straightback ampeg 8x10 vs. slm ampeg 8x10...

DrowningBrian · #1 09-06-2011, 07:38 PM

i have an ampeg 8x10 cab from the slm era, and its kinda dark sounding. i guess its the osb wood and drivers they used. idk. im thinking about getting an ampeg early 70's staightback with original drivers, cts. one farts at loud volumes. is it worth $400? it has no tolex. the wood is painted black and black grill cloth with metal logo. ive heard there are like 30 pounds lighter and just way better balanced tone, highs and mids especially. im using an mti era ampeg svt head. do i have to worry about blowing drivers? only rated like 240 watts with guitar drivers.

coreyfyfe · #2 09-06-2011, 07:45 PM

I have one, and I try to avoid really cranking my SVT so I don't damage the drivers but they seem to take a decent walloping. I used mine this past weekend with my PF-500 at fairly high volume and the speakers didn't complain a bit.

I paid $400 for mine in far better condition than that, but it's hard to say what fair price is on these since they're a little rare in good shape. There were some original CTS 10" speakers for sale in the classifieds here a few weeks ago, so you'd at least have a line on some replacements if you needed them.

DrowningBrian · #3 09-06-2011, 08:13 PM

thanks cory. im really just trying to see if its worth it. i dont wanna worry about blowing speakers. it seems like it would be really akward moving it. like into a truck/van, up stairs, and on stages.

coreyfyfe · #4 09-06-2011, 08:26 PM

Into a vehicle isn't bad, just kind of lean it over and tip it in. Stages and stairs - after a few feet you'll probably need help. I can do the three or four steps up into my apartment by just rocking it back and forth on the wheels (mine has the caster cart). Other than that, I usually get help from one of my band mates.

NOVAX · #5 09-06-2011, 10:15 PM

Ampeg Jimmy must be onstage or in the bathtub right now.

santucci218 · #6 09-06-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVAX

Ampeg Jimmy must be onstage or in the bathtub right now.

Hopefully both

JimmyM · #7 09-06-2011, 11:07 PM

Hi, I just got done being onstage in the bathtub...

$400 is a great price for an original flatback, even one with a bum speaker (they can be reconed), but if you want it to take a huge walloping with an SVT like your SLM cab can, not the best choice. I absolutely love my flatback, and I think they do better than 250w, which is what they were rated for back then, but not a whole lot more. The best cabs to get if you want them to take a huge walloping and have more brightness are cabs made by LOUD.

rough house · #8 09-06-2011, 11:17 PM

There is a thread "vintage ampeg svt cabinet" with I believe cts speakers for sale for 45 each shipped! Check it out.

DrowningBrian · #9 09-07-2011, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Hi, I just got done being onstage in the bathtub...

$400 is a great price for an original flatback, even one with a bum speaker (they can be reconed), but if you want it to take a huge walloping with an SVT like your SLM cab can, not the best choice. I absolutely love my flatback, and I think they do better than 250w, which is what they were rated for back then, but not a whole lot more. The best cabs to get if you want them to take a huge walloping and have more brightness are cabs made by LOUD.

thanks jimmy. the flatbacks have always been appealing to me. i
could try find one before 1998(slm)? how can you tell its made by LOUD? is LOUD on the input jack plate?

JimmyM · #10 09-07-2011, 08:26 AM

Yep. Says so on the back plate.

Alex1984 · #11 09-07-2011, 11:33 AM

If you get a pair of straightbacks, it's a totally different story. But keep in mind, they roll off after 70 Hz.