Extension cab question

[A Newer Battle]

Recent bass convert, so please don't flame too hard.
Have an Ampeg combo (2x10, 450w) and want to use an extension. However, buying a cab isn't in the immediate future, though I still have access to an older set of Black Widow pa cabs (15" w/ horn). Thoughts on using one for my extension, at least for the time being?

 

[mmbongo]

What impedance are the cabs, and what impedance will your amp support?

 

[Reedt2000]

You can do that as long as the PA cab's ohms and wattage rating match up to the recomendation of the combo amp. Personally I never heard a PA cab used for a bass guitar cab that I liked. I think it is the hirns in a PA speaker, they're just to aggressively bright for my tastes. That being said I know a guy who loved the extra brightness. Sometimes PA speakers have an attenuator for the horn so you could adjust it. If the numbers line up there is no harm in trying it. If it sounds awful just pull out the speaker cable!

 

[A Newer Battle]

It's an 8ohm cab, amp runs 450 at 4, so that's all good. Kinda just wondering if I could expect to get a decent sound out of trying. I've got a Civic, so it would require borrowing a ride to get it to the practice spot, and I don't want to go to the trouble if it's likely not worth it. (The BW cabs definitely will not fit! Used a Sorento to get them to where they are now). It is a potentially temporary fix, but I'm trying to get a new bass first.

 

[Reedt2000]

It's an 8ohm cab, amp runs 450 at 4, so that's all good. Kinda just wondering if I could expect to get a decent sound out of trying. I've got a Civic, so it would require borrowing a ride to get it to the practice spot, and I don't want to go to the trouble if it's likely not worth it. (The BW cabs definitely will not fit! Used a Sorento to get them to where they are now). It is a potentially temporary fix, but I'm trying to get a new bass first.

Those older black widow cabinets can be huge and HEAVY. If they are not practical for you then keep looking for other options. The markbass cabs are really small and light and they sound great. They do cost a bit but well worth it. Maybe you could find a used one.

 

[Stumbo]

I would disconnect the horn and install more insulation. I have similar cabs.

Maybe you can find an empty 1x15 for a reasonable price.

 

[Rattman]

I would disconnect the horn and install more insulation. I have similar cabs. . . Maybe you can find an empty 1x15 for a reasonable price.

I'm always seeing nice-looking and reasonably-priced 115 bass cabs on reverb.com. And not junk either, but some well-known, efficient 115 cabs that are just begging for new homes! Plus, with a 115 cab, should be no problem getting to the gig/practice using only your Civic.
. .

 

[Reedt2000]

Some decent cabs in the classified ads here

Dr. Bass 115 FS

SWR Workingman's 115

Ashdown 115, Carvin 410

 

[S-Bigbottom]

It is a potentially temporary fix, but I'm trying to get a new bass first.

Welcome to TalkBass.

A Bass is just a chunk of wood with metal wires that vibrate, the speakers are what produce your sound and give you the BOOM, THUD or what the #@*$ is that dud you and others will hear. Get a good speaker cab, then upgrade your Bass. Your current Bass will sound better.

 

[A Newer Battle]

Appreciate the feedback folks. I'll try to keep my ignorance to a minimum on the boards.

 

[bigtone23]

I would try the Peavey and see if you like the sound. I would probably disconnect the horn since BW speakers have plenty of top end to them.