fearful 15/6 vs lds 15/6

bass7858 · #1 03-22-2010, 03:42 PM

I have been following all the 15/6 threads and see there are 2 different designs. The Greenboy Fearful design which seems to be larger and has a large port across bottom of cab, and Dons LDS design which appears somewhat smaller and utilizes round ports.
Can any of you guys who may be familiar with both cabs opine on the tonal differences as well as any percieved volume or output differences?
Would greatly appreciate any insight.

rpsands · #2 03-22-2010, 04:00 PM

The tonal differences will vary depending on the crossover used.

The major differences are:
-the LDS model is about 2-3lbs lighter
-the LDS model has half the port area, roughly, so is limited in terms of its maximum output. How much so will vary by how much bass and how low your bass's tuning is.
-The LDS is much deeper and a little wider so has a bigger stage footprint, which I do not like. Some people like the squat profile though.
-The LDS does not have the same height, so the midrange output is not as close to your ear.

Overall I see no reason to go with the LDS formfactor, at all.

bass7858 · #3 03-22-2010, 04:01 PM

Noted. Thank you!

silky smoove · #4 03-22-2010, 04:02 PM

Don (LDS) offers a wide and short version, which sounds like what you're describing, and a taller yet skinnier version (30" tall x 20" wide x 16" deep) with slot ports on the bottom rather than round ports on the front baffle. His taller version is very close to the fEarful form factor, but is not identical. Don does the bracing a bit differently and places the side handles differently as well. I've not done an A/B with my tall LDS version and a fEarful, but I will say that mine sounds fantastic and provides PLENTY of volume even without PA support in a medium sized venue (300 seat) and that's all that really matters to me.

My tall version:

**Ukiah Bass** · #5 03-22-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Overall I see no reason to go with the LDS formfactor, at all.

I deliberately chose the LDS form factor because I wanted a larger platform under my rack, and mostly because I did not want a large open hole at the bottom of the cab. I live in the country and despite having 3 cats, occasionally critters manage to sneak into the house. Once I discovered a rattlesnake in the middle of my music room. Don's design has the front of the cab completely covered with a grill, which prevents an easy entry into the cab. Better to keep wild things on the outside where they can be easily killed.

Performance wise, I get WAY more volume than I need with both my 15/6 and 12/6, both made by LDS.

lomo · #6 03-22-2010, 06:54 PM

I have an LDS due to arrive tomorrow. I chose the wider shape to accomodate pretty much any head (like my M9) on top of the cab.

pearcey · #7 03-22-2010, 08:35 PM

There's also a BFM O15TB which I've got, which is a 15/6 too. Again tall (39" I think) and slim versions and short and squat versions (called BFM O15) available.

I've always wondered about direct comparisons with other 15/6's but living out here there's not a huge number about.

I think that with both BFM and the Fearful you've got to accept that as they're homemade, there may be a bit of tinkering involved, which might appeal to some more than others. I just can't seem to get my grilles to stop rattling at high volumes for instance, so I'm going to get the back off again before tomorrows rehearsal.

silky smoove · #8 03-22-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

I have an LDS due to arrive tomorrow. I chose the wider shape to accomodate pretty much any head (like my M9) on top of the cab.

Isn't the M9 a rackmountable head? Standard rack width is 19". Don's tall form factor is 20" wide. I'm looking at my tall form factor 15/6/1 with a Gator rack sitting on top right now.

Unless your head has the form factor of a an all-tube guitar head, it should fit on top of the taller form factor 15/6. Unless there's another reason, like the one Ukiah referenced, I see no reason to go with the shorter form factor for all the reasons rpsands listed above.

pearcey · #9 03-22-2010, 09:02 PM

My huge tube amp fits quite well on top of my BFM too (20"wide):

lbwdog · #10 03-22-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ukiah Bass

I live in the country and despite having 3 cats,... I discovered a rattlesnake in the middle of my music room.

Good Grief!! If a snake got in my house, I'd find my cat on the tallest bookcase available! L

L

Foz · #11 03-22-2010, 11:08 PM

If a snake got in my house my dog would eat while it was still outside.

uglyrumor · #12 03-23-2010, 12:30 AM

Exactly why I keep plastic cups stuck into the ports of my Bag Ends. I've already found a mouse nest in one of them.

wave rider · #13 03-23-2010, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglyrumor

Exactly why I keep plastic cups stuck into the ports of my Bag Ends. I've already found a mouse nest in one of them.

So I'm not the only one to do that? Found my cat halfway inside...

Apologies for the continued OT, couldn't resist.

=wr=

JimmyM · #14 03-23-2010, 12:43 AM

thanks to you guys, i think i have an outline for a new horror movie!

lomo · #15 03-23-2010, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silky smoove

Isn't the M9 a rackmountable head? Standard rack width is 19". .

My M9 is in the Mesa headcase, which I believe is a tad wider than a generic rack. I'll wager there won't be any lack of bass, volume, or pleasing tone from this rig......

rollopizza · #16 03-23-2010, 06:25 AM

Can someone post a pic of the two designs mentioned above? I like to see the two designs in question and do a side by side comparison.

Thanks

rp

guy n. cognito · #17 03-23-2010, 08:07 AM

Pictures of both styles can be found in the LDS megathead. I'm not aware of anyone who had both styles, so comparisons of tone or bass response are more speculation than anything else.

**Ukiah Bass** · #18 03-23-2010, 08:22 AM

Specifications:

15/6 - 23.5" W x 22.0" T x 18.0" D, about 45 pounds
Emminence Kappalite 3015LF and 18Sound 6ND410
Crossover @ 800 hertz; padding about -3db, L-pad on side
Black Tolex, metal grill, fixed-bar handles, 2 Speakon jacks, plastic corners

12/6 - 16.0" W x 23.5" T x 18.0" D, about 35 pounds
Emminence Kappalite 3012LF and 18Sound 6ND410
Crossover @ 800 hertz; padding about -7.5/8db, L-pad on back
Black Tolex, metal grill, fixed-bar handles, 2 Speakon jacks, tilt-stand, plastic corners

Foz · #19 03-23-2010, 08:25 AM

Jimmy:

Be sure to get Samuel L. Jackson involved in your project.

Rumblefisher · #20 03-23-2010, 08:54 AM

Snakes in a cab. lol

Both designs are well thought out. fEarful would probably win a volume contest, but the LDS has good dimensions for stacking, and is certainly no slouch in the sound department. Don Oatman likes the circle ports, because they are a quick way to move air and get the low end coming out in sync with the rest of the sound.