So I just ordered a Mesa 400+ here on TB and I need a cabinet for it! I just sold my amp, so I'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail. The cab I'm mounting it on is an old Ampeg fridge loaded with Jensen speakers. Its an OK cab, but not one I'm satisfied with. (Not enough low end for me!) So I'm looking at some new cabs to buy eventually on down the line, probably in November/December. Now, mind you I fell in love with this amp through an older Mesa 610. Sounded perfect! But I want to get a rig different than my friends I think, plus Mesa cabs are hella expensive. I've got a few ideas, but mind you I haven't played the Bergantino stuff.
I can personally vouch for the Mesa Powerhouse 2x12's. I have two of them that I sometimes stack under my 400+, but for most gigs one cab is plenty! Sounds punchy, full, clear and LOUD!
You need to try it out with the different cabs. I've got a Mesa 2X12 that I used with my 400+. It is punchy, clear, and loud. But I didn't care for the tone. It works for bigbajo, though. I voted for the Berg 610. HE might not care for that one. So get that big Mesa amp in the store, and try some cabs
I should've mentioned this. I like a thick deep sound. And I mostly play classic rock type stuff, blues, and old school R&B. Some jazz as well.
Given this info... I'll third the 212 recommendation. I almost sold mine for stupid reasons, but after finishing a week long gig with it, all my other cabs are going. If I ever need to get louder, I'll get another 212. Play one if you can, and you'll love it .Very thick, deep, and clear.
I voted the Berg NV215-as I've one & LOVE him! I've not played a Mesa 400+ for yrs & only once when I did us one at a festval gig. IIRC it was thru a 2x Mesa 4x10" stack-IIRC!! As U say U like "thick & deep" & play classic rock, blues old Sch. RnB -Like me mainly (except for my Soul/funk/disco band) & the NV215 sounds great for this stuff. Rich, deep, sweet round 15" tone & handles a tube amps overdrive beautifully!!!!!!!!! BOTH NV cabs-(that I've tried) 610 & 215- sound superb w/ tube amps & extra good w/ Overdrive/distort.. etc going thru 'em. Leave other cabs 4 dead in this regard IMO. I haven't played the Mesa 2x12, but Have played mesa 4x10's & Mesa 1x15" & liked 'em both. BUT IMO the NV cabs are in another league! My 2c.
My band at the moment plays stuff in the league of Motown, as if white boys can get close to that But yeah, its all originals. We're a mix of old school R&B, blues, and 50s/60s rock and roll.
Try it with an Eden 410xlt. I heard that combo one time and it was one of the rock bass tones I've ever heard.
Surprise surprise! The question is tube head with what cab? And of course the NV610 gets the most votes... I really really need that cab! I really need to graduate and start earning money to burn on stuff!
Just got back from gigging my 400+ with my NV610 and thick, deep and punchy exactly describes the sound I was getting. As a cheaper alternative , I set my Mesa Roadready Diesel 215 alongside the Bergie and AB'd them (but bear in mind this was just in my bandroom). There were far more similarites than differences and the Mesa is more efficient but much heavier. If you can find a used Mesa Diesel 215 cab (make sure it is the 800 watt version) you won't go far wrong, you will have a matched setup and you will save yourself a considerable sum of money.
I play alot of the same styles of music as GE and I just bought a NV610 but using it with my GBE750 tube/ss head. The cab is very punchy for sure and I would love to try a all tube head thru it. I'm still wondering if I should try out the NV215 to compare. With no PA support this past Sat nite, first gig with this setup, gitard was asking me for more lows. When I did this, I started clipping my head. Not ready to buy another amp right now, so wondering if the 215 might serve my needs better or will I have to haul 2 cabs to gigs now, that would be adding my GB Neox 212T? Isn't there a break in period with the NV cabs? What can I expect once that is complete?