Help me choose a cabinet...

[G-Lol]

So, I need to get a cabinet. I would like it to sound good with my P-Bass, my Streamliner 900 and my GK 1001RB. I may also use my VT Bass rackmount with the GK as a power amp. I currently own an Avatar SB-112, and I'm not opposed to grabbing another 1x12 to pair it with. It really depends on what sounds good. I play punk/powerpop with a pick. Think Jawbreaker/Cheap Trick/The Cars. The guitar player I'll be playing with has a Les Paul, 100 watt Marshall JCM 900 and a 4x12. We will probably be playing shows, at least some of which will not have great PA support. My last rig was a GK800RB and a Mesa 1516, and I was pretty happy with the tone, but I'm a lot older and I'd prefer something lighter.

I have roughly $300. I understand that these are three very different cabinets, which is why I tried to list as many of the variables as I could. All of these cabinets are currently available used in the area I live in(except the 1x12 but that will pop up eventually). I scour Craigslist, Reverb, and all the local music store websites daily, so if something pops up, I'll probably see it. I'm also open to suggestions as to other ideas, and I don't mind driving a bit to pick something up if it's the right thing.

I appreciate any suggestions you have. Thanks for reading.

 

[abarson]

A solid vote for the G-B Focus 410.
Pairing a second 112 of a different brand would be a crapshot.

 

[GMSweet]

I admit to having a soft spot in my heart for the Henry, but I'm not sure it would be my first call especially since you're looking for something lighter. That and I think those 8" drivers were typically driven hard, especially if it spent time under an SWR amp with no high pass filtering. I don't think there is a direct replacement for those 8's. Of your list, the I would target the GB and see if it works for you ... but try the 8x8 anyway for giggles. Especailly with the Streamliner.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

The H8x8 is 480 watts @ 4 Ohms. Sounds amazing!

Ampeg has a new 8x8 that can take more abuse.

If you get an H8x8, I have an extra new original speaker on Reverb! (I sold my '94 all original H8x8 to GC in South Austin with a fresh powder coat on the grill.)

I can tell ya it's been well cared for...

 

[mmbongo]

I would never consider an SWR because they are long out of business and there are no suitable replacement drivers for their cabinets.

Genz Benz is also somewhat no longer around, but they still offer factory support and there are plenty of replacement drivers available.

 

[agedhorse]

The Focus 410 is a great cabinet, but usually kind of hard to find on the used market. Factory replacement drivers are still in stock.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

Another Avatar SB-12. Modular, easier to transport , use one or both . Guaranteed to sound great with the matching one you have. Doubt if you find another for $300 though.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

You've got lots of power. Maybe a 210HLF?
It's got to match a decent 112 for output.
Or consider a GK NEO-II 112?

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

I would be asking yourself; can I get away with 500 watts @ 8 Ohms from your amp with the guitarist. I expect that you can.

Look for 500 - 600 watt @ 8 Ohm cabinets and see what pops up. There could be 100 lbs cabs and lighter, but @ $300 I would expect that you will likely be dealing with some weight to power ratios. Casters are nice!

 

[Aussie Player]

Fender Neo 410 used?

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

I looked and see that the GB (Focus more entry line) is 600 watts @ 8 Ohms so it meets power tolerances for safe operation with the Streamliner 900 @ half power +/- as I expect it's 500/900. 65 lbs on the weight. I have no idea about this cabinet or the GB line.

A cabinet that I see in the $300-$500 range currently that never made a splash in the US, but is a German staple in the Bass industry is Warwick Pro 411. It is 600 watts @ 8 Ohms and built real well and sounds good with a P Bass and a pick. But, ya may want to do something about the "W" on the grill...it weighs more.

You could do much worse for $299 with casters! GC

 

[Phaidrus]

Any good 4x10 for tight and deep lows.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Bergantino NV-412 if you can find one

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Bergantino NV-412 if you can find one

I did last week...

It's no feather weight yet manageable nor near $299...

 

[Thumpin6string]

Since you already have the Avatar 112, why not find an Avatar 210 to pair with it? I used to run a 410, but wanted something lighter, so that is what I did. The 210 will add punch and clarity and the 112 will support the lower end. This is my current cab setup.

 

[shoot-r]

Since you already have the Avatar 112, why not find an Avatar 210 to pair with it? I used to run a 410, but wanted something lighter, so that is what I did. The 210 will add punch and clarity and the 112 will support the lower end. This is my current cab setup.
View attachment 5417128

+1!

Just so happens, I've two, Avatar, B210 Neodymium driver loaded cabs for sale locally for $100.00 each, no shipping.

Now if the O.P. is anywhere near to Central, Southern Illinois I can set him right up!

 

[Thumpin6string]

+1!

Just so happens, I've two, Avatar, B210 Neodymium driver loaded cabs for sale locally for $100.00 each, no shipping.

Now if the O.P. is anywhere near to Central, Southern Illinois I can set him right up!

$100? That's a steal! At that price they could be shipped at buyers' expense and would still be a good deal. That is if you were willing.

 

[sokolasty]

My last rig was a GK800RB and a Mesa 1516, and I was pretty happy with the tone, but I'm a lot older and I'd prefer something lighter.

This removes Henry 88 and almost every 410 cabs from the options.
300$ budget removes any lightweight 410 cab from the options.

This leaves you with another 112 Avatar or something similar. You might want to persuade you guitar player to downsize as well. I can't imagine a PA-less venue or rehearsal requiring 100W and 4x12 for a guitar. 5W and 1x12 is more than enough.

 

[Bob Coldwell]

A few of the cabs suggested are above the OP's listed budget.

Also, a couple replies mention cabs for sale, which I suspect goes against Talkbass rules.

 

[MegaSwing]

I think your main issue with the Genz-Benz Focus 4x10 will be finding one. They weren’t on the market that long before GB was engulfed and devoured by Fender. At 63lbs, it was relatively light for a 4x10 at the time. I sold a super clean one last year for $250. It was a great cab if you didn’t mind the schlep.