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Aguilar GS vs SL

C

ChainGang70

May 19, 2016
53
35
#1
I have been using a TH500 and 2- GS112 cabs as my rig for several years, and I have no real complaints. I have been getting GAS for SL 112s from Aguilar. I was wondering if anyone has experience with both cabs and could give an informed comparison of those cabs.

I play passive P and/or J basses. As far as music, it'll be used for oldies rock, classic country, bluegrass, and gospel.

Again, I am liking the GS cabs. I know the lighter weight of the SL would be nice. The difference in tone is what I am wondering about. I haven't had an opportunity to try an SL cab. But, I know many of you have!
 
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#2
The GS112s have a nice form factor. They sound really nice, but they are bit scooped, so you don't get as much mid-presence cut. Sometimes I feel like it's a bit harder to stand out in the mix with the GS112. Other than that, the vibe of the GS112s, to me, seems pretty middle of the road. Not too woolly, but no razor sharp clarity either.

The SL112s are nice because they are so light, which is always welcome. I also like the form factor of the SL112 better in general, e.g. no rat fur. Of course the GS112 is pretty bullet proof, whereas the SL112 might be a more subject to damage, e.g. tears. I found the SL112 to be pretty dark tonally, and I perceive them to have a vintage vibe. I never had a chance to play an SL112 in a mix, but I'm guessing they are a really good fit for the styles of music you mention. I feel like the mid projection of the SL112 is a little better than the GS, as well, which might mean you'd hear yourself a little easier.
 
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#3
Based on other online research, I suspected something similar to what you say. Basically, lighter weight and not as scooped. I suppose I'm a little skeptical of some online info or marketing. I'd rather learn from others experience. Thanks for the reply!
 
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#4
I play a ToneHammer 500 through 2x SL112s in a punk rock back and I really like it. I've also used them for blues jams and covers of many eras and genres. Definitely way better than the Rumble 500 combo I was using for a few years. The Aguilar rig was the fourth one that I bought over the course of a year as I was looking to upgrade from the Rumble and it was the only one I kept.
 
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#5
I am surprised how much I like my GS112 x 2! I had a Deltalite driver in one, but switched it back to original. Yes they are scooped, but you can EQ it back in. They stack, load, sound great and can take a whooping. Also love the dispersion. I have mine on a 3" riser like an Auralex Gramma pad. People say rat fur sucks, but it is way more durable and forgiving than tolex.
 
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#7
CaptainWally said:
Not.that you were asking, but I would take a Bergantino any day over both of those.
Click to expand...
For my tone goals the Berg CN212 won when I was comparing it to the SL (actually two SL112's). I like the GS cabs a lot, but agree that the Bergs do better in mix (for me) without having to EQ in more mids.
 
#12
ChainGang70 said:
Based on other online research, I suspected something similar to what you say. Basically, lighter weight and not as scooped. I suppose I'm a little skeptical of some online info or marketing. I'd rather learn from others experience. Thanks for the reply!
Click to expand...

Yes, but the SL112 is really vintage-y IMO. Pretty dark tonally. Seems like they'd be great for the styles you mention, but I don't see them as the best cab for a hard rock band.
 
#13
I play old skool blues/rock/jazz - jazz/rock/blues. I used 2 GS112s for years. I still have them and I like them a lot. I’ve used 2 SL112s for 4 or five years now. I bought them specifically for their light weight. I prefer the GS cabs. They’re beefier, punchier to my ears. The SLs do the job however and make me smile every time I pick them up.
 
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#14
Father Gino said:
I play old skool blues/rock/jazz - jazz/rock/blues. I used 2 GS112s for years. I still have them and I like them a lot. I’ve used 2 SL112s for 4 or five years now. I bought them specifically for their light weight. I prefer the GS cabs. They’re beefier, punchier to my ears. The SLs do the job however and make me smile every time I pick them up.
Click to expand...

Yeah. It's almost like the SL112 have a bit of a hollow-ish sound....vintage-y to my ears.
 
#15
I initially wanted info about the SL cabs, but I know Bergantino is quality gear. If I am going to purchase Neo cabs, i think either Berg or Aguilar would be good choices along with several other brands. I think what it boils down to, for me, is whether I would end up liking any of those cabs significantly more than my GS cabs. Would they be a big enough improvement to justify almost two grand? I don't know.
 
#16
ChainGang70 said:
I have been using a TH500 and 2- GS112 cabs as my rig for several years, and I have no real complaints. I have been getting GAS for SL 112s from Aguilar. I was wondering if anyone has experience with both cabs and could give an informed comparison of those cabs.

I play passive P and/or J basses. As far as music, it'll be used for oldies rock, classic country, bluegrass, and gospel.

Again, I am liking the GS cabs. I know the lighter weight of the SL would be nice. The difference in tone is what I am wondering about. I haven't had an opportunity to try an SL cab. But, I know many of you have!
Click to expand...

I can’t tell you if the science holds up, but, of all the Neo speakers I’ve tried, none have the heavy low end sound of the older heavy magnet speaker cabs.

Heavy cab = heavy low end,
light cab = thin low end, mid forward

So, GS to SL will definitely be a tone trade off. It’s up to you whether it’s worth it. Despite my endless fiddling, I could never get comfortable with that newer mid forward sound and lack of low end of the SL’s. I wanted the 212’s pretty bad at one point. But, for me I’d rather just lug the weight than not feel settled with my tone.
 
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#17
ChainGang70 said:
I initially wanted info about the SL cabs, but I know Bergantino is quality gear. If I am going to purchase Neo cabs, i think either Berg or Aguilar would be good choices along with several other brands. I think what it boils down to, for me, is whether I would end up liking any of those cabs significantly more than my GS cabs. Would they be a big enough improvement to justify almost two grand? I don't know.
Click to expand...
2K? Nu Au. Maybe you could do some sort of swap. I wouldn't dish out that kinda dough without playing them. You could buy 2 Eminence Deltalite II and swap out the drivers, then if you don't like that you could at least recover 75% of the cost selling them off. DELTALITE® II 2512 - Loudspeakers | Eminence Speaker They are Neo drivers but only save about 6 lbs each. The GS112s feel like they are empty as is..
 
#19
I’ve done a LOT of reading on the GS112 x 2. A LOT! From what I have read, mixed with my own experience, There is no better bang in a 12 box of this form factor. Go ahead and weigh the pros and cons- trade offs. It is small, transportable, reasonably light, rugged, handles lots of power, hits low B EXCELLENT!, has great dispersion, front ported (my fave).
 
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#20
forrestlaw said:
I play a ToneHammer 500 through 2x SL112s in a punk rock back and I really like it. I've also used them for blues jams and covers of many eras and genres. Definitely way better than the Rumble 500 combo I was using for a few years. The Aguilar rig was the fourth one that I bought over the course of a year as I was looking to upgrade from the Rumble and it was the only one I kept.
Click to expand...

Just curious, what were the other Rigs you tried, but didn't stick with before settling on AG?


T$
 

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