Help Spend My Money! (Cab advice for a dream rig)

[murphy]

Berg 410, Epifani UL410, Mesa Subway 410

 

[ric4682]

My recommendation would be to try the head out with the Bag End cabs first and see if you really have a problem to solve.

If you decide you need (or want) new cabs, I agree that Barefaced and Mesa are good choices for what you're describing as your target tone.

I'm not familiar enough with the Aggie DB series to weigh in but if you didn't like the SL112 stack there's a good chance you're not going to like any of the SL cabs as they're all in the same tonal ballpark. (I have an SL112 that I'm not in love with, either)

I definitely will be! Understandably, after buying this head I won't be able to afford a new cab(s) for at least a few months, so there's definitely going to be some gigs on the Bags. Maybe I'll be perfectly happy with them.

 

[ric4682]

@gtirard already has pointed in the right direction, but I don't think a Super Compact or three10 are the right choice.

This is a serious amp. I'd go with a serious cab. Either a 212 setup or the six10. Looks the part, brings the thunder. Having such a beast of an amp resting on a cab that brings it to about knee height just does not sit right with me.

Compared to the aguilar cabs, I must say that the barefaced models are a lot lighter than the SL series and a lot louder than the DB or GS series.
You can compare the output of a Super Compact to the output of a GS212. I did. It was a tight race, but the barefaced won.
So a barefaced 212 cabinet should release about the same seismic energy a 4x12 stack of aguilar cabs does - which is enough to rattle the tectonic plate you're on.

This is the kind of reply I read over and over on this site about Barefaced. I feel like that's probably the right move. The 212 Barefaced cabs have been on my radar for years and I just never had a chance to try one. I may have to just bite the bullet and order one.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Fullness and depth ?

You should try a Darkglass 212 cab. It goes very low with ease and sounds sweet with a Darkglass small tube head so it will sing with that big head for sure.

Two Mesa Subway or GK Neo IV cabs with 15" speakers would do a good job as well.

 

[Zarin]

I would consider an Accugroove El Whappo—I actually own one, and I absolutely love its sound. I also have a Barefaced Four10 alongside it, which has a more vintage-voiced character, but the Whappo offers far more in terms of power and versatility.

 

[el murdoque]

This is the kind of reply I read over and over on this site about Barefaced. I feel like that's probably the right move. The 212 Barefaced cabs have been on my radar for years and I just never had a chance to try one. I may have to just bite the bullet and order one.

-raving reviews
-quasi nonexistent second hand market

....kinda speaks for itself.

 

[ric4682]

I would consider an Accugroove El Whappo—I actually own one, and I absolutely love its sound. I also have a Barefaced Four10 alongside it, which has a more vintage-voiced character, but the Whappo offers far more in terms of power and versatility.

This is the first time I've heard someone mention that cab in years. I always assumed they were boat anchors but I just checked the site and they're less than 60lbs, so very manageable. I'll have to look into that!

 

[pepj]

I'd go with a used pair of Aguilar 210's for the easier transportation, versatility, tone, and aesthetic.

I used DB210x2...have to say the DB212 was far better for me, soundwise. Not weight though, but even then the 210 was 52lb iirc

 

[gtirard]

I would get a Barefaced Super Compact or a Three10

View attachment 7186876

Here's how it would look with a DB410 and 2 x SL112

 

[pepj]

Never paired the Aguilar amp with Berg AE cabs, but tbh, I moved the Bergs on very quickly as not my thing. My suspicion would be that the DB amp pairs better with ceramics and once I ran the amps, I went straight after DB cabs.
Have to say, I would not take much pursuading to go that route again

 

[ric4682]

Berg 410, Epifani UL410, Mesa Subway 410

I've never played through any Epifani stuff, but I feel like I've read Pino like their cabs. That's enough to make me want them, and I don't care if that's shallow haha

What's Epifany's typical sound?

 

[pepj]

Epifani is generally described as 'pillowey' which is soft and warm.
A bit like the Aguilar GS.

 

[ric4682]

Epifani is generally described as 'pillowey' which is soft and warm.
A bit like the Aguilar GS.

Good to know, that's probably not what I'm looking for then.

 

[pepj]

Thats why I went for the DB cabs and sold the GS.
The DB had a more mid bias...but not as typical as, say, NEO, can be. Just smoother and nicer, imv.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Id be all over these.

Bass Array2-212-3 - Genzler Amplification

THE NEW... A New Dual 12" With That Signature Bass Array Response GENZLER ® AMPLIFICATION is proud to announce the newest model of our popular and innovative BASS ARRAY® compact bass cabinet designs --- the powerful 2 x 12", BA2-212-3 cabinet. Along with the offset, dual 12"...

genzleramplification.com

 

[jimmydean]

Add an extra $600.00 to your budget and go with a Barefaced BB3 cab ...........That's how I am spending your money , mate .

 

[ric4682]

Id be all over these.

Bass Array2-212-3 - Genzler Amplification

THE NEW... A New Dual 12" With That Signature Bass Array Response GENZLER ® AMPLIFICATION is proud to announce the newest model of our popular and innovative BASS ARRAY® compact bass cabinet designs --- the powerful 2 x 12", BA2-212-3 cabinet. Along with the offset, dual 12"...

genzleramplification.com

A bit outta the ole price range, but those look great! I had a pair of the first gen 112 cabs that I ended up selling. I think that was more to do with the head I using at the time though. They definitely seemed like the closest thing to studio monitors for your bass that I've ever heard.

 

[REV]

The Bag Ends are great cabs. Remember what you hear on stage is not what the audience hears. The Bag Ends are engineered to present your bass in the best way possible. Some cabs that might give you more of what you're after might be a Bergantino 610 or a pair of Bergantino 12's.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

A bit outta the ole price range, but those look great! I had a pair of the first gen 112 cabs that I ended up selling. I think that was more to do with the head I using at the time though. They definitely seemed like the closest thing to studio monitors for your bass that I've ever heard.

Ah man I missed your intended range, sorry about that. These are more than I'd spend too but I love the whole design and execution.

 

[Rockgeezer]

I have had a first generation Barefaced Big Twin T for many years. It's a two-twelve speaker cab, with midrange 6" with 5db cut toggle switch plus tweeter with L-pad and ports along the front side. It is without a doubt the punchiest, cleanest, able-power handling cab I've ever used over my 40+ years of playing. I have had GK, Aguilar, Peavey, Carvin, Hartke, Genz Benz, and other cabs over the years. This cab is large enough to fill any room, even without PA support but small enough to get through doors, in vans/trucks at around 50 pounds. Tilt back with wheels with slip on cover so easy to maneuver. I've used it with GK 800, TC Electronics RH750, Ampeg Pro 4, and most recently a Aguilar Tone Hammer 500. About a year ago I transitioned to an ampless rig onstage and now go from pedalboard direct to PA. The bands I'm in now asked for this and although I much prefer an amp pushing air behind me, it's been a relatively easy change. Anyway, long story, short….the Barefaced cab is a monster cab that can handle anything thrown at it with clean and transparent tones. I have the cab still but realize I should sell it and let someone else enjoy it. I keep thinking I'll keep it and use it at some point but the older I get, it's more than likely not gonna happen. I'm in southwest Florida if anybody wants to buy and pick up but also wouldn't worry to hang onto it. But going back to your original ask, these Barefaced cabs are a great match, especially with high powered bass amps.