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GK 2-12 or keep Aguilar 4-12

Markku

Supporting Member
Sep 22, 2015
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Hey guys, what do you think I have my Old GS 412 Aguilar cabinet that someone wants to buy for 800 bucks. Is it worth selling it to pick up two GK neo 2-12 II cabs for roughly the same price. They're both ate own cabinets. As of now I'm running a GK 1001rb head. Thinking it would be a little bit easier to move around then a big 412. Or there's a possibility of just getting the Neo IV 212 and save up some coin for another cab if needed
Thoughts anyone
 
Yeah, I was gonna try and dissuade selling the 4x12 but modularity is a big reason to split the difference there. I like the Neo-II 2x12s, especially paired with the RB series heads. I'd snag those two, but getting the Neo IV is also a solid option. The dual 2x12s will cover you for pretty much anything paired with the 1001RB
 
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I also own a GS412 and was hoping to do the same thing as you with the same Neo II 212s and I just didn't dig the tone nearly as much. I'm holding out to try the new NEO IV at some point.

YMMV, but I would absolutely go play them as much as you can before pulling the trigger. The GS is a pain in the ass, but it sounds sooooo good!
 
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I would prefer the modularity of a pair of 212s. However, I would base the decision on which option I think sounds better. Demo the GKs with your head if possible. The EQ curve you like with Aguilar is not necessarily valid for the GKs. You will need to adjust for the best possible sound.

Which option is easier to deal with will vary by situation. The GS412 tilts back and rolls, so if there are no stairs or a lift to the stage, it will probably be easier. IMHO, the clear advantage of the 212s is you can scale the size of your rig. If you need loud, bring both. For lower volume bring only one.
 
I would prefer the modularity of a pair of 212s.
This was the route I went when I purchased two Mesa PH212 cabs a long time back. While I was very happy to have my new modular 412 rig, the truth is that I mostly only ever needed and used one 212.
 
212 is enough for any outdoor gig i play ...
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As much as I like the GS line and tone, man those things are heavy to move. Plus my taste in tone has opened up since my original love of the GS. I have moved on to a lighter more open-sounding of cabinets, probably closer to the GK sound.

So if you still want that GS sound and can move it around, stay with it because there is nothing that is going to sund like them. If on the other hand, you are ready for a change this is a golden opportunity. The money sounds right for your cabinet and it will afford you the opportunity to upgrade. The only thing is, you will have to reassess your tone goals and see how these modern cabinets sound in a band mix and not at home. Those GS cabs sound deep and pillowy on their own at home. Whereas most modern cabinet may not sound as good at home but on the bandstand they mix better with the band and are lighter to maneuver. It may be a shock to the system but give it a chance 👍

PS I still have a GS 112 for the bedroom sound and coffee house and small tavern things. Subway 115 for everything else.
 
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Hey guys, what do you think I have my Old GS 412 Aguilar cabinet that someone wants to buy for 800 bucks. Is it worth selling it to pick up two GK neo 2-12 II cabs for roughly the same price. They're both ate own cabinets. As of now I'm running a GK 1001rb head. Thinking it would be a little bit easier to move around then a big 412. Or there's a possibility of just getting the Neo IV 212 and save up some coin for another cab if needed
Thoughts anyone
In general I prefer multiple cabs as opposed to one big cab because you are likely going to be in situations where only one cab is needed.

As for the specific question without the specific specs on your amp and cabs I''l offer this. A, make sure these cabs match well with the output of your amp. Meaning that it's impossible for your amp to generate more power than your cabs or one cab's RMS rating, and or creating a load less than the minimum ohm requirement of your amp.

The second considerations is cab efficiency. There is a good possibility there with be a sound level difference going from one cab to two cabs and can you live with it?

Third, overall condition. Is it equal to your current cab. I'm assuming you are considering used cabs. Before buying I would make sure these are OEM speakers designed for these specific cabs. So take your tools.

I've been buying and using quality gently used cabs for over 50 years now having very few issues (other than me doing stupid stuff) and saved myself thousands of dollars in the process.

That said, when dealing with gear, always listen to that little voice in your head. If you don't feel confident pulling the trigger, walk away. There are cabs for sale every day 24-7 somewhere in the world as long as the sun keeps shining. So don'tfeel bad about missing out on a deal. Plenty more are waiting for you.

Hope this is helpful and best wishes.
 
212 is enough for any outdoor gig i play ...
...especially those GK Neo 212's! I often use two GK Neo 112 II cabs at small to n medium outside events (years ago with my Mesa Carbine M3 and these days usually with one of the Mesa SW heads) and they are plenty loud.

I used a Mesa PH 212 a month or so ago with a TT-800 for an outdoor event with no FOH support (rock and modern country) and it wasn't even struggling.

Most of the 212 cabs or 2 X 112 cab setups I've used or heard these days are mighty capable.
 
Selling big cabs is a drag. I'd jump on that $800 offer if I was tired of lugging the beast around. I'd also likely grab the newer 212 Neo IV over the older pair, but I don't know how loud you gig. For me a 2x12 with 480-800w of head has handled every gig without breaking a sweat.
Good point about selling big cabs being a drag. This seems like a good chance to unload that thing and break even on replacing it.
 
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update on my cab situation. Still have my GK 1001RB but a neo IV 212 just popped up for 800 bucks so either that or the two cabinets which were the neo II 2–12 older ones looking to do the deal this weekend. Decisions decisions.
 
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