Heavy Cabs...........

[Davis Carl]

I recently donated my monstrous Peavy 1820 cab to a music school in my community. My 50-pound cab with 2 tens suffices wherever I go with no need for an equipment crew. For large venues, I play through sound reinforcement, using the 50-pounder for monitoring.

 

[Chad Michael]

So, it has been a while since I gigged. I take it that band members no longer help each other. Also, every gig is accessed by stairs.

If so, that is sad.

 

[DWBass]

This is my 'BIG' rig if needed but rarely. The 2x12 is the heaviest at 54lbs. GK's are about 30lbs each. Rack is about 20ish lbs. Power amp is lightweight at 11lbs.

 

[Hart Key]

Anyone still gigging 90+lb cabs? Or any super heavy cabs? And why??

I use a Hartke 410xl for gigging, but I also got myself a GK 410 MB for those nights when my 65 year old back is acting up, which frankly is most nights now. I love the thump of the Hartke but it sure is heavy!

 

[JoeD]

Ditched my Ampeg 6x10 cabinet about five years ago in favor of a Greenboy Audio F112. Don’t miss it one bit and wish I would have made the change sooner. The Greenboy is an excellent live cabinet!

 

[Darrell Vachon]

IEM’s and FOH support make all cabinets obsolete, heavy OR light. I drag a 1x12 along so I’m not completely naked but it isn’t even really needed. Pedalboard to FOH, done. We do bring a sub for big shows if we’re handling the PA, so that’s something. I know, I’m a heretic, burn me at the stake. If you need kindling to get the fire going, break up one of those 8x10’s you have lying around.

Not all of us have FOH support. I used to for many years but my band now plays smaller venues with PAs for vocals only. Not everyone on here plays mega tours LOL

 

[bass4usall]

Anyone still gigging 90+lb cabs? Or any super heavy cabs? And why??

Yeah I still lug my SWR 4x10 to gigs. I also have not taken the time to shop for a new, lighter cab. It's my own fault. Just celebrated my 30th birthday........ for the 29th year in a row, and (knocking on wood) my back is still holding up. One of these days, I'm gonna wise up and find a cabinet, but for now, this cabinet still rocks.

 

[for10berry]

heritage svt and 810 on big outdoor gigs.V4b and 212 on smaller stuff.I bought a gk fusion 800 and 212 cab 4 ohm but it doesn't compare to tubes.GK is for sale like new.

 

[NZBassman]

I had an Ashdown EVO900 and a Warwick 4 x10 for years..... every gig I had to re-arrange the seats in the car to get them in.... then in 2016 I bit the bullet and bought a Fender Rumble 500 - best decision ever!
I thought I'd have to buy an extension cab for it, but no need as the Rumble is great
I do DI to the mixing desk and only need the amp on about volume 2-2.5 on stage and that's more than enough

 

[Rob Rogers]

When we supply our own gear, I use a 8x10" Mesa Boogie rig. Sounds great, but it is a hard time moving.
Trezzhombres.com

 

[stevieg]

Anyone still gigging 90+lb cabs? Or any super heavy cabs? And why??

I frequently use an Ampeg SVT 8X10. Combine that with a Gibson Rd Artist and the problem becomes clear.

When possible, I use an SWR Super Redhead and a Rob Allen MB-2. A sensible combination.

s

 

[LKTraz]

145 lbs of Hartke 810XL works very well for outdoor gigs but not the best option I have for everything. Ampeg 215 is lighter at just over 90 lbs and Eden EX410 comes in at 65 lbs.

Why do I still use the 810 behemoth? It sounds sooooooooooo good.

 

[Johnny Fingers]

I frequently use an Ampeg SVT 8X10. Combine that with a Gibson Rd Artist and the problem becomes clear.

When possible, I use an SWR Super Redhead and a Rob Allen MB-2. A sensible combination.

s

Never weighed my RD Artist since I bought it new in 1978, but your post got me curious so I lugged it to the scale. Eleven point nine pounds.

 

[BlueTalon]

I've got one 60-pound hound (greyhound). See the avatar. Those were all Afghans?...

Borzoi.

 

[Jacques Raymond]

Anyone still gigging 90+lb cabs? Or any super heavy cabs? And why??

My heavy cab days are over. I hauled an Acoustic 301 cab around for years. Switched to SWR cabs and now I’m using ACME Low B2 Series II cabs. They kick ass and weigh in at 56 lbs each. If I could get something lighter that puts out as much as they do, I would. I’m actively looking.

 

[Doug R]

I very rarely need to haul my big stuff out of my music room anymore. It's nice to have a big bass cabinet for occasional large events or outdoor gigs, but smaller gear is fine most of the time.
My heavy 15" Avatar bass cab is mostly replaced at gigs by a GK 210 neo at 30 lbs. With a lightweight GB class-D bass head, either (or both together) sound very big and full.
For really light packing, my Phil Jones Briefcase bass amp is wonderful. Love it for semi-acoustic gigs with acoustic bass guitar or my old Kay upright. Gettin' older here - who needs all that hard work just to play bass.

 

[Berniez40]

Both Elf Cabs ( The 1x10 and the 2x8) for me and my arthritic shoulders, and scoliatic back. In my youth I used to do the 2 2x15 thing and loved my tube heads. Ampeg, Traynor, and Sunn were pretty amazing things to me. Nowadays I need the weight savings AND something that sounds good for both Bass Guitar, and Upright Bass.

 

[EarlTroutman]

I sold all mine when the shipping costs began to rise several years ago. I now have some PJB cabs but since we are all playing thru our new sound system with subs those stay at home. I would be honest to say I miss them but now days all I carry to church is my bass and a few pedals. I'll be 74 in another month.

 

[Zenbassie]

If I was in a pinch and needed max gear for the least amount of money, I’d get a “dream rig circa 1998” for chump change. Eden, SWR, etc.

Yep, agree. You wouldn't want to haul the cabs, but if they permanently live in a studio or practice space, no problem.

 

[J.Wolf]

ow frequency extension and sensitivity depends mostly on the size and tuning of the enclosure than the type of magnet or weight of the enclosure

I think this saying was born when “light” meant small. These days cabs with larger volume can still be light. Interesting perspective around the Xmax characteristics with the Neo. I don’t know much but I know the subway 212 had a pretty outstanding low end.