EA Wizzy 12

There are some really big threads about the wizzy 12 on here if you need some details. I have the normal 12"wizzy and the Mline version and much prefer the m line version for double bass. I would really recommend it.

 

I used a regular Wizzy 12 for about a decade and recently switched to a Crazy 88 that I found used in the classifieds here. They pop up reasonably often. I find the Crazy 88 to be substantially superior in terms of its neutrality, low-end response, and effective dynamic range. The Wizzy is a fine cab that served me well, especially when coupled with a parametric tone-shaping circuit that I used to smooth out its response. IMO, there are now better designs that can be had within the same general price-range.

 

I didn't know you were using one of these. Glad you like it. I sure did!

 

A couple of years ago I got out of my VL-208s and into a regular W12.

Moving from 45 pounds down to 29 was jusssssssssst fiine, thank you very much!

There's a certain "audiophile" quality to the legendary VL-208 and the W12 does not have that. But I am completely satisfied with the W12 sound. It takes my Woods MI-225 perfectly -- tons of volume from that setup. Bass on a wheel, Woods in a backpack, W12 in one hand = one trip and ya can't beat that.

I've got no plans to seek another box.

 

BTW, I switched from the EA iamp200 and Wizzy 12 to an EA Doubler and Crazy 88 because I needed to lighten the load after recent back surgery. It wasn't because I was unhappy with my rig. The Doubler is all of 2.5 lb and the Crazy 88 is one pound lighter than the Wizzy 12. It's not the one lb that makes much difference. Rather, because the Crazy 88 is tall and thin, it's easier to lift and fits right behind a passenger seat. I now have a Bass Buggy and a fold-up MagnaCart hand truck. It's much easier to handle all of this. So, the change was really out of necessity. A by-product was that I wound up with a better cab. The Crazy 88 really does top the Wizzy 12, IMO.

 

My main cabs are Wizzy 12s. They're good for electric bass as well as double bass and EUB. For big gigs, a pair does great with my EA Micro.

 

The Bass Buggy is much easier than the wheel. It allows me much more control and the ability to stand up straighter while I'm wheeling around the bass.

 

Plus...the Buggy can keep the bass upright if you need to stand somewhere...no need to try to stabilize a single wheel with your foot. Instead, it rests on the two wheels and the endpin.

 

Before doing that you might want to look at these.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/big-e-speakers-pt-2-a-963685/index33.html

 

Indeed, but now you're talking about a substantially higher price-point, given that the used market is quite slim.

 

My experience mirrors drurb's.

My go-to cabs for several years were a VL208 topped by a Wizzy 12M, with the VL-208 firing across the stage toward my band mates, and the 12M angled up toward my ears.

A few years ago, a rotator cuff injury motivated me to lighten my load, and I bought a composite Crazy8 and Crazy88 from Mike Arnopol. My other cabs haven't left the house since then.

When I first got the Crazy cabs, I did a side-by-side comparison with the VL-208 and 12M, and the other cabs haven't left the house since then. The VL-208 stays home because she's too heavy; the 12M, because she didn't sound as good.

That said, if I'd never heard my Crazy cabs, I'd probably still be using my 12M without complain't; it's not a bad speaker by any stretch of the imagination.

 

Not really ---as far as street price. A 45 is about the same size and weight. As far as hifi--I prefer it to the VL208. (I think I can make comparisons to a cab that's not currently made)

 

Really? I can buy a Big E 45 for under $500? Please tell me where.

 

I said street price
There are about 25 45's out there and the only one sold was due to financial reasons. Must say something considering how crazy often things turn around here.
The 45 goes as loud as the 88 with a stronger low end. The composite 88's are lighter (by about 7#) and are no longer made.The wood ones are similar in weight to the 45.

Don't get me wrong---the 88's are a great sounding cab--I just prefer the 45's---if I'd never heard of the Big E's I'd be very happily taking my 88 to my gigs.

I'm an EA endorser---I've happily owned the Wizzy 12 and Mline.

 

Mike,
What is the weight of the wood Big E 4x5?

Ric

 

30# in either 1/2" poplar or 3/8" Okume. Okume has a bit more mids and a bit less upper bass. Poplar is a bit more mellow. All of the cabs that are out there are Poplar.