Modifying a cabinet

[Swakey]

So i'm broke...ish
I spent most of my money on an amp. now i need a cab.
I have an old guitar cab that i don't use anymore. It an Ashdown 4x12 that i've had for 100 years or so now. Haven't used it in ages so i dont even know if it works

Anyway i want to replace the speakers so i can use it as a bass cabinet. Is it possible? i would think it is. Can someone give me some info or point me to some info on how to replace the speakers? also any speaker recommendations would be appreciated

[tabdog]

What amp did you get?

Tabdog

[CL400Peavey]

Sad to say, you are not going to save any money replacing the speakers. Just save up and get a cab that pairs with your amp.

Not the answer you want, but the route you suggest in your OP isnt the way to go either.

[Mr. Foxen]

Replacing the speakers will cost more than getting a cab that weights as much and will work better. If you eq out the lows, then you can fairly cheerfully play clangy gutless bass into a guitar cab. Loads of drive and making sure the lows are cut is OK, think Lemmy tone. 4x12 guitar cabs started out supposed to be for bass, but amps were not very powerful then, and low end expectations were low. If you lower your expectations accordingly, you can do ok. As long as your guitarist isn't using a 4x12 and 100w head too, (they secretly want to be a bassist in that case).

[christw]

It would be a more sound decision to buy a used bass cab with the time and money you'd put into the speakers, bracing, and redesign.

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

Sad to say, you are not going to save any money replacing the speakers. Just save up and get a cab that pairs with your amp.

Not the answer you want, but the route you suggest in your OP isnt the way to go either.

Yes/no, it depends.

Swakey just wants to reuse the cab(easy solution). He can definitely swap the 12's in that cab, just don't expect it to be excellent sounding.
Make sure the cab is closed(it probably is) and put some of these in them http://www.usspeaker.com/ALPHA12-1.htm
It's definitely no high-end, but it will still rattle the china in your neighbours cupboard .

[bgavin]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

Sad to say, you are not going to save any money replacing the speakers. Just save up and get a cab that pairs with your amp.

+1

Buy used.
There is a large number of players who are constantly trading gear.
A used, main stream product will let you buy & try without losing your @ss in the process.
New equipment does not hold its resale value.

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by Arjank

Yes/no, it depends.

Swakey just wants to reuse the cab(easy solution). He can definitely swap the 12's in that cab, just don't expect it to be excellent sounding.
Make sure the cab is closed(it probably is) and put some of these in them http://www.usspeaker.com/ALPHA12-1.htm
It's definitely no high-end, but it will still rattle the china in your neighbours cupboard .

And for the same price he could pick up something used, that might be better, for less work, and less loss of investment buying new speakers.

[mystic38]

It sounds like you have no experience in speaker design or build and so the short, easy and more budget friendly answer is.. dont bother.

Ashdown make good cabinets and have a great name so you should be able to sell this cab and wash out for another used bass cab ... there are plenty of old 1x15 for ~$100 used, and your cab should be worth at least that

Now, given i have designed and built speakers in the past, if it was me, and the cab looked great, i would design a speaker set for that box.. i just dig the logo..lol

[Arjank]

Originally Posted by CL400Peavey

And for the same price he could pick up something used, that might be better, for less work, and less loss of investment buying new speakers.

Valid point.
Ditch the ol' cab (maybe someone want to buy it) and shop around for something that suits your needs.

[CL400Peavey]

Originally Posted by Arjank

Valid point.
Ditch the ol' cab (maybe someone want to buy it) and shop around for something that suits your needs.

At least in shopping used, if he hates it he can turn it for little to no loss. It also gives him the option to go bang on the finished product before purchase as well.

[5 Wire]

Originally Posted by christw

It would be a more sound decision to buy a used bass cab with the time and money you'd put into the speakers, bracing, and redesign.

Yup. "Redesign" being the key word there. Just slapping new drivers in a cabinet designed for guitar is a recipe for disaster. You could easily burn up the drivers and/or rattle the box to pieces.

[Foz]

If I were in your shoes I'd have the guitard cab up on my local Craig's List - and note in my ad that I was looking for a guy with a bass cab willin' to do a swap - and emailing every decent bass cab seller a link to my ad with an offer.