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Aguilar DB or GS

countrybassist

countrybassist

Jun 9, 2009
982
13
Rural Washington, PA
#1
Alrighty. I have a question. Sometimes my DB412 is just a son of a gun to move. Especially when I'm playing a a small to med sized room. So I'm looking into a 212 cab. Besides the Aggie web site about the sound differences between the DB and GS and since I can't A/B them, what are some real world descriptions of the tone differences? Now I know that the DB212 is going to sound like my DB412, but I've never played through a GS.
 
#2
Most folks here will steer you toward the DB, but I prefer the GS. The GS212 and GS412 are my favorite bass cabs. They have a more open and balanced sound than the DBs, which sounded exaggeratedly middy to me, without much under-the-kick or sparkle potential. My experience with the DBs is actually with the 4x10, and from what I've read the 2x12 is even middier.
 
#5
I've had both, and I'll be the first to admit I don't have the ear to differentiate between the two series. I did have a GS212 and two GS112 stack which I sold to buy the same stack in the DB series...and to be honest, I only did it because the tweed covering was calling me. I added a tweed head case to house my DB750 and it is one good looking (and sounding rig).

I don't think you'll be disappointed with either series.
 
#6
UncleBalsamic said:
GS cabs are supposed to have more of a mid scoop compared to the DBs.
Click to expand...

funny,

i tend to think of the db's as having a grossly huge midrange bump... ;)

i personally much prefer the more open older gs sound. if i do need that extra bit of kick, my gs112's take to eq'ing rather nicely.

but yea, if you're used to the db sound especially onstage, the gs series might seem a little gunshy to you. unless you can try both cabs, i say stick w/ what you know.
 
#7
I have a question. I'm thinking about switching to Aguilar gear, a DB751 amp and a 4x10 cab, but I'm not sure if a GS one or a DB one.
Previously I used an SWR amp SM900 and a Goliath III 4x10 cab and that set-up was very hi-fi, which I liked.
What do you think - which Aguilar cab would be good and clear enough not to affect the sound of the bass?
 
#8
macieq said:
I have a question. I'm thinking about switching to Aguilar gear, a DB751 amp and a 4x10 cab, but I'm not sure if a GS one or a DB one.
Previously I used an SWR amp SM900 and a Goliath III 4x10 cab and that set-up was very hi-fi, which I liked.
What do you think - which Aguilar cab would be good and clear enough not to affect the sound of the bass?
Click to expand...

the GS series cabs would suit your ears more. the DB's are really really voiced and midrangey. they'd almost seem congested to you, and the personalities of each of your basses dont quite shine thru as easily.

but just a suggestion, if you like a more hifi sound, have you tried epifani or euphonic audio?
 
#9
peabody said:
I've had both, and I'll be the first to admit I don't have the ear to differentiate between the two series. I did have a GS212 and two GS112 stack which I sold to buy the same stack in the DB series...and to be honest, I only did it because the tweed covering was calling me. I added a tweed head case to house my DB750 and it is one good looking (and sounding rig).

I don't think you'll be disappointed with either series.
Click to expand...

+1 for Boss Tweed! Love my DB112 but have not tried the GS's....
 
#10
Would love to try the DB 410. I remember hearing a great demo someone posted on TB of them playing solo with an M6 and one of those cabs. It sounded absolutely wonderful.

That said, I love my GS 112s. The bottom end is fat and juicy. Plus, the price on the used (and sometimes new) market is right, on account of their having been around for so long. Also, no tolex to worry about ripping!
 
#11
Had DB's, now own GS410 and GS412.

IMG_1596.jpg


I've had the 412 the longest of any single cab I've ever owned and have used it in many different situations... it KILLS! I sold the as well it as I just didn't end up using it very much, it was just easier to always use the 412.

The growl and bottom end of that cab is addictive :cool:

It's also the best looking cab IMO :eek: :smug:

IMG_1380.jpg
 
#12
The GS 212 has a huge bottom and will be less mid-present than the DB cabs. This is one of my favorite cabs.

Not to throw a wrench into the works, but you might consider checking out the Genz Benz Uber 212. This is the best sounding cab I've come across plus it's a bit lighter and easier to move about than the Aguilar offerings.

IMO/IME/YMMV
 
#16
Wow – those are some beautiful rigs! Would two GS212 stacked cabs sound the same as a single GS 412? From the position of the ports on the 412, it looks as if the cabinet is not internally divided (and obviously there would be a difference in the number of tweeters). Anyone with any experience with these options?
 
#17
I've used 2 GS112's for quite a few gigs over the last couple of years. I mainly play a 5-string and a 6-string and I'm very happy with them. I don't personally find them to be mid scooped, -but the preamp in my rackmount amp setup has a pretty good eq IMO.

Being a real lover of midrange, I'd like to try out a DB112 to hear how it's tone differs from the GS112.

Possibly a GS112/DB112 would be a killer cab setup?
 
#18
pickles said:
Most folks here will steer you toward the DB, but I prefer the GS. The GS212 and GS412 are my favorite bass cabs. They have a more open and balanced sound than the DBs, which sounded exaggeratedly middy to me, without much under-the-kick or sparkle potential. My experience with the DBs is actually with the 4x10, and from what I've read the 2x12 is even middier.
Click to expand...

Mark me down for the GS, too. I don't like the honky sound of the mid-rich DB series. My GS410 gives me that nice, clean, modern sound, while not sacrificing any low end. When I want more mid, I dial it up on my bass. Pickles' description is right on.
 
#19
I use a GS212 with a DB112 for most of my bigger gigs (with a DB659 preamp). If I'd had to choose between them, I'd keep the GS212. One of my favorite cab ever. It's deep, bassy yet clear on top. The DB is great, very punchy mids but don't make my pants flap like the GS serie.

I previously owned a GS112 for a long time. I kind of miss it (I too changed because I loved the look of the DB). I feel the GS could handle any power I could throw at it. It always took it with no stress at all; I don't feel that for the DB.
 
#20
Well I have a DB212 that I run my AG500 through and it sounds great. There is a bit of agressiveness and a bump in the mids, but I definately dont find it overly middy.

I haven't played through the equivalent GS setup, but I have played through a GS112/AG500 combo and it was also very nice.

I would say DB series are a little bit more old school with a mid bump while the GS is a little more modern with a mid scoop.
 

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