• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

72 bassman 50 needs a small preferably inexpensive cab.

MrBKerth

MrBKerth

The Gypsy Bravado
Apr 20, 2013
726
210
Texas
scumpopband.wixsite.com
#1
Hi, a while back I bought a bassman 50 with matching original cab for practice and recording purposes. I'm starting to gig now and find that amp is inconvenient to carry up and down stairs. Is there a possibly cheap 1x12 cab or something that I could use for these small venues with this head? I'm very new to this and don't know what to look for in ways of impedance etc. I would use my buddies little combo amp but the speaker just conked out.
 
#2
Those are great amps. They do want a 4ohm speaker load though they'll handle an 8.

I'd be looking to keep it 4ohms. Either by buying, or reloading, or building a compact 4ohm 115 or 210 cab. A pair of Emi. Beta 10's will work in most any common 210 cab, are affordable, will give an old school thumpy tone, and give you your 4ohms. Would also work in a sealed box if need be.
 
#3
and maybe always...

so was the little combo big enough for the gigs you are doing?

if so, you may want to replace the speaker with another, or upgrade...you will need to know the internal volume of the cabinet, and be prepared to change the vent...

otherwise there are a few 1x12 s on the market...most are not cheap...

are you prepared to do say GreenBoy Fearful diy cabs in order to get a 1 x 12 at some reasonable price?

or other...???

Good Luck,
-3db
 
#4
You might find that your needs are better met by a medium size, light weight combo, like a GK MB112 (small, 28lbs). OTOH, if you don't mind carrying and transporting your tube head, you can keep that wonderful tube tone and probably cover small to medium size (low spl) gigs by getting an efficient (and 4 ohm) 2x10.

Since your amp wants to see 4 ohms, it makes sense to look at 2x10's instead of 1x12's. Since you are pretty limited in power, you'll want to get a cab with highish efficiency/sensitivity, say 97+ db/w/m. Also, there is little advantage to buying or building a 'super' cab (one with a long excursion bass driver) for use with your Bassman 50.
 
#5
The gigs I'm doing are fairly small at this point with the sound guy mic'ing things up into the pa. The main reason why I was looking for a single speaker cab is to make my tube rig more manageable. This is definitely something that I'm not well versed in. Thanks for the input though I'll definitely need it :)
 
#6
Grab a set of Aguilar gs or db 112s at 8 ohm each and be in tone heaven. Amazing little boxes but they are pricey. Other option would be a used 212 by them at 4 ohms. I run my bassman 100 through one and it has no problem keeping up.
 
#9
Small 1x12 cabs aren't always the most efficient. Frankly it sounds like a bad idea with unly 40 to 45 watts on tap. The small box Fender 2x12 with a pair of highly efficient 12's (vintage Altec, JBL, EV) is about as small as you can get with that head and get usable volume.

My ported 2x15 with 3015's is just about perfect for that head... Mine is pretty light. I used 12mm plywood and girdle bracing in the fearful style. Still better as a 2 man carry if there are significant stairs involved...

Having a small, light combo around isn't a bad thing at all. Sometimes practicality wins over tone when it comes to gigging... Mine is a GK MB200 buried in a custom 1x10. Not as cool as the 2x15 and tubes rig but... Very practical for some rooms.
 
#10
That head will likely take an 8 ohm load with no problem but it wants to see a 4 ohm load. I assume you're running a bass through this so I would recommend a 4 ohm load.

Any impedance mismatch will result in a loss of power.

This may or may not be noticeable to you. But, that amp may have an early breakup (my Bassman's do) so keeping the power load even may help a bit with headroom. A good, efficient speaker (or speakers) should help also.

AL
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back