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Cabs in America

BOOG

BOOG

Dec 13, 2016
3,897
4,827
56
Cleveland, Ohio
#1
Hello everyone! I am getting to the point of upgrading my cabinets. I’m usually playing with (3) guitarists/loud drummer/keyboardist/(2) vox and we are covering any/all 1960’s-current rock/reggae/punk/soul/country. Currently, my main rig setup is active or passive bass ===> pedal board often with hairy-overdrive/distortion ===> Mesa WD800 ===> (2) Hartke HD210.

Specifically, I am looking for American constructed (2) cabs to stack vertically and I am undecided on what to spend my money on. From the following list, I have not played through any but, I have heard the Mesa’s live on a couple of occasions being used by others in medium sized venues.

I guess, ideally, I am asking for a comparison of the Hartke’s I am using with any of the cabs listed if there’s anyone with that specific knowledge. Any feedback on any of these would be appreciated, though.

Anyway, here’s what I’m considering buying a pair (2X) of:
Trickfish TF212
Rev Sound RS212XT
Genzler Nu Classic 212T
Genzler Magellan 212T
Mesa SW 210
Gallien-Krueger NEO IV 212
 
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#5
The Mesa Subway 210 is a fantastic cab. Also, the Subway 115 is a fantastic cab, but a little different. Together they are even more than fantastic!

The Subway stuff is designed to work together, and would be a great match to your WD800.

Everything you've listed should be great, high quality gear. I don't think there's a bad option in the bunch.
 
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#9
You got a great list there might as well add the Killer B's Bergantino and Barefaced:)

The GK saves you a few bucks if all else is equal and Mesa Subway seems logical
but this is a very subjective business.

Genzlers seem to be designed to have a 'old school' type palette
Not a GK Guy but have not heard their newest offerings
Lot's of folks are falling all over Subway 1x15
never heard them live but RevSound and Trickfish have solid reputations

With so many excellent choices available the agony in making a choice can be brutal:)
[went through it with my last Bass Purchase]
 
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#10
It's a Mesa fest for me because I currently have USA made cabs from 4 brands (and more in the past) and the Mesas are the ones that perform in a way I like most, and they are also NOT the most expensive.

Sorry if that doesn't flip the rocks you want. I sure feel like that matches the original ask. Is that now not good enough since many other people on this forum have spent tens of thousands on bass gear over the years and come to a similar conclusion? (Note: I said MANY, not all.)
 
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#14
BOOG said:
Hello everyone! I am getting to the point of upgrading my cabinets. I’m usually playing with (3) guitarists/loud drummer/keyboardist/(2) vox and we are covering any/all 1960’s-current rock/reggae/punk/soul/country. Currently, my main rig setup is active or passive bass ===> pedal board often with hairy-overdrive/distortion ===> Mesa WD800 ===> (2) Hartke HD210.

Specifically, I am looking for American constructed (2) cabs to stack vertically and I am undecided on what to spend my money on. From the following list, I have not played through any but, I have heard the Mesa’s live on a couple of occasions being used by others in medium sized venues.

I guess, ideally, I am asking for a comparison of the Hartke’s I am using with any of the cabs listed if there’s anyone with that specific knowledge. Any feedback on any of these would be appreciated, though.

Anyway, here’s what I’m considering buying a pair (2X) of:
Trickfish TF212
Rev Sound RS212XT
Genzler Nu Classic 212T
Genzler Magellan 212T
Mesa SW 210
Gallien-Krueger NEO IV 212
Click to expand...
Mesa Subway 215 or two 1 x 15s. If that setup isn't loud enough, I'd be looking for another band.
 
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#16
20200406_152721.jpg
I've gigged this for the last 5 years,definitely takes a beating and keeps up with my 5 string,though not particularly light or small.
Good luck finding one in stock though,you should check availability in all of theses cabs,covid has limited what you can buy off the shelf.
 
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#17
musicman556 said:
It's a Mesa fest for me because I currently have USA made cabs from 4 brands (and more in the past) and the Mesas are the ones that perform in a way I like most, and they are also NOT the most expensive.

Sorry if that doesn't flip the rocks you want. I sure feel like that matches the original ask. Is that now not good enough since many other people on this forum have spent tens of thousands on bass gear over the years and come to a similar conclusion? (Note: I said MANY, not all.)
Click to expand...
What are the other brands/configurations that you were referring to?
 
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#20
@BOOG , ultimately it does not matter what anyone else thinks. Doing the research may narrow down your choices a bit, but ultimately the best thing to do is hunt down and try cabs till you find the sound you are after.

Lot's of people love the Subway line, but IMHO that's no guarantee that you will love it.

As an example, think of the millions of people who consider the SVT and 810E the ideal bass rig. The first bass rig I ever bought was a brand new MTI era SVT and 810. I had it special ordered after reading tons of glowing reviews. When it came in, I actually wondered if it was damaged or counterfeit as I thought it sounded awful. For the record, every SVT and 810 I have played since then sounded pretty much the same.

The SVT and 810 is obviously an exceptional rig because people have loved it since 1969, but it's not my sound.
 
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