Why are Bass Speakers smaller than Keyboard Speakers?

[masterforrest]

My band mate on keyboards was very skeptical when I told him about my Wizzy 12M. He didn't think a 12 inch speaker will hit the low notes and asked, "Why not a 15 or 18 inch speaker?"

What should I say?

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by masterforrest

My band mate on keyboards was very skeptical when I told him about my Wizzy 12M. He didn't think a 12 inch speaker will hit the low notes and asked, "Why not a 15 or 18 inch speaker?"

What should I say?

Tell him its because bass players don't believe myths about speaker size anymore. Then explain to him why speaker size doesn't connote frequency response, and help him understand how it all works.

[fkh006]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Tell him its because bass players don't believe myths about speaker size anymore. Then explain to him why speaker size doesn't connote frequency response, and help him understand how it all works.

Tell him you are going to read up on it here:

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

and get back to him.....

[DukeLeJeune]

Keyboards usually cover a wider spectrum than bass cabs do, which implies that a larger box is required for good low-end extension. And keyboards have a lot more energy in the middle and upper octaves, so they need more extension up north as well as more power handling than comparable bass cabs. These capabilities add weight and cost.

I've built cabs for keyboards, with an emphasis on good sound quality, and they end up being neither compact nor cheap. A good keyboard cab would likely make a good bass cab, but the reverse is seldom true. Acme cabs and the fEarfuls are notable exceptions.

[fdeck]

+1

Another factor is that keyboard players are so cheap that they would rather haul an 80 pound behemoth from the 70s, than upgrade.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by masterforrest

What should I say?

That bassplayers don't need to compensate for one rig's being undersized by playing through a rig that's oversized.
Why do you think guitar'd players use stacks?

[cableguy]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

That bassplayers don't need to compensate for one rig's being undersized by playing through a rig that's oversized.
Why do you think guitar'd players use stacks?

+1 for the win!

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Another factor is that keyboard players are so cheap that they would rather haul an 80 pound behemoth from the 70s, than upgrade.

Well, there is something to be said about the tone of a nice Leslie.

[will33]

I'd have to agree, a Leslie is one behemoth worth hauling around.

[anonymous101511]

I would say "you're right, I'm going to get some 15's".

[Journey55]

I have an 8" and it's hits low B perfectly fine....but my keyboard friend has an 18" so it's awkward when we play together

[Session1969]

I really like fifteens for finger stuff and I like the roundness. I have to really watch myself when I'm slapping alot compared to the all around smoothness of tens, though. I learned slapping from more of a Louis Johnson style and It's still in my blood (lol!).