• 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.

Cab - Mod or Sell

J

John123z

Jul 7, 2006
373
4
Hershey, PA
#1
I'm at a point where I have to do something with my vintage Plush B3 cab. It's way too big for my needs and has little vintage value. On the other hand it's in mint condition. Hasn't been played in 30 years. I've asked a similiar question in the past, but I've refined it a little. The cab is a 3x15 and weighs in at 160 lbs. It's approx. 57" x 27'' x 12" deep. I'm currently recapping and modding the head. I love the sound of this tube head and I'd like to keep it. I can see two options.

A. Sell the B3 cab for cash towards buying either a 2x10 or 2x12 cab. I would then have a nice practice rig and my son could then use it as an extension cab for his Ashdown when needed. (Would the Plush cab fetch a better price if I recovered it with Tolex?)

B. Cut the Plush cab down to either a 1x15 or a 2x15 cab keeping the T&R look. Still big, but more managable. I think that would leave it 41" high and about a 100 lbs. This is definitely the most cost effective and kool option. But I question whether it would give me a good all around sound. (I've always felt speaker and cab design was hit and miss in the 60's and early seventies)


Any thoughts?

John
 
#2
Put it on eBay for 0.99 cents, and let 'em fight over it. I have to do this with a Fender 2x12 DeVille with a bad output transformer. By the time I do the repairs, it is worthless to sell.

Modding that cab is useless. If you want to spend that much energy, do a DIY cab with a proven design. Twiddling with the Plush will destroy any market value it currently has, and will be a complete waste of time.
 
#3
If you really love it mod it. A single Kappalite 3015LF would be enough driver for the low end, a Basslite S2010 in the uppermost hole would do for the mids (it needs a separate su-enclosure, put a shelf brace across the cab on the inside below it) and use the middle hole as a location for a ducted port. Filter the S2010 with a 100uF cap to keep the lows out of it. Depending on what the original drivers are that should knock off 50 pounds or so. I wouldn't bother cutting the cab down, what you'd end up with wouldn't be worth the effort.
 
#5
LesS said:
I would just sell the Plush cabinet and then buy a smaller Plush or Kustom cabinet.
Small point, but Plush’s catalog was not accurate with the weights, the B3 cabinet should be about 128 lbs.
Click to expand...

I would be more apt to buy a modern cab like a 2x10 or 2x12 and finish it with the T&R from the Plush cab. Thats why I was wondering if the old cab would sell better if the T&R was replaced with Tolex.

John
 
#6
billfitzmaurice said:
If you really love it mod it. A single Kappalite 3015LF would be enough driver for the low end, a Basslite S2010 in the uppermost hole would do for the mids (it needs a separate su-enclosure, put a shelf brace across the cab on the inside below it) and use the middle hole as a location for a ducted port. Filter the S2010 with a 100uF cap to keep the lows out of it. Depending on what the original drivers are that should knock off 50 pounds or so. I wouldn't bother cutting the cab down, what you'd end up with wouldn't be worth the effort.
Click to expand...

I love the head, not the cab. The cab was always a PIA. But the head would really look good with a matching T&R cab.

John
 
#7
bgavin said:
Put it on eBay for 0.99 cents, and let 'em fight over it. I have to do this with a Fender 2x12 DeVille with a bad output transformer. By the time I do the repairs, it is worthless to sell.

Modding that cab is useless. If you want to spend that much energy, do a DIY cab with a proven design. Twiddling with the Plush will destroy any market value it currently has, and will be a complete waste of time.
Click to expand...

This baby would be a PIA to pack and ship.

John
 
#8
FWIW, since you are keeping the head, I would carefully remove all the t&r, and save it for future use (cabs/racks.??) ... then part out the cab to make it more saleable/shippable .... you may end up with a decent box to make something out of even, ... best part would be the great current stuff in matching t & r you could make ... very cool, and very unique ...
 
#12
TAZ
I'm leaning in the direction suggested by tjh. Strip off the T&R and either Tolex & sell it or part it out? I'd love to buy or build a 2x10 or 2x12 and upholster it with the T&R from the Plush.

Pantsman
I may have photo's later in the week, when I get my camera back from my daughter.

ChaosMK
He'll get a hernia!! Anyway I really like the Plush tube head. It was my second amp after my Fender Bassman Blackface 50W.

John
 
#14
Trevorus said:
No, put neo 15's in it, and that would help a TON. Keep the original speakers and put them back in if you ever sell.
Click to expand...

That would make it a bit lighter, but still too big for my cars (Jetta & Civic).

The cab is probably worth more parted out. They are original Electro Voice SRO 15's with only about 5 years of use on them. I just noticed bidding is up to $50 for one on ebay. I guess I could still chop it down to a 2x15. Though, I was hoping for more of a hifi sounding cab.

John
 
#15
O.K here's pictures, but first to you guys with really nice hi end gear, don't laugh. To the newbs, don't be afraid, it was actually in style for a brief period in history.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Well upon web shopping, I noticed most modern cabs are much deeper than this (12"), so saving the T&R may not be an option. So I think I'll just try to sell the cab or part it out. I think I could get around $160 for the set of EV SRO 15's. I could probably convert the empty cab into a fancy paddle boat.

John

p.s. I still can't believe I actually bought this thing in 71. What the hell was I thinking?
 
#16
John,
You don’t have to apologize for the Plush gear. Plush (and the pre 1972 Kustoms too) were very well made – all plywood – no particle board. Your 3x15 cabinet has at least two things that would make it valuable to the Plush/Kustom collector – it is not black, and it has the Plush nameplate. The nameplate is not commonly seen on cabinets, I believe it came on only the early (1969) cabinets. If I were you, I would not modify the cabinet in any way. You could sell it empty, or with the EV’s.
 
#17
Is weight and transport the main two concerns with this thing...

i mean dude...it's slick...it's got total mojo. here are the two best options i can see

1. you keep it, change it for NEOS and get a new car. (hey thats always been my philosophy, if your gear doesnt fit in your car, change cars)

or

2. If your REALLY want to part with it, send it to me and i'll give it a lovely home. LOL

anyways thats just my AU$0.02....which is of course worth less than real $0.02 ;)
 
#18
LesS said:
The nameplate is not commonly seen on cabinets, I believe it came on only the early (1969) cabinets.
Click to expand...

Thats interesting. I'm currently recapping and modding the head and the date 11/1970 is written in pencil inside the metal chasis. Obviously I must have bought a new head and an older stock cab.

Rant - There is not a lot of quality Plush info other than plush-amps.com on the internet. Everywhere else, I see people taking cheap shots at Plush gear, which I have to say is extremely well built. My Plush 1060-S amp is built as well as a Fender and with the same quality components. I'm surprised more people don't buy these up and refurb them. Basically it's costing me about $75 to recap and make safety mods. These old cabs however, are stupid big.

John
 
#19
thumbman said:
Is weight and transport the main two concerns with this thing...)
Click to expand...

I just need something good for practice and small jams. Really love the tube sound, so I figure recondition the amp and mate it with a new reasonable size quality cab and I'll be happy. I should be done with the recapping this weekend. I can't wait to hear it.

Everyone here has been a lot of help. Sometimes I'm too close to the forest to see the trees. This thing has got a lot of nostalgia for me. But, I recognize now, the cabs got to go. Now I just need to find the best way financially.

John
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back