi-jacked.

He stated , "Most guitarists will find it dull (the 3015), and it does icepick at a lower frequency than they are accustomed to. 3012HO is a better choice there, but even then either of these drivers really aren't as good as dedicated guitar drivers - or cabs with dedicated midranges."

So, now I'm scratching my head and wondering about adding a relatively low cost tweeter to the "3015 in a small box" format with a simple hi pass filter (if there is such a thing) and, if necessary, some sort of L Pad. The first to come to mind is the Eminence ASD 1001 on a waveguide as used in the fEarfuls and, while I know this may not be the ultimate audiophile solution, it might fit his needs by adding some hi frequency content while keeping the costs down.

The 3015 response drops pretty sharply at about 3.5 kHz which is right about where the ASD1001 would start to work. In theory, there would be no need for a low pass on the woofer, though perhaps some smoothing on the response peaks would be a good idea. While the 3012 might be a better choice in terms of frequency response, I don't think my bud has enough power to get them loud enough for his needs ( read "LOUD")- he's running an Ampeg B1-RE - 175 watts at 8 ohms and 300 at 4 ohms.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

dug dog · #2 02-21-2011, 02:26 PM

I should have also stated that I've built a BFM Jack and concluded that my buddy would want more bottom end.

newbold · #3 02-21-2011, 02:40 PM

Tell him to cut mids. The low end is plenty sensitive on those jacks.

dug dog · #4 02-21-2011, 02:45 PM

I'm just now giving that some serious reconsideration. I'm gonna give him my Jack 110 to see if the sound profile is workable with his EQ. If it is, then a pair of those or a Jack 210 may be the ticket.

billfitzmaurice · #5 02-21-2011, 03:00 PM

J10 is the last cab I'd use for guitar, and 3015 in any box is not much better. I suppose either might be OK with a modeling rig, but IMO it's no substitute for a 50 watt Plexi into a pair of 30w Greenbacks or an AC30.

Passinwind · #6 02-21-2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dug dog

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

IMHO, a pair of TL-606s loaded with EVM15Ls would be a better compromise than anything you've mentioned so far, save Bill's suggestions. I've tried 6" mid drivers, not for me for guitar unless you are doing the modeler thing or maybe archtop jazz box sounds. Compression drivers? No thanks!

I play both guitar and bass, and if and when I start gigging both at the same shows again I'll just bring my Fender toob amp along for guitar duty.

rpsands · #7 02-21-2011, 04:10 PM

3015lf crossed to two guitar tens?

Passinwind · #8 02-21-2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

3015lf crossed to two guitar tens?

Works OK; I've done it via biamping to my Fender as the top cab and amp. But you don't really need the 15 for guitar in that scenario --at least I don't.

rogypop · #9 02-21-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passinwind

Works OK; I've done it via biamping to my Fender as the top cab and amp. But you don't really need the 15 for guitar in that scenario --at least I don't.

with the 15 engaged when used with guitar it would be a real ´volume war starter cab´

IntrepidCellist · #10 02-21-2011, 04:23 PM

I've tried it, and even with a Thunderchild and a 30w Budda or Mesa it's not great.

dug dog · #11 02-21-2011, 08:23 PM

Thanks for the input, guys. It's always helpful to bounce ideas around with knowledgeable folk. It seems I have a few more things to think about.

rpsands · #12 02-21-2011, 09:14 PM

Another thought that's been percolating is a Guitar 12 and a 3012LF, set up to be stacked with the guitar and 3012LF in a kinda line-array (e.g. the guitar 12/3012LF side by side). Not sure you could get a crossover you'd be happy with down to 300-400hz or so though, at a reasonable price.

basswest · #13 02-21-2011, 09:28 PM

I have not read through this thread, but let me tell you, I heard a guy play his solid body Gretch guitar into my big all tube head and 3015 loaded cab. It sounded so great with his percussive thumb and finger technique! So much so that there was little need for bass or drums. I'm afraid that plugging back into his classic Fender amp was a little disappointing.

will33 · #14 02-21-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

it's no substitute for a 50 watt Plexi into a pair of 30w Greenbacks or an AC30.

Right on.

will33 · #15 02-21-2011, 09:39 PM

A 15L could do it if you like your guitars loud and clean. The bass can sound good up to sort of ok volumes....can play your local corner bar.

R Baer · #16 02-21-2011, 10:08 PM

Before going through the time and effort of building a 2 way 15" cab, have him try playing his guitar through a 15" PA to see if he likes the sound. My guess is he won't. No 15" pro audio driver is going to recreate the kind of break up guitarist get from the typical guitar driver.