If I'm trying out a head...

eoinwalsh · #1 06-11-2011, 03:34 PM

...would it be pointless to try it with a particular cab if I'm not going to be using the head with that cab?

I'm about to get my first rig and I'm trying out a friend's fafner head soon. But I don't have a cab either so I'm going to have to try out the fafner with whatever cab(s) he has. I don't know yet what cab I'm going to get.

So, does it make sense to test it out even though I probably won't end up getting the same cab I'll have tested the head with? In other words, does the sound of a head change a lot from cab to cab?

Thanks.

billfitzmaurice · #2 06-11-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eoinwalsh

does the sound of a head change a lot from cab to cab?

It does.

Stumbo · #3 06-11-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

It does.

Many times, even with the same manufacturer, a lot.

**Staccato** · #4 06-11-2011, 03:55 PM

Does this possibly help identify problems that the head might be experiencing by being able to demo it through any cab?

Yes, it does. This can be helpful if you walk away knowing that the head has an obvious issue(s).

JimmyM · #5 06-11-2011, 04:18 PM

It's been rare that I've played a head that sounded good in one cab and not in another, unless the cab was crappy. Ya, ideally you'd like to try your own gear with whatever you're in the market for, but I just find other gear in the store that I like and use it with that. I don't buy a lot of amp gear, though, and my likes and dislikes are very well spelled out in my mind at this point. That helps if you can find gear at the store that references yours.

eoinwalsh · #6 06-11-2011, 04:54 PM

ok. Thanks.

So would there be any good all purpose cab ? I'm asking this because I have no idea about bass cabs/heads and I don't know what to get. I just need something to get me started but also something decent as I play a lot of gigs.

I've been using my friend's Hartke VX115 (1x15) up until now. I'm playing an American Jazz Bass.

Thanks.

Sartori · #7 06-11-2011, 09:31 PM

Cabs differ in terms of what they're good at.

However, I have used an Ampeg SVT15E for every genre I've played. Even if I use a Sunn 2000s cab for metal stuff, now, the Ampeg was what I did use for such. Might not be suitable for everything because it's anywhere near flat, definitely seems to have an upper mid peak.