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4x12??????
- Thread starter Essthreetee
- Start date
I hear from them nearly every night
Seriously, I fell in love with 4x12's around 2000, and currently I play through a Mesa PH412 and gigged for years with an old Peavey TVX (I think it's called, been debadged)412.
IMO, 4x12's for bass never seemed to gain a lot of traction because they were never a "standard" early on (like the Ampeg fridge) and for the size and weight they require, most folks seem to choose 8x10's.
Plus, all of the 4x12's that I'm aware of being produced right now (Mesa, Aguilar, Berg, Schroeder, I'm sure there's a few others) are pretty pricey, at least a few hundred more than an Ampeg 8x10, and far less numerous in music stores than more "standard" cabs. It's hard to get most people to shell out that kind of cash for something "we can order".
I only bought my Mesa, which was a dream cab of mine, because a local shop happened to have one on the floor. I played through it, nearly soiled myself, and had to take it home!
Seriously, I fell in love with 4x12's around 2000, and currently I play through a Mesa PH412 and gigged for years with an old Peavey TVX (I think it's called, been debadged)412.
IMO, 4x12's for bass never seemed to gain a lot of traction because they were never a "standard" early on (like the Ampeg fridge) and for the size and weight they require, most folks seem to choose 8x10's.
Plus, all of the 4x12's that I'm aware of being produced right now (Mesa, Aguilar, Berg, Schroeder, I'm sure there's a few others) are pretty pricey, at least a few hundred more than an Ampeg 8x10, and far less numerous in music stores than more "standard" cabs. It's hard to get most people to shell out that kind of cash for something "we can order".
I only bought my Mesa, which was a dream cab of mine, because a local shop happened to have one on the floor. I played through it, nearly soiled myself, and had to take it home!
I hear plenty about 412s. Guitarists seem to be in love with them for a start. As for bass. Just like Mikey said, they are not really the standard and are quite expensive. They're also heavier than a 410 in general.
They are nice and I personally love 12s sound for the bass; but four of them in a single cab is getting really big to move about both in terms of weight and volume.
Have played a few 4x12 bass cabs. They can be pretty nice. Try not to standardise and judge cabs just on the speaker configuration tho 
They can be pretty heavy, a bit heftier than their guitar cab counterparts for the most, but they are certainly managable.
They can be pretty heavy, a bit heftier than their guitar cab counterparts for the most, but they are certainly managable.
billfitzmaurice
Commercial User
- Sep 15, 2004
- 16,860
- 278
- 76
- Disclosures
- Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
Because they're too big. Two 2x12 or four 1x12 will give the same results in the low end, better results in the mids if stacked with the drivers vertical, and are far more pack and carry friendly.
Mr. Foxen
Commercial User
I don't think that rule is very applicable as a reason, considering how many totally impractical configurations are considered standard.
My GS412 is so much handier than my ABM 8x10, I think the slightly greater depth of a standard 12 puts the weighty magnet closer to the center line, making it balance better.
billfitzmaurice
Commercial User
- Sep 15, 2004
- 16,860
- 278
- 76
- Disclosures
- Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
I wouldn't call the size and form factor of an 810 all that logical either. IMO 412 and 810 are fine if you're less than 30 years old and well muscled, or if you have roadies to take care of the hauling and lifting duties. Otherwise, not so much.
Mr. Foxen
Commercial User
That's pretty much what I mean, you hear plenty about 8x10s, and the form is not an issue, because form and practicality, and apparently sound, is not what determines the sort of cabs you hear about.
I love my 412tvx, despite its size and weight. The tone is to die for, however up or down stairs is aa huge pain and a 2 person job.
The whole 12-inch thing blows me away. I was away from playing music, for the most part, from about 1993 until maybe 2008. When I left it was 10s or 15s, and 18s were getting common. 12s, as far as I knew, must have been wrong for bass since I never heard of anyone using them.
What did I miss? Why 12s all of a sudden? Sorry for the derail!
What did I miss? Why 12s all of a sudden? Sorry for the derail!
I absolutely love my Bergantino NV412 - with my SVT, the tone is to die for. I went into the store to A\B with the NV610 and ended up liking the slightly wider and more even voicing of the NV412. But I could've gone either way. Crank it up and hold on for the ride!
Regarding portability, I have to disagree with some of the posts here. I'm almost 40 with a very bad back and I find the 412 easy to move with it's tilt and roll design. Easy to tilt\lift into the back of my MPV by myself. Getting it down particularly narrow hallways or up\down stairs is a beast, but in general I find it easier to haul around than any other cabs I've owned. (I'd rather roll than carry) I felt the same way about the 810 - I gigged one for a year or so and prefered hauling it over the UL410 I had...
Regarding portability, I have to disagree with some of the posts here. I'm almost 40 with a very bad back and I find the 412 easy to move with it's tilt and roll design. Easy to tilt\lift into the back of my MPV by myself. Getting it down particularly narrow hallways or up\down stairs is a beast, but in general I find it easier to haul around than any other cabs I've owned. (I'd rather roll than carry) I felt the same way about the 810 - I gigged one for a year or so and prefered hauling it over the UL410 I had...
I have an old peavy 4x12, 2 of the speakers rattle and it still is the best cab Ive ever played.
I have occasionally used my 4 x 12 guitar cabinet for bass and it sounded killer. It was made for loud gigs and I just don't have the chance to play those anymore. Mine just gathers dust. It has 4 Vintage Celestion 75's and get plenty loud. So, unlike the guy above, I wish I could sell mine....
I'm in love with my GK 412 Neo.... as put the 810s 610s 410s Ampegs to shame. Plus, its the same size as the Ampeg 610 and lighter!
I don't think I could ever convert back to the 10s
I don't think I could ever convert back to the 10s
I think 4 12's sound great! I did it this way.
nice rig!!
are those GB's still available?
I use Marshall guitar 4x12's w/75's and love the tone.
