Do all cabs feel like a compromise?

[Steve]

I guess the closest to a high end cab that I would consider “ideal” is the Greenboy F112, but I dislike the wedge format.

So, buy a fearful 112

 

[Scott Lynch]

So, buy a fearful 112

Right. What about the fEarful cabs?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

So, buy a fearful 112

I don’t like the wedge format.

 

[Scott Lynch]

I don’t like the wedge format.

Rich, the wedge cabs are part of the Fearless line. Greenboy's Fearful designs are rectangular. Check them out! [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Kro]

I don’t like the wedge format.

You don't have to use it as a wedge... ?

Also, I've heard it rumored that authorized builders may be able to build Fearless models without the wedge, though I've never seen one. Have you talked to a builder by any chance?

FWIW, I've never used my Fearless in wedge position...

(F115)

 

[mmbongo]

Cant go wrong with Bag end, Mark Bass or mesa boogie! althou mesa biggie a bit heavy but the sound you get is well worth it!!

Mesa Subway cabs are the lightest cabs of the ones you mentioned.

 

[mmbongo]

Because it's almost indestructible. Same reason I have a face cover for my cab.

What happens if the soft wood underneath dents though?

 

[MultiScaleMale]

What happens if the soft wood underneath dents though?

It doesn’t matter with the truck bed liner. It’s tough and will hold together, but I doubt you’ll dent the wood. With Duratex, it could be an issue, you can fill it in with resin or putty and touch it up.

 

[madbass6]

Mesa Subway cabs are the lightest cabs of the ones you mentioned.

ok.. Cool!

 

[Mark_70]

There's this thing in project management:

"good - fast - cheap; you get to pick two out of three"

Seems like with cabs it is similar:

"good - cheap - light; you get to pick two"

Regards
Mark

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Didn't realize that the Mesa cabs have rubber feet, so I'm not worried about one cab sliding off. Almost happened once, long story, I was stupid. I'd prefer the rock solid truck bed liner, but if black tolex is the only thing standing between getting the cabs, it's probably a moot point. 95% of the way is close enough. Decision will be between 2x115, 2x210 and one of each. The one of each route gives some more versatility when I'd use a single cab.

 

[REV]

All cabs result in some sort of compromise but my Euphonic Audio Wizzy 12 is less of a compromise than just about anything else I've tried.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

It was good to talk this out loud (well, in text, but you know what I mean). Gotta find someplace within road trip distance to try the Mesa cabs.

 

[onlyclave]

You should totally order a Dr Bass cabinet. That soap opera is always fun to read.

Dude, the only time that cab matches it's specs is when it's in the shipping container. After that the room changes everything.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

You should totally order a Dr Bass cabinet. That soap opera is always fun to read.

Dude, the only time that cab matches it's specs is when it's in the shipping container. After that the room changes everything.

I'm pretty confident that I'd get the cabs from him. PayPal policies have changed to prevent anything bad. My Dr Bass 115 has been rock solid.

 

[MVE]

Rich,
I can’t tell from your post if you’re talking about compromise in design or compromise in quality. Please explain.
A compromise in design is the nature of the beast. You simply cannot make a cab that is all things to all people. (Even a Ferrari can’t compete with a uhaul truck for... ya know, moving stuff.) Maybe if you told us the sound you’re looking for we could help.
If you are talking about compromise in build quality, there are several companies that make Ferrari level quality: Berg, Barefaced, Vanderkley, Schroeder, etc...

 

[petrus61]

Do all cabs feel like a compromise? The way people here talk about everyone else's cabs that don't fit their idea of what is the penultimate marriage of sonic engineering and workmanship can certainly give that impression sometimes...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

If you are talking about compromise in build quality, there are several companies that make Ferrari level quality: Berg, Barefaced, Vanderkley, Schroeder, etc...

I’m talking mostly about build quality. Barefaced uses rubber strap handles instead of handles the will hold up. Vanderkley uses rat fur, I believe. Schroeder, I’ve owned, and would put their build quality down with Pintos rather than Ferrari.

 

[MVE]

I’m talking mostly about build quality. Barefaced uses rubber strap handles instead of handles the will hold up. Vanderkley uses rat fur, I believe. Schroeder, I’ve owned, and would put their build quality down with Pintos rather than Ferrari.

I had a Schroeder PL210 that I would confidently hide under during a nuclear attack.
I now have a Bergantino that my wife is Ok with having in our living room.

 

[Basslinger05]

With basses and even amps you can buy no holds barred, high end basses and amps that don’t cut any corners on quality or construction. But cabs always seem to be a compromise - heavy weight, rat fur or tolex, Duartex that’s gooped on, no t-bolts, cut corners on the crossover, etc. I guess the closest to a high end cab that I would consider “ideal” is the Greenboy F112, but I dislike the wedge format. It seems like everyone is trying to keep costs down on cabs where that’s not usually the case with basses. And you don’t hear a bass, you hear the notes from the speaker. I’ve found my ideal bass, but the quest continues for the ideal cab.

My definition of ideal is an 8 ohm cab that I can double up on larger gigs and use singly on smaller gigs. Sub 45lbs per cab (using the single weight plate standard), truck bed liner, handles 400-500W, quality construction, real handles - not the silly straps. Tone and low end extension, of course.

I considered Acme 112FR, but they have low sensitivity so you need to pump up the wattage and then I start to need a bigger amp. Dr Bass’ BL115 checks most of the boxes and I have an older RX series that I use for rehearsal and like. The obvious issue is - will I get the cabs.

Everything seems like you have to make more of a compromise than with basses and amps.

To me, it all boils down to sound. personally, small light spkrs & cabs just don,t kick out enough bottom to do an adequate job of fill-in in, specially in a 3 piece, I don,t mind haulin around a bigger cab if I can get a full enough sound . maybe I,m just old fashioned. Peace