Going from huge cabs to a small one. Suggestions?

[theavondon]

So, i'm normally into large, monolithic cabs. My usual set up is a sunn 2X15 and two acoustic 1X15s powered by my coliseum 880 (usually used as a power amp for my rusty box). But, a band i joined recently will be extensively touring in a small vehicle next summer. SO, my question is, oh wise minds of talkbass, what can a poor college student purchase to be able to still sound good with my rusty box but fit within a hatchback? I'm open to any and all suggestions, folks. Just need some help, and don't tell me to do a search. I have, and i still have no clue because i'm so far outside my element with small stuff. Thanks!

[ninepoundjammer]

I've fit a lot in a hatchback. How small are you really thinking, and how much power do you need to handle?

[theavondon]

Probably should have said that. We have to fit four people and all our gear, so really small. At the very most a really compact 2X12. Also, i'll be using a 200W power amp, so that.

[Jim Campbell]

Originally Posted by theavondon

Probably should have said that. We have to fit four people and all our gear, so really small. At the very most a really compact 2X12. Also, i'll be using a 200W power amp, so that.

would a small trailer rental not be more cost effective than buying more cabs

[RickenBoogie]

+1 a 4 pc band in a small car? what about the drums? A trailer is a better option here.

[dokazaado]

I can't imagine that any 2x12" will be significantly smaller than a 1x15", yeah?

you say you're a poor college student; what's your budget?

in a situation like yours, my first choice would probably be an Aguilar DB112NT.

[Bmorefoozler]

Fearful cabs and LOTS of watts if you need lots of sound in a small package.
I can't see how a 4 piece band fits in a single hatchback with Drums? Are drums provided backline for every gig? If you really need to be that small consider in-ears and a nice direct box. Tell your guitarist too as well.

Or, rent a cargo van for the summer. maybe buy an old one for a grand or two...

[dokazaado]

with a larger hatchback and small drums, it could be done.
a little bop kit bagged, not cased; or maybe just a kick/snare/ride setup.

I know the fantastic band Deerhoof has been working towards touring in a Prius for a while.
don't know if they've gotten that economical yet.

[mcrracer]

Do like these guys... You could fit their gear in a Yugo!
http://new.music.yahoo.com/programs/...ptu-subway-jam

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by theavondon

Probably should have said that. We have to fit four people and all our gear, so really small. At the very most a really compact 2X12. Also, i'll be using a 200W power amp, so that.

Assuming you don't want to buy new clothes at each stop figure the average hatchback is good for one person plus gear and luggage. Even a full size van won't handle four. And what about PA? Don't assume you'll find a usable PA at every gig, if any.

[panama]

I don't believe it is possible to do this unless you guys plan on sitting on each others laps in the front seat. I have a Toyota Matrix and a small drum kit, guitar amps, guitars, and bass stuff could not fit in there even with the back seats down. Kick drum alone would take up close to 25%. Rent a small trailer.

[skwee]

Originally Posted by dokazaado

with a larger hatchback and small drums, it could be done.
a little bop kit bagged, not cased; or maybe just a kick/snare/ride setup.

I know the fantastic band Deerhoof has been working towards touring in a Prius for a while.
don't know if they've gotten that economical yet.

Deerhoof!

(They need a prius just to carry all those drumsticks, man!)

[TRichardsbass]

My recommendation is the Orange 2X10 or 2X12 isobaric cabinets. At the 200W you are going to be more then happy. They move great air and have the sound of cabinets much bigger. I don't know anyone who has roaded one, so I wont comment on their tour-ability. They are a little pricey but you will never want to get rid of it.

Otherwise, go with the Hartke XL 2X10. Always great sound and touring monster.

My two cents.

[theavondon]

Ah, well i should have mentioned the drum situation. The drummer only uses a floor tom and a snare. We may buy a small-ish PA, but PA support will really be for vocals only, as most places we're playing will be pretty small and also we aren't really too "professional"(don't you judge me) and therefore aren't concerned about having everything super loud all the time. Plus, i'm still just trying to downsize any way i can. Buying a trailer would not be an option, considering the car we're gonna use has no trailer hitch. Luggage is not much of a concern, we'll probably just have backpacks. I was really looking more just for suggestions on small cabs, considering how i'm not the one controlling absolutely everything about this, only my gear, which i have to downsize, because it's rather large. We're not looking to be very loud, anyway. The largest guitar amp is 40W anyway.

The fearful cabs have always looked pretty rad, but the lots of watts is not much of an option. The orange cabs sound really cool too, but also pricey. Aguilar looks pretty sweet, actually. My price limit is probably around $600-$700.I may just get emperor to make me a 1x12 or 2x10 because their prices are great and that's also more the style i'm into. But, keep the suggestions coming, folks. I need more input, or, if anything, discourse.

[onionpuzzle]

1 x 12 is the single best small cab (IMO) .... definitely bring a DI so if the venue has a PA you can go direct to the mixing board, and use your amp as a stage monitor.

Any decent 1x12 will do the trick.

[jim777]

If your price limit is 600-700, get a used Markbass CMD121P Combo and be done with it.