does LDS build equal a Mesa or a Bergantino for example ??

[bradjonesbass]

I've recommended LDS in just about every cab thread on here lately so you all know my feelings. You get what you ask for that's for sure. I asked for a slightly beefier sounding Tri-112 and that's what I got. I'm saving my pennies for a 12" extension cab that I'm going to have Don build for me. I may also have him make me a NEO loaded 4ohm 610 in the future. I see no reason to spend the extra money on an Epi, Accugroove, EA, et. al. when Don's builds stack up to all of those for less money. I went with him based on KJung, Steve and some other guys on here recommendations and though it was a little scary having a custom cab built by someone I'd never met, he met and exceeded all my expectations and then some.

 

[freebeer]

LDS cabs are great. I have a 4x10, though it's pretty dang heavy, it can knock down walls. I recently had don build me a couple other cabs, one being a 4x8" Neo and a 1x15" Neo. Small, (~20"x20"x16?) and light (each at 35-40 lbs). Alone they sound great, together I am still speechless. That said, I have owned GK, Genz, Ampeg, and Accugroove speaker cabinets yet the LDS get my vote.

 

[Slink]

Hey freebeer a 4x8 neo. What watts and ohms if you don't mind?

I was thinking of getting something to put under my Epi 2x10AP do you think that would go good with a 2x10?

 

[MikeBass]

I don't care if you mention Eden.

I know, but since I'm linked to Eden as an endorsee.......
Get my point.

The key is not to ask Don to defy physics. I recall someone who had Don build a 212 cab that was relatively thin, MIKE. It made the cab easier to transport, but it effected the low end extension. My 212 cab handles a five string just fine, but I used the Eden footprint (I bought my first LDS to stack on an Eden cab). A 13" X 13", 6" deep cube will not be a wide ranging 112 cab, you still have to have depth and volume to move air.

Umm.... are you referring to me with wanting a thin cab???
Quite the opposite. While I don't want something 4 feet deep, I don't mind if it has a little bit to it.
I think your off base here Steve ol' boy.
My 212 handled a low B with ease. In fact I asked Don to build the exact same cab as his tweed 212, but that could handle a low B.
He almost nailed it, and the cab was deeper. About average as others, 18" or something- sorta Eden depth.
About the size overall of a 410.

While I disagree with Mike in that I haven't heard any LDS cabs that were "dogs", I have heard some that really stand out. Don builds what you ask him to build. If your real vague, he knows the dimensions that will work and you'll get a good cab. But if you specifically ask him to defy physics he might try. My suggestion is to start by going to the website of some popular 2 X 15 cabs and get the dimensions. Then consult with Don, He can tweak it to the specks you want and with the right components, He uses good stuff, you will have a comparable cab to many of the boutique guys for significantly less scratch. My personal cabs certainly compare with the Epiphani stuff with the same drivers, I think that says a lot considering they were close to half the retail.

Well, the difference between you and I Steve is that I go into LDS- A LOT. And Don always has something being built.
And he lets me have a go at them most of the time.

I've actually don't visit the shop like I used to, MAYBE once a week these days (mainly to get strings), so I miss out on some of the recient ones.
And yes, there are some dogs.
Woof.

Just like there are dog Eden cabs- can anyone say 112XLT?!?!
That thing blows IMO.

Again, I like Don and I like his cabs- owned a few and used a bunch.
I highly reccomend him.

 

[bradjonesbass]

Hey MikeBass, do you remember if you played through my cab? Just wondering your thoughts if you did. 1-12, 1-8, 1-5.25, neo loaded, B&C, spray-on finish. Finished late last year, first of this year.

 

[pfschim]

bradjonesbass, mikebass, freeber, chef, steve, and anyone else with LDS experience that replied...

Thanks for all the solid info and practical info. I sent Don a follow-up note with the outside dimensions of the Berg NV215, and asked for his input on speakers selection. I also told him what I am looking for in terms of sound and tone from this cab. It'll be interesting to see what he says.

IMO/IME with gear, the situation is always caveat emptor, so I'm good with the issues raised. But, the more well informed the emptor is, the less the caveat. So thanks again for the hands/ears-on information, now I just have to see how much Don quotes.

 

[vicenzajay]

+1, mine is made very well; it actually looks a little sharper than my Euphonic cab, it has a very "pro" look and feel. I like it so much I'm having Don make me a second one.

So here's my question - is Don on vacation or does he have some special email that isn't on the site?

I'm feeling completely ignored here as I've emailed him now several times over a period of almost 10 days (with a specific request) with no response. I know he's a responsive guy with all the testimonials here, so I'm wondering what's going on.

Thanks,
Jay

 

[jnewmark]

I once email'd LDS inquiring if they could make me a cheaper version of an Accugroove Whappo and they replied that they did'nt think the Accugroove was all that great of a design or worth the trouble to do. I asked why they thought this , but I never got a reply.

 

[bongomania]

is Don on vacation

That's a good question. I emailed him a couple weeks ago to get started on a new custom cab, and he emailed back within a day. I responded with two more emails, and he hasn't responded to those.

 

[bradjonesbass]

call the store. Sounds like he may be getting swamped with build requests

 

[KJung]

So here's my question - is Don on vacation or does he have some special email that isn't on the site?

I'm feeling completely ignored here as I've emailed him now several times over a period of almost 10 days (with a specific request) with no response. I know he's a responsive guy with all the testimonials here, so I'm wondering what's going on.

Thanks,
Jay

Don is not particularly an email guy. Call the shop, and have Ryan hook you up with Don on the phone. His delivery times are right on the money, and as said above, he makes a great cab.

Per Mike's comments, since Don is a pure custom shop, some of his cab designs are simply amazing, and others turn out 'OK". However, if you don't ask for anything totally strange, and use top notch components, they are a really good buy.

A couple of suggestions:

1) If you are going for a light neo cab, MAKE SURE to specifically request the Ultra Light plywood. Most of the weight savings in neo cabs is actually the lighter wood that the light drivers allow to be used.

2) For some reason, Don does not consider speakon jacks 'standard equipment'. Make sure to specifically ask for Speakons (if that is important to you).

3) If you are having a small cab made, really think through the handle design (side or top, metal routed in or strap, etc.) and also the placement of the tweeter attenuator (side or back). Also, Don will include a tilt back spring loaded handle mechanism on the bottom of the cab if you ask... VERY nice.

4) The spray on coating Don offers is GREAT!

5) Finally!! The B&C Neo's are quite pricey, and until very recently, sounded WAY better to my ear than the Eminence Neo's. This has changed in the last 6 months or so, and the new Eminence Neo's are relatively inexpensive and they sound GREAT. Highly recommended... great tone at a low cost.

IMO above.