Fearful Part 14: one better than 13!

[wcriley]

My 12/6 cabs weigh 37 and 39 lbs. (The difference being the type of plywood)
One of the great things about the fEARful cabs is that you can have any type of handle you want, placed anywhere you want. I went with a single strap handle mounted on the side.

Of course, a composite would probably suit your needs better.

 

[Mike Arnopol]

a review

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f4/arnopol-8-cabinet-winner-848274/index2.html

 

[monsterthompson]

Tried a 15/6/1 today. Sounded very close to the 12/6/1 I tried yesterday. Shocking I know. These cabs made my amp EQ knobs actually work, as well as the bass tone knob. The clarity is ridiculous.

It doesn't help that I just did a rough tax calc and my refund is going to be big enough to let me buy new gear without even thinking about cost . . . much.

Now to decide on form factor. The 12/6 cube was conveniently shaped, but too heavy to have a single top strap for me. The 15/6 was bigger than I envisioned, but lifting the extra size and weight was helped by having a strap handle on each side. The cost of the 15/6 over the 12/6 isn't a factor, though the 12/6 seemed loud enough for my needs. Then there is builder and material choice since I can't DIY(M).

An interesting point that came up in conversation today is why a PA speaker would not work instead of building a fEARful, since both are built to be flat and accurate. Our guess was that PA speakers are designed to have separate subs for the bass range.

 

[JdoubleH]

...
An interesting point that came up in conversation today is why a PA speaker would not work instead of building a fEARful, since both are built to be flat and accurate. Our guess was that PA speakers are designed to have separate subs for the bass range.

+1 on the sub reason. There are full range pa cabs, but there is nothing in this format and size with the range, versatility and output capability of a fearful. There is certainly no suitable full range pa cab available of in the price range of the fearful cabs (that I am aware of).

 

[dhomer]

An interesting point that came up in conversation today is why a PA speaker would not work instead of building a fEARful, since both are built to be flat and accurate. Our guess was that PA speakers are designed to have separate subs for the bass range.

You would be correct, sir.. the fEARful differs only slightly from typical PA cabs, The B string is accounted for, and the crossovers are optimized for electric bass..

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

You would be correct, sir.. the fEARful differs only slightly from typical PA cabs, The B string is accounted for, and the crossovers are optimized for electric bass..

Greenboy would have to confirm this, but I recall hearing the Carvin LS1503 Speaker was an early trigger in his research on fEARful.

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[greenboy]

The Carvin LS1503 was a side-trip. I bought one hoping I wouldn't have to build a cab, so when I saw something close and cheap I hoped I could mod my way toward my goals instead. Though it was a fun detour, ultimately the Carvin, even when modded, wasn't all the way there for me.

So I again decided to get something built from my own design, as I had once before. Getting jacked around by a couple would-be builders somehow made me think that sharing the design with DIYers would be a cool idea.

 

[wcriley]

...made me think that sharing the design with DIYers would be a cool idea.

I'm sure you've had many second thoughts, but I'm also sure that many of us greatly appreciate that you shared the plans with us.

 

[tombowlus]

I'm sure you've had many second thoughts, but I'm also sure that many of us greatly appreciate that you shared the plans with us.

+1 Thanks, Greenboy!

 

[NicJimBass]

I'm sure you've had many second thoughts, but I'm also sure that many of us greatly appreciate that you shared the plans with us.

Absolutely!! Thank you so very much!!

 

[vlad335]

I have been gigging out with 1515/66 recently and this is absolutely the best bass sound I have ever heard.

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Please forgive the crappy cellphone pic quality and the mess. I snapped this right after setting up.

I built this in 2009 I believe and never gigged with it. Quit the band I was in and never got a chance to hear what it could do outside of my living room. Well, coupled with the Peavey IPR3000 the tone is amazing in a band setting. Also just recently picked up a Zoom B3 and I have to say the amp/cab models through the Impaler are scary real. IMO this is the ultimate platform for utilizing modelling processors.

Somewhat of a ringing endorsement came from the band members of the Country/Rock gig I'm doing now. When I first entered their practice space to audition, everyone was certainly put off by the size of my rig including the bandleader. ("That thing is too big for some of the places we play".) I told them I was planning to scale it down into 2 cabs as it is somewhat of an issue getting this cab in and out of my vehicle. Now he and the other band members do not want me to do it! The drummer's dad told me this is the best bass sound he has ever heard and it sounds great everywhere in the room. ( That is what GB designed it to do!)

However, I think I am going to build a 15/6 and a 15sub to help with transportation, Perhaps maybe two 15/6's? Not sure yet but I do know I am VERY pleased with this rig.

 

[dhomer]

I've mentioned this before. The fEARful is not an expense, its an investment.. In your musical present AND future. Have the best sound in town, will have plenty of work...

 

[wcriley]

Hi, Vlad.
Glad to see you and the Impaler are back in action.

 

[Balog]

vlad335: you mentioned having trouble getting it into/out of your car. I'm wondering how it would be to get into a fairly low to the ground wagon type vehicle? Seems like you could back it up to it then kind of tilt it in and slide it the rest of the way.

 

[monsterthompson]

First, thanks to the two locals who let me try their cabs this weekend.

Second, has anyone put a handle, recessed, strap, or otherwise on the top and/or bottom of a 15/6 or taller cab? It seems that might help for car loading, since the 15/6 is tall enough that it might be easier to move in and out of trunk space by flipping it sideways. Perhaps a corner recessed handle at the top and bottom of the back of the cab? Or, will that ruin some of the internal mojo?

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

It will be fine. I have both a strap on the top of my cab and D-Cup style handles on the sides. No issues at all.

 

[vlad335]

Hi, Vlad.
Glad to see you and the Impaler are back in action.

Hey wcriley! Good to hear from you!

vlad335: you mentioned having trouble getting it into/out of your car. I'm wondering how it would be to get into a fairly low to the ground wagon type vehicle? Seems like you could back it up to it then kind of tilt it in and slide it the rest of the way.

Don't get the wrong impression. Really nothing to do with the cab or my particular vehicle under normal circumstances. Problem is I built a sub box using double-walled MDF and 2 JBL Power subwoofers placed in the hatch area of my 4Runner. Sounds amazing but not exactly portable with the car amps/electronics back there as well. Removing this stuff is non-negotiable with me so the cab goes into the back seat. Yes, I have a bass addiction.

Using a wagon or even sliding it into the back of an SUV would be no problem whatsoever. The cab is very light but a bit hard to get it lifted up and past the rear door.

Plus we have some gigs coming up in West Virginia and 2 cabs would be very easy to get into the wife's car which is far better with gas mileage.

 

[scottbass]

I played a gig 2 weeks ago. During a set break another bassist came up and asked what amp/cab I was using. He didn't belong to TB and didn't know about fEARfuls. He said "That is without a doubt the most transparent rig I have ever heard. Your P bass sounds exactly like you are running directly into the board at a studio. Unlimited headroom and no coloration whatsoever." I thanked him profusely for his kind words and gave him the links to Greenboy's site and TB all the while thinking "there's one more."

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

I plan to cut my wood like the rough mock-up below for transport. Do you see any problems in terms of wasting wood? Its pricey stuff so I want to maximize it.

 

[barryaudio]

vlad335: you mentioned having trouble getting it into/out of your car. I'm wondering how it would be to get into a fairly low to the ground wagon type vehicle? Seems like you could back it up to it then kind of tilt it in and slide it the rest of the way.

I have an Impreza hatchback. It's a dream for loading a 1515/66/1. My '66 is old school with the 3/4" baffle and extra bracing. Weighs in at about 120lbs.