Marshall Super Bass Question

bonerd · #1 01-11-2011, 07:30 PM

Hello all,
I'm brand new here, thanks for having me.
I have a question - did a search didn't see an answer so I'm gonna ask - advance apologies if the answer's flaming obvious. I'm a guitarist, but I've always loved playing the bass, and a cool bass gig has opened up here in town that I'd like to try out for. My question is this: I've got a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass and a Marshall 100 watt super bass head - can I use my 4X12 cabinet that I use for guitar or will that sound crap, or worse damage the cabinet? Or, should I invest in another cabinet and if so, what sort would suit the superbass (money - as always - is tight)?
Many thanks again and I'll look forward to your responses.
Cheers.

Clammy · #2 01-11-2011, 08:31 PM

What speakers are in the cab? I've used a Super Bass through Marshall guitar cabs loaded with G12T-75s, and G12-80s with no problems (You're not going to have any sort of clean tone at higher volume, and guitar speakers don't tend to put out a lot of bottom end).

Cheers!

nysbob · #3 01-11-2011, 08:57 PM

You can use a 100W marshall for bass, but you really need a lot of driver area to move enough air, and efficiency is a must.

The only way I've been able to get away with it is with a pair of very efficient 15"s.

Your celestion 12"s will be pretty stressed if you're pushing much volume or bottom. I have played through a full guitar stack with 8 12"s and that's kind of interesting.

Clammy · #4 01-11-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nysbob

You can use a 100W marshall for bass, but you really need a lot of driver area to move enough air, and efficiency is a must.

The only way I've been able to get away with it is with a pair of very efficient 15"s.

Your celestion 12"s will be pretty stressed if you're pushing much volume or bottom. I have played through a full guitar stack with 8 12"s and that's kind of interesting.

It really depends on the speakers in his cab. G12T-75s and G12-80s (G12-65s and G12-100s too) handle the volume and bottom no problem (Super Basses tend to be put out lots of mid-bass, as opposed to tons of bottom) . I know, I played Super Basses through cabs loaded with them at high volume for years.

Cheers!

T-Bird · #5 01-12-2011, 12:39 AM

Hi.

I didn't have a Super Bass, but a 1959 back in the day. Great "period correct" bass tone

.

If You aren't careful, you'll blow the guitar cab, but then again that will happen with a bass cab as well if one doesn't hear the cry of pain the speaker makes.

I had the JCM 412 and JCM 215 cabs, plenty of volume and tone. and HEAVY AS HELL.

Regards
Sam

JimmyM · #6 01-12-2011, 01:02 AM

i'd at least get a bass cab of some sort. a good used 410 wouldn't break the bank and would put out a goodly amount of noise. and of course, old 215 cabs are often ideal and also can be had fairly cheap. but guitar cabs are only good for low volume situations and will blow pretty easily with bass going through them (see bruce, jack, or redding, noel).

bonerd · #7 01-12-2011, 09:42 AM

Guys - thanks so much for your advice and info. Appreciate it. My 4X12's are a JCM 800 or a Peavey 5150. I did some reading last night about using PA speakers instead of a bass cabinet. I have a pair of Yamaha BR15 speakers - any advice on using those?
Again - advice much appreciated.
BTW - Clammy - I watched your band's YouTube vids - you guys ROCK!!!!!