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Dumb Guitar/Bass Cab. Question

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Aristotle, Jul 23, 2003.

  1. Jul 23, 2003 #1
    Aristotle

    Aristotle

    May 12, 2002
    Easton, MD
    I know this must sound really stupid, but what really is the difference between a bass and guitar cab? Obviously speaker sizes and ohms are variable either way, and watt handling, but what really is the difference? Are the speakers specially designed for the frequencies of bass or what? I've been noticing quite a few bassists using 4x12 guitar cabs for their basses (including Robert Trujillo according to Bass Player). Being now in the market for a cabinet with 12 inch speakers, it kinda seems like a good idea. Dont throw anything at me if this is a stupid question.
     
  2. Jul 23, 2003 #2
    DryWater'Bass

    DryWater'Bass

    Nov 6, 2001
    Johnson City,Tennesee
    *hurriedly slides a basket of rotten tomatoes behind him*

    OK...:D....Bass cabinets, because of the nature of the instrument, are more full fange as just the fundamental notes on a bass cover over 4 octaves(at least on my 24 fret necked 4 stringer) so we need the full range sound...

    A guitar cabinet doesn't have to go as low, because the base note on a guitar is only at 82 or so hertz...and because of distortion/overdrive adding overtones, they don't use horns/tweeters(They'd hiss) and pretty much after 5kHz, they're done anyway...

    Most bassists that use guitar cabs, run a split sound pallette, John Entwistle used 4x12s only to carry the higher range, which he used FX on...It's not really smart to pump low notes through guitar cabs..My advice, get a bass cab..

    Look to your left, grab a couple of the Babys or one of the Mamas...If money's not in excess, grab an avatar...
     
  3. Jul 23, 2003 #3
    Tecx

    Tecx Radio Rock Leads To Sterility

    Jun 9, 2002
    Halifax, NS, Canada
    Bass speakers handle frequency's associated with bass, guitar speakers handle frequency's associated with guitar...

    Plus, bass cabs are tuned for bass (specific dementions)... And vise versa for guitar...

    If that was not enough, most bass speakers have at least 4 times the power handling of that of a guitar speaker...

    cheers

    Alex
     
  4. Jul 23, 2003 #4
    Aristotle

    Aristotle

    May 12, 2002
    Easton, MD
    Thanks. Brain just got a few more wrinkles.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2003 #5
    Aristotle

    Aristotle

    May 12, 2002
    Easton, MD
    Since you mentioned the Aguilar 12s, would there be any additional benefit to having two seperate 1x12 cabs as opposed to one 2x12? I imagine it would make catering to certain gigging environments easier, but as far as sound?
     
  6. Jul 24, 2003 #6
    Munjibunga

    Munjibunga Retired Member

    May 6, 2000
    San Diego (when not at Groom Lake)
    Independent Contractor to Bass San Diego

    nnnnnnnnYEP. Bass speakers need greater excursion to faithfully produce those oh-so-low frequencies. You can play a bass through guitar speakers, but you will not get good-sounding low end, and just a dab too much power and you'll blow the inadequate little bastriches to smithereens.