Head and Cabinet Combinations?

[OldWhatsHisFace]

First, I have a question.
Can any head go through any cab? I was hoping to use a Fender Bassman 100t with the cheapest cab I can find. Would this work? Cause I was thinking I could get the cheap cab while I can afford it and later when I get a better paying job, save up for the 100t.

And what combinations do you have? Also, what are your opinions on combo amps? Cause that's all I've ever had. And by the sounds of head and cab setups, I need an upgrade.

 

[JimmyM]

Yes, any head can be used with any cab, provided that the total impedance (ohms) of the cabs you're using is within the head's limits, and you know enough to turn it down if the cab sounds like it's going to blow up, because it will. And generally, head/cab rigs sound better than combos, and bigger cab rigs sound better than smaller, but I've heard some combos that sound darn good, and it's always nice to have one for smaller purposes.

Also, do not get the cheapest cab you can find. The secret to a good sounding rig is the cab. Crap bass + crap amp + great cab can sound great. Great bass + great amp + crap cab will never sound great. You don't have to get the most expensive cab on the planet, but don't settle for some old POS bottom feeder, especially if you're planning on getting a nice tube amp.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

As usual Jimmy is right.
If you have to get a cheap cap, for now,
try to find something used and at least OK.
I don't know about there, but here PV 215s seem to inhabit
a lot of pawn shops.
Not great.
Not horrible.
heavy, rugged affordable.
150 - 200 USD.

I still have one at the practice place.
Good enough for that and I don't have to move anymore.

If you find the 215D, bonus points.
They have BWs and lots of bottom end.

 

[iriegnome]

Yep.. agreed +2... Any head will run any cabinet as long as the impedence is within the allowed.

 

[samson3382]

Check some pawn shops. I was in a local one the other day, they had an SWR 410 I would have killed for 10 years ago, for $150.

 

[winegamd]

There are a couple of threads on cheap 110 builds. All parts can be ordered and results are pretty great.

 

[iriegnome]

you can get an unloaded cab off craigslist or ebay and get $9 speakers that will work perfectly fine for what you are wanting from MCM electronics.