GK Neo 412 vs. Mesa PH412
 

So after a previous thread in which I was given a resounding thumbs up to the Mesa PH412 over their PH1200 (4x10, 1x15) cab, I came across some info on GK's Neo 412.

The big difference here is weight. The Mesa comes in at 136 pounds and the GK comes in at 90 pounds!

It's come down to one of these two cabs that I'm going to purchase to put underneath my Mesa 400+ head.

Any thoughts or opinions on the GK cab? It seems to have gotten a lot of positive reviews on the web.

Cheers!

I've never used the GK cab, but I can tell you that the Mesa is my current big cab and I love it. From what I've read of the GK it seems as though it's a killer cab and priced much less than other companies, yet can compete with them easily.

I can honestly tell you that the Mesa does not feel as heavy as 136lbs. There are many handles all over the cab and the tilt back wheels make it simple to move around. I'm not a particularly big guy and I move it around by myself no problem, including getting it into my SUV. I will say that if it weighed less I certainly wouldn't mind though.

Yeah, see here's the thing I'm struggling with a bit. I already have a big cab.....the SVT810E. I use that exclusively with my SVTCL head. And I have a small cab (SVT410HLF) that I use exclusively with my SVT-3PRO head.

I recent came across a mint condition, like new Mesa 400+ head that was too good to pass up, so now I'm looking for a mid-sized cab to put underneath it. I don't really want to go 6x10's because I just want to try something different other than 10's. But, I keep hearing the 412 cabs referred to as a big cab....like an 810.

So, if I can find something in the mid-cab range that's not a beast to move that would be awesome!

I don't find my ph412 too hard to move around considering it's size. Much easier to haul around then my old 810e especially considering the Mesa has handles on the bottom of the cab to make going up stairs very easily.

The lighter weight of the GK NEO 412 would definitely be nice, but not a deal breaker considering how awesome the PH412 is.

I am in a similar position in that i have a neo 212-ii and thinking about buying another to match it up with (because it is a fine cab) but a near new ph412 hascome up for cheap in my hometown classifieds.

The mesa has handles on tbe side and underneath, whereas the GK does not. Recessed handles too, not those flimsy things that have springs.

All mesa rig= win.

Every time.

I think your quote "All Mesa rig = win. Every time." may be the little push I needed to make a decision.

Thanks!!

Think about two 212's. Also think about the Bergantino 412.

The handles on the bottom of mine are not recessed, they are the spring loaded handles. They are very heavy duty however. Both the top and side handles are recessed.


They are really awesome. I have never heard someone complain about the sound of their cabs either.

+1 on the two 212's too. I love my 412, but it's too big to fit into my car so I need to take my wifes car. If it were two smaller cabs they might be able to both fit into mine.

It's crossed my mind more than once to get rid of some of my other cabs (not the 412) to get two 212's instead. I'd still keep the 412 for big shows, but I'd use the 212's for pretty much everything else.

I have not found ANYTHING lacking in the G-K NEO412 (other than weight). It does project it's bass response better out front than right up close on stage. The Mesa sounds more mellow if that is the sound you are looking for. The G-K is more balanced and projects better IMO/IME.

The first time I played a Mesa 400+ was through an SWR Goliath Sr. cab (6x10) about 14 years ago. It just blew me away and I always said that one day I was going to have that head.

I know I said that I wanted to stay away from 10's, but I'm curious what are some of the opinions from my fellow bassists are about this cab. I see that the SWR Goliath Sr. is still available.

The Mesa 412 is the same size as an 810. It is not as compact as the G-K or Bergantino 412 cabs.

If you want medium size but not a 6x10 what about the Powerhouse 1200 or 215 Mesa cabs? I've always thought the 400+ on the Mesa 215 sounds amazing.

The Mesa Powerhouse 1200 was actually my first choice with what I was going to get, but in a previous thread, a lot of people said that it's not a very good cab because of the 4x10/1X15 displacement using the same cab.

IMO, stay away from the mixed 4x10/1x15 cab. I had one for years, could never get a sound out of it I liked. I played separate Mesa 10 and 15 cabs. In a store and thought they sounded way better. Just my 2cents

Yes, there's the 215 too! Sounds awesome as well.

The PH215 is the same cab dimensions as the PH1200, which Mesa considers their "mid size" cabs.
While the 412 and 810 are the same size.

(as with most gear) you'll get mixed opinions on it. Some people dislike it, others love it. I think the newest incarnation of it sounds great.

I had the exact set up, Mesa 400+, GK 4x12, Mesa 4x12. Both cabs sound great. I sold the GK because the top shelf area (top of the cabinet) where I always put my amp head was too small to set all the feet of the 400+ on. I never felt comfortable with the head just kind of hanging there.

Other than that, I have to say both cabs rocked tone wise. The GK is (IMO) a little more raw in it's voicing, (not a dig, an observation, and imo, a good thing). In all honesty, if the GK had a shelf area large enough to fit the amp head securely, I would have kept it. I wonder if a SVT-CL or VR would fit?

I actually brought this point up to Bob Gallien here on TalkBass. doesn't appear that anything came of it, but I understand, the shelf is most likely perfect sized for a GK head.

I have both the 2x15 PH and the 4x12 PH. Generally I run them both off the Titan. But every now and then I like to just run one cab at 4 ohms and let it rip! The 2x15 has such a cool thunder to it. My 4x12 is my favorite cab, but the 2x15 is a cool choice as well.

I have only recently discovered that by dialing in the GK Neo 12's . . . they really do project way out there, and the sound is incredible . . . GK's products have been growing on me . . . and their customer service is unsurpassed . . .

Well after much thought and based upon a lot of the input that was given, I've pulled the trigger and ordered the Mesa PH412. I should have it mid next week.

I am so stoked and cant wait to rock this cab with my 400+ head this summer!

Thank you to everyone for your input, thoughts, and opinions! It is much appreciated!

You will not be disappointed! Great cabinet!!