/ Register

Help me add a cab

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by middy, Apr 28, 2012.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Apr 28, 2012 #1
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    I just joined a band and I think I need to upgrade my rig.

    I'm currently playing a P bass through a Peavey Tour 450 head into a Bag End S-15D (1x15, no tweeter) and I like the tone I'm getting in rehearsal, but I'm foreseeing a few problems.

    This is a very compact cab (an 18" cube) and our rehearsal space is a bit cramped. I can't hear myself well standing in front of it at shin level.

    It's an 8 ohm, 200 watt RMS cab. Bag Ends are supposed to be tough, but this amp puts out 300 watts at 8 ohms. I'm only turned up halfway at rehearsal, but I'll probably be playing louder at gigs. If I add another identical cab I'll putting 225 watts into each. Better, but still marginal.

    I like 15s and 12s and I don't like tweeters much.

    Should I just get another Bag End 15 to stack on top? Maybe a 12? Replace it with a 212 or a 215? Ditch the whole rig and replace? I can spend a bit, but I want maximum value (don't we all?) ;)

    What would you do?
     
  2. Apr 28, 2012 #2
    Marko 1

    Marko 1 Supporting Member

    Mar 9, 2009
    N.E. Ohio
    Since you like the tone, my vote would be to add another identical cab. Even at that wattage, it should be plenty for anything. In fact, that’s probably perfect wattage for those cabs, and with their high efficiency, they should put out plenty of volume.

    In fact, I suspect just the one might be do the trick.
     
  3. Apr 28, 2012 #3
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    I would get a second like cab for gigs and make/buy a platform or crate to raise the single cab closer to ear level for practice. That would be maximum value. :D
     
  4. Apr 29, 2012 #4
    ::::BASSIST::::

    ::::BASSIST:::: Progress Not Perfection.

    Sep 2, 2004
    Vancouver, BC Canada
    +1
     
  5. Apr 29, 2012 #5
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Drat! I was hoping you guys would talk me into a new Genz Benz or Aguilar rig. :ninja:

    Yeah, I guess I'll just go with another S-15. I really do like the tone.
     
  6. Apr 29, 2012 #6
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    Not too late, a G-K MB800 and a pair of NEO212's would be killer :D.
     
  7. Apr 29, 2012 #7
    Ben Noblit

    Ben Noblit

    Dec 28, 2009
    Yep, another identical cab should do the trick.
     
  8. Apr 29, 2012 #8
    Downunderwonder

    Downunderwonder

    Aug 26, 2009
    New Zealand
    It's official, two identical cabs you like makes the best stack.
     
  9. Apr 29, 2012 #9
    walterw

    walterw Supportive Fender Commercial User

    Feb 20, 2009
    alpha-music.com
    or maybe not elevate, but angle the top cab up a bit if that can be made stable.
     
  10. Apr 29, 2012 #10
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Just ordered a used S15-D from Guitar Center for $270!

    I love how cheap these babies are used these days. They're very well made, roadworthy cabs.

    Thanks guys!
     
  11. Apr 29, 2012 #11
    hoshbrown41

    hoshbrown41

    Jun 19, 2009
    +1
     
  12. Apr 29, 2012 #12
    Downunderwonder

    Downunderwonder

    Aug 26, 2009
    New Zealand
    Get it sent to the store for you to unwrap there and check out. Some GC staff are quite happy to send their unsaleable wrecks across country just so they are rid of them.
     
  13. Apr 29, 2012 #13
    StraightSix

    StraightSix

    Nov 23, 2011
    Good choice - doubling driver displacement offers the same increase in volume as quadrupling your power output.

    You will get a useful increase in headroom by running your amp at 4ohms and the extra 15 will increase your volume noticeably.
     
  14. Apr 29, 2012 #14
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Crap! Guitar Center just phoned and told me that someone else ordered that cab before I did last night.

    I guess I'll have to buy a new one....
     
  15. Apr 29, 2012 #15
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Hmmm....

    How about an Ampeg SVT 810 for $550?

    Heavy, and a different sound.
     
  16. Apr 29, 2012 #16
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    OO! I just remembered that the pawn shop down the street has an old Peavey 215. I think I'll check that out tomorrow.
     
  17. Apr 29, 2012 #17
    StraightSix

    StraightSix

    Nov 23, 2011
    That could be good - take your Peavey head with you to try it...
     
  18. Apr 29, 2012 #18
    walterw

    walterw Supportive Fender Commercial User

    Feb 20, 2009
    alpha-music.com
    meh, i'm sure the peavey's fine, but waiting until you score another bag end box would give you a stack that was way beyond it.
     
  19. Apr 29, 2012 #19
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Yeah, that's the conclusion I'm coming to. Plus, load out is a lot easier with 2 S-15's. They are very ergonomic to carry.

    I'm going to bite the bullet and buy a new one, but it seems like nobody has any in stock (they say ships in 4-5 weeks).

    I guess I should start a thread asking if anyone knows a dealer in the Dallas area....
     
  20. Apr 30, 2012 #20
    middy

    middy

    Mar 14, 2007
    Texas
    Scored One!

    Two is 300% better than one! Thanks for the great advice everyone. :hyper: :cool: :bassist:
     
Page 1 of 2