Mesa Powerhouse 1x12

Drifta · #1 10-15-2010, 08:32 AM

Went in to bass central to try out the EBS multi comp. Been thinking about adding another cab to my setup since i sold my 4x10, So i talked to Ed, and he suggested i try out the Mesa.

I really liked it, the price, the brand. It's built tough and no crappy carpet. Sounded good, has crossover, tweeter etc.. I don't really need high end, but i think it would match well with my aguilar GS112NT.

What do you think?

I play reggae. Currently I really have to push my rig to have a solid sound with the band, and i'm questioning its ability to be solid for gigging ( just not enough there ? ) . Reason i want to stick to 2 1x12's is because its modular, can fit in my civic & apartment.. I'd be able to leave one at practice and one at home (and not break my back carrying them).

Ed and I talked about the DB 1x12 and he wanted me to try it but i didn't have time and its on the high end of my price range, but i was thinking the Mesa might be a better compliment to the GS anyways.

Here's my setup currently:

Shuttle 6.0
Aggie GS112NT
Lakland 55-01

What do you think?

What are your experiences with this cab?

Have you used it with a Genz-Benz shuttle?

Have you used it with a Aguilar 1x12 cab?

Thank you very much.

Doug Parent · #2 10-15-2010, 08:51 AM

I've owned both cabs and they sound very different. I had the best results in all cases by using matched pairs. If you like the tone of the GS112NT, get a GS112 used for $250-$300 off TalkBass and you will have a cohesive tone that is greater than the sum of it's parts.

The Mesa has an upper midrange characteristic that is very different and more suited to rock IMHO, and it's a louder cabinet than the AGuilar and it will dominate it. If none of this matters, you will have two 12" cabs that fit in your Honda,and you may be fine with the result. I had a Honda too and went down that same single 12" road for awhile.

The DB will sound the closest in tone to the GS. However I recommend getting a used GS112, they are easier to obtain than finding another Mesa if you want a matched pair of those.

Drifta · #3 10-15-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Parent

I've owned both cabs and they sound very different. I had the best results in all cases by using matched pairs. If you like the tone of the GS112NT, get a GS112 used for $250-$300 off TalkBass and you will have a cohesive tone that is greater than the sum of it's parts.

The Mesa has an upper midrange characteristic that is very different and more suited to rock IMHO, and it's a louder cabinet than the AGuilar and it will dominate it. If none of this matters, you will have two 12" cabs that fit in your Honda,and you may be fine with the result. I had a Honda too and went down that same single 12" road for awhile.

The DB will sound the closest in tone to the GS. However I recommend getting a used GS112, they are easier to obtain than finding another Mesa if you want a matched pair of those.

Well what really turned me onto the mesa was (1) It looks built so nice, and the price is right (2) It does sound different, I'm sort of torn on if i reaaally like the gs' tone that much (3) I want to invest in something that will last me for a long long time, My aguilar has started to fall apart a bit (the spkr jacks in the back).

and brand matching is not on my list of priorities, more about sound/investment

PotsdamBass8 · #4 10-15-2010, 09:31 AM

I think Doug was saying that brand matching is generally better for the sound, not just the look. I have 2 GS cabs and when you use both together, the difference in tone and volume is pretty big compared to just one. Plus they're pretty cheap used.

I would bring your bass and head to the store and see if you can play all combinations together:

1 GS
2 GS
1 GS and 1 Mesa

and see what sounds best

RickenBoogie · #5 10-15-2010, 05:58 PM

+1 to that^.

MysticMichael · #6 10-15-2010, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifta

and brand matching is not on my list of priorities, more about sound/investment

Quote:

Originally Posted by PotsdamBass8

I think Doug was saying that brand matching is generally better for the sound, not just the look.

That is indeed what Doug was saying. And it's darned good advice.

But far be it from me - or anyone else here - to try to lead you where you are determined not to go...

MM