• 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.

Different cab or just "man up?"

Different cab or different attitude?

  • Get a different cab (please recommend one)

    Votes: 49 49.0%

  • Get a different attitude (manhandle that sucker)

    Votes: 51 51.0%
  • Total voters
    100
  • Poll closed .
D

ddino

Jan 1, 2012
28
0
#1
Hey all,

So I've got a Traynor YBX-1510 which is a tank at ~80lbs. It's definitely capable of handling the power coming out of my Ampeg SVT3-Pro, but it's a pain in the ass to transport. Even though I don't play gigs frequently, it's still 85 lbs to take in and out of a sedan's trunk. Yeah, I know some of you play with 2x15 or 8x10s and are rolling your eyes at me, but hey, if I can save my back I'll do it.

I was thinking of downsizing to a 2x10 at first, but after doing some research, it seems that even a 250W handling 2x10 won't have that much low-end presence or headroom to play in a rock band. We're not that loud, but of course having extra power is always good.

I was also looking at 1x15s, but I'm not sure if having 1x15 is just as good/worse/better than having multiple speakers (e.g. 2x10, 2x12, 4x10, etc). I do like the sound of a 15" though.

Finally, I looked at 2x12s, but they're often not much smaller than the cab I currently have (although can be significantly lighter w/ neo cabs).

Any suggestions? If I were to get a new cab, I would try to not go over $400 CAD, since I can sell my cab for about that much.



tldr: I'm satisfied with my current cab, except for the fact that it's really heavy (for me) and hard for me to transport. Should I try looking for a different cab (if so, which one) or just deal with it and lug it around, since it's not that often anyway?
 
#2
Generally, 210's and 115's will have pretty close levels of output capability, though it does vary a little bit here and there between different designs from different companies. And it's very possible one or the other could work for you at your volume levels. However, small cabs just don't sound as satisfying as big cabs, so the practice these days who want to downsize but don't want to give up bigger air movement is to get two small cabs and combine them. But if you just want to carry around one 210 or one 115, it's possible it could work for you. We just can't say for sure without hearing your band.
 
#3
My Eden 410XLT's weigh 85 a piece, so I hear you about saving weight. For me, I've had the 410XLT since 2000, so it's the cost of doing business. Are they the best cabs ever? No, but they're familiar and consistent for my tone.

I imagine that some of these new cabs with 12" speakers can probably give you what you need as far as projection and weight savings.

GK makes a neo 212, that is 549, new, but maybe you can find one used that fits in your budget.

I would stay in the 212 or 410 speaker range. I feel you just get more presence and punch with those combinations.

I just sold my Eden 115XL. It was a decent cab, but lacked the color of my 410's. It was like you felt it more than heard it.

Let us know what you get.
 
#4
I try to only sell what I have no use for, or haven't used in a long while. Sounds like you like this cab, it's just heavy. So I take the 3rd option...save up a little here and there and buy an additonal cab while keeping the Traynor. The market is full of cabs half that weight, but maybe not that sound. Every cab sounds a little different. Keep your options open.
Wes
 
#5
I dont even own a head that weighs less than 80 pounds... :smug:

But in all seriousness, thats not that bad for a cab that sounds good to you. I currently have 3 peavey cabs that are all tanks, so I understand your frustration, but unless you are willing to jump to newer neo cabs you're not gonna have to haul it.
 
#12
My rig is 35 pounds, 2 10's and is plenty for me. I use it stand alone for jazz gigs and as a monitor for larger gigs where I have a PA. Thankfully this works for me. I always have a PA for big gigs and the 300 watt 2x10 sounds great for everything else.

Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T Combo
Genz Benz Shuttle 110 Extension Cab
300 Watts
2x10
34 pounds
 
#15
Normally I'd vote "man up" ;) but after gigging out the new Portaflexes, I'm softening up a bit on the bennefits of light weight gear. You might want to check out a pair of Ampeg PF115 cabs. They are built well, light weight, have casters, handle 400 watts each, and can put out some deep low end for a sealed cab. Plus they have the added bonus of extra storage under the fliptop lid, eliminating the need for another bag or box for cords and misc. items. I've played my 3-Pro through my PF115 and think they sound really good together- and cosmetically - I think they look good together as well.
 
#16
Keep in mind - you have one back, if you screw it up you'll spend the rest of your life wishing you hadn't. So either be really careful lifting and moving the tank or go lighter. I sold my Eden 210xlt (75lbs) and 115 and got 2 Eden 112xlt's. Much lighter but still plenty loud and have good low end. And if you need more run a line to the PA and let the sound guy handle it. For $400 it may be a little tough but there are tons of used cabs out there.
 
#17
I play an Aggie 1x15, and it also weighs close to 85 lbs.

It goes in the back seat of my car, as it won't fit in my trunk!

Honestly, if you love the sound of your cab, stick with it. I'm not familiary with your model, but if it doesn't have casters, get a dolly.

After I busted a caster on my cab, I bought a cheap dolly (like $20 at Home Depot) and a pair of racheting moving straps (about $8 a piece). If I need to move my gear more than a few feet from car to stage, I load cab, rack, pedal board, bass, guitar stand, and strap it all together. My 120 lb plus rig can be moved by a 4 year-old in that configuration.
 
#19
A lot of people are probably going to think I'm crazy but the easiest cab configuration to move for me is a 4x12 even though it's over 100lbs. Make sure it is tiltback capable and has sliders on the back. I can get in and out of a gig in one trip with my bass in a gig bag and my head/pedals in a gator case. I can tip it over into my hatchback or onto a pickup bed or into the back of a van. I can even slide it up and down stairs by myself. It's WAY easier to move around than the 4x10's I used to lug around. Oh, and you'll go deaf if your band is too loud for you so find another band if that's ever a problem.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back