question on slant cabs

[René_Julien]

After a recent thread where dispersion and beaming of frequencies was being discussed, I started wondering about the typical classic slant cab. (Yeah, sorry, mostly guitar cabs but this is a question about the theory behind it.)

I understand how just one slant cab might work great at doing what it's designed for, if it's placed on the floor and the slant speakers are at waist level. So the sound is directed to the players ears.
But why place a slant cab on top of a straight cab? As everybody usually does.

Does it serve any purpuse when the top speakers are at ear level anyway?
Wouldn't it be better to have 2 straight cabs on top of each other?
Or the straight cab on top of the slant cab?

[Jazz Ad]

It fits the depth of the amp head so it looks good. I don't think there is another reason.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by René_Julien

But why place a slant cab on top of a straight cab? As everybody usually does.

Does it serve any purpuse when the top speakers are at ear level anyway?

It doesn't, but it looks good, and we all know that if it looks good it is good.

[JTE]

When Jim Marshall made his first 8x12 cabinet he thought it looked funny with the amp head on top. So, he angled the upper part so it blended to the approximate size of the hard. When Pete Towshend's Roadies rebelled at hauling around a box that big, it was cut in half making a pair of 4x12 boxes. There NEVER was any sonic consideration.

John

[René_Julien]

Okay, so it's just cosmetic then.

I was thinking of making some guitarcabs for myself. I was thinking a 4x8" (Jensen speakers) in line array. No fancy slant style then.

[chadds]

Originally Posted by René_Julien

Okay, so it's just cosmetic then.

Isn't it always?

[majortoby]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

It doesn't, but it looks good, and we all know that if it looks good it is good.

Which is why I always make sure my hair and attire are immaculate before I play

[Marko5657]

Original intention of the slant cab notwithstanding, with one 410 on the floor, doesn’t it still help the bassist hear better?

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Marko5657

Original intention of the slant cab notwithstanding, with one 410 on the floor, doesn’t it still help the bassist hear better?

Somewhat. But if you really want for both you and the audience to hear four tens better have them loaded in two 2x10 cabs, vertically aligned.

[René_Julien]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Somewhat. But if you really want for both you and the audience to hear four tens better have them loaded in two 2x10 cabs, vertically aligned.

Also, on the average elevated stage a slant cab on the floor (of the stage) has nothing to offer the audience. Right?

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by René_Julien

Also, on the average elevated stage a slant cab on the floor (of the stage) has nothing to offer the audience. Right?

Right.