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If you were...

wraub

wraub

Apr 9, 2004
7,761
10,630
ennui, az
#1
Shopping for a cab on a budget, likely used, what would you look for?

I have a 1x12 cab now, been all I've needed for quite a while. One of the guitarists in my band just upgraded to a
4x12 cab, so I will likely have to enter that arms race.

Probably going to have to buy used. Any specific brands/types to look for? More importantly, what to avoid?

Currently in a 2 guitar band with the apparently requisite super-loud drummer. I mainly play 4 string basses with the occasional 5er, just because :).
Budget dictates under $300, and as far under as possible. Sorry about that.

Thanks!
 
#5
I found a couple days ago GC's used site has a couple stores with used Genz-Benz 215s for just under $200. would cost extra for ship to store near you but you could then test before you pay. If the cab is damaged in shipment it isn't on you to deal with the shipping claims.
 
#6
The war with a guitarist playing a 412 is not a war you want to fight. Why does he think he needs a 412? Of course, we all know he doesn't. Seriously, if you really want to do this, you'll need an 810, or a 215 at the very least. Much better would be a 2nd identical 112 to add to what you have, and make the guitar players used 1x12;s, for real.
 
#7
Thanks all for the answers so far. Should add that I am using a power amp that puts out 350w per side at 8ohm, or 400 into 4ohm mono.
Current 1x12 cab is 4 ohm.

Room size is mainly 2 car garage for the moment, still in the writing phase. After that, small clubs until the fame kicks in. :D

More suggestions please?
 
#8
RickenBoogie said:
The war with a guitarist playing a 412 is not a war you want to fight. Why does he think he needs a 412? Of course, we all know he doesn't. Seriously, if you really want to do this, you'll need an 810, or a 215 at the very least. Much better would be a 2nd identical 112 to add to what you have, and make the guitar players used 1x12;s, for real.
Click to expand...

+1

wraub said:
More suggestions please?
Click to expand...

Talk some sense into your guitarist.

Yeah... I know, I'm not being realistic. :)
 
#9
Yeah, he is an old-skool guitar guy, so reason and sense probably got lost along the way.
When he and the other guitarist were using small combo amps, all seemed nice in the town of Bandville. But the drummer just got one of the guitarists a cab for his b-day (they are cousins), and I fear the coming volume wars.
Trust me, I have no interest in playing the "more noise" game (I use a decent 1x12 cab for a reason). Just trying to keep things level headed.

Although, I did just find a beat-up but allegedly functional Ampeg 8x10 on the local
CL for $300... ;)
 
#11
Hi,

Here's a used GK 410 cab for $300. Maybe you can find something like this in your area?

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Or this GK rig, 300w Backline and 410 cab, for $450 o.b.o.

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With a 300+ watt head a GK 410 should be able to keep up with all but the most obnoxious guitars at bay. :D


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
#12
I agree with Joe... earplugs.

My only gig right now is on guitar. I have a Marshall Haze 40 1x12 guitar combo. And we play loud rock. Mostly bar gigs and small halls.
I can't imagine I would ever need a 4x12 cab.


Think before committing to haul around a 8x10 cab.
If you are entering this "cold war arms race" might I suggest a cab like an SVT410HLF... or something fEARful, that has a lot of low end and drone your bandmates to insanity.
 
#14
+1 on the earplugs.
the problem with guitarists is that they have to evolve into the state of using a proper amp. And that includes a prolonged phase of using 4x12 with at least a hundred watts pumped in there. Mine just downgraded from 6x12 with 150w to a 30w tube head with only his 4x12 cab. After i upgraded to 2x212. And earplugs.
so if that ampeg 810 is still in working order, go for it!
 
#15
wraub said:
Thanks all for the answers so far. Should add that I am using a power amp that puts out 350w per side at 8ohm, or 400 into 4ohm mono.
Current 1x12 cab is 4 ohm.

Room size is mainly 2 car garage for the moment, still in the writing phase. After that, small clubs until the fame kicks in. :D

More suggestions please?
Click to expand...

No sarcasm intended, time for a reality check. If this war is going on in a two car garage, it's a symptom of bigger issues. You both have the potential to blow the windows out in an auditorium. Bigger speakers are not the answer. Maybe smaller egos? ( btw I realize you've been forced into this. ) I've lived through it. It doesn't end. The 4x12 guy needs to come back to earth.
 
#16
Thanks all for the concern re: my hearing. You should all be happy to know that I have been wearing earplugs to every gig I have played or attended for the last couple of decades.
Got some funny looks at times, but hey, I can still hear, so, you know. They can give me their funny looks while they try to hear what I'm saying. :)
 
#17
Yeah, Red, definitely a dragging me into it kinda thing. I have played big venues, small clubs, and backyards, and have really never needed more than I have with FOH support, and have managed to get along pretty nicely even without.
Amazing what proper EQ and gain staging can do.

But, again, this is a guitarist we're talking about here.
 
#19
kevteop said:
And you're already in a loudness war involving 412 cabs?

The next thing you need to do is have a big argument.
Click to expand...

Yeah, well, I am pretty sure the 4x12 cab(s) would be for live gigs, hoping that the combos will reign supreme for the garage. Seriously, really hoping.
The argument may be looming large regardless. Again, just trying to keep up.
 
#20
For the mildly curious, or the somewhat masochistic, here's this. Recorded in a room not the garage, but pretty exemplary of what we are working on.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

p.s. I did not write this, although I did write the bass line.
I guess I'll cop to that. :D
 

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