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LDS 15/6 Question

Top_Ten

Top_Ten

Jun 14, 2008
752
104
San Francisco Bay Area
#1
I have a question about the LDS 15/6, but first let me issue the following disclaimer:

I know there are a number of threads on the 15/6 designs and the LDS cabs in particular. I suspect that there may be information buried in those threads that is relevant to the question I am asking in this thread. However, while I have browsed through those threads, due to their voluminous nature, I have been unable to uncover the specific information I seek. Therefore, I beg your indulgence in advance if this question has been asked and answered previously sometime during the recorded history of mankind. If I am guilty of inadequate TalkBass searching, then I am willing to accept my banishment to that circle of hell reserved for despicable characters such as myself.

Now, on to my question:

I am ordering a 15/6 from LDS. I have a choice between a shorter, squatter cab -- about 24" wide x 22" tall -- or a taller cab about 20" wide x 30" tall. Don tells me that the idea of the taller cab is to get the mid driver a bit higher up and, therefore, make it easier to hear on stage and in the audience. That explanation makes sense to me and I am leaning towards the taller cab, but I'm wondering whether anyone has any advice to offer. Don said he has not yet rec'd much feedback on whether there is any real improvement from the taller design, so I'm hoping someone here can help.

Thanks!
 
#4
I'd strongly suggest having LDS build the fEarful 15/6 precisely to greenboy's plans. Here..... I'll cut and paste an excerpt from my reply in another thread.

I've been following greenboy's ideas for over two years, after realizing his ultimate cab goals basically match mine. So much thought has been put into all aspects of the design, from the midrange height (making it easier to hear from the player's perspective) to the "reasonable cost without compromise" factor. These details, from the largest to smallest, allows me to say, my next cab will definitely be a fEarful design.

BTW, make sure you pay attention to the critical crossover to ensure you have the best performance from these cabs. It almost seems like an afterthought in many other designs.

I know LDS have done some of these with and without modifications, but i'd go verbatim with the design by GB. I'm going to as soon as I am able.

I'm sure "rpsands" will be along soon to reinforce this statement
 
#5
I have the tall model and it is great. I would definitely go that route, as the shallower formfactor is a lot easier to move around too. Don's shorter squatter one is very deep, and can have issues moving through door ways and into smaller cars. The 20.5/30/16.5 version (mine) slides into back seats fairly easily.
 
#6
Thanks everyone for the very helpful replies.

Aside from the cab dimensions, are there other critical differences between the "standard" LDS design and the fEarful design? Again, I realize that much of this info is likely in the longer threads, but the technical details are a bit (or a lot) over my head and those threads contain so much detail that you kind of lose the forest for the trees.

If anyone is inclined, I'd really appreciate a short, not-too-technical list of "here are the choices you need to make when ordering a custom 15/6 cab, with pros and cons."

Thanks again!
 
#7
I have the shorter version. I chose it because the extra width is perfect for my rack or a tube amp. The taller version is skinner than a rack or typical tube amp. Stacking two of the shorter 15/6s makes for a more stable (IMO) tower than two of the skinnier, taller model. I think the shorter version is a bit lighter. Finally, I like how the shorter version looks better than the taller version.

LDS 15-6 front plus rack.jpg
 
#8
They're right about the same internal space. the only major difference is that I *believe* the fEarful has a bit more port area, which gives you more headroom before having port noise (not that I have heard of any issues with port noise in the LDS version).

You want this crossover: http://www.talkbass.com/wiki/index.php/Greenboy_passive_crossovers#fEarful_15.2F6_or_fEaRB15

No reason to go with anything else, really.

1) form factor (go with the fEarful)
2) crossover (use Greenboy's)
3) drivers (18 sound 6nd410 + 3015LF )
4) style - vintage or modern, or vintage modern.
5) coating - tolex/carpet are free, spray on is around 50 bucks
 
#9
Here's another 15/6 option Top Ten that's been working very well for me soundwise and form factor.

LDS 15/6 @ 25"t x 21.5"w x 18"d. With the removable casters installed it's 29.5"t.

If your cab is jammed tight against your guitarists 412 you can slip a couple of fingers in the top ports and pull the cab out. Also all 4 ports can be used as supplemental handles. I'm going to order another one to place upside-down on top. :bassist:

Top_Ten said:
I have a question about the LDS 15/6, but first let me issue the following disclaimer:

I know there are a number of threads on the 15/6 designs and the LDS cabs in particular. I suspect that there may be information buried in those threads that is relevant to the question I am asking in this thread. However, while I have browsed through those threads, due to their voluminous nature, I have been unable to uncover the specific information I seek. Therefore, I beg your indulgence in advance if this question has been asked and answered previously sometime during the recorded history of mankind. If I am guilty of inadequate TalkBass searching, then I am willing to accept my banishment to that circle of hell reserved for despicable characters such as myself.

Now, on to my question:

I am ordering a 15/6 from LDS. I have a choice between a shorter, squatter cab -- about 24" wide x 22" tall -- or a taller cab about 20" wide x 30" tall. Don tells me that the idea of the taller cab is to get the mid driver a bit higher up and, therefore, make it easier to hear on stage and in the audience. That explanation makes sense to me and I am leaning towards the taller cab, but I'm wondering whether anyone has any advice to offer. Don said he has not yet rec'd much feedback on whether there is any real improvement from the taller design, so I'm hoping someone here can help.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 

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#13
rpsands said:
coating - tolex/carpet are free, spray on is around 50 bucks
Click to expand...

I'm surprised a spray-on coating costs more than tolex covering. Is it the cost of the coating material itself, or is the application a fairly labor-intensive process? Is that spray-on stuff a nasty material to work with?

And would any LDS 15/6 owners like to share the weight of their cabs?
 
#15
koobie said:
I'm surprised a spray-on coating costs more than tolex covering. Is it the cost of the coating material itself, or is the application a fairly labor-intensive process? Is that spray-on stuff a nasty material to work with?

And would any LDS 15/6 owners like to share the weight of their cabs?
Click to expand...

Mine weighs around 48-50, haven't measured it accurately (but I do have bedliner).

The spray on requires him to drive a batch of cabinets down and pay per cabinet to have them coated. I don't believe he makes a profit on it at all.

The tolex I believe he does in-house and doesn't have to do anything other than labor for, so that's why I'd expect it's cheaper (he just bundles it into the cost of the cabinet; vs. having to drive an hour or two both ways twice to drop off and pick up, and pay cash out of pocket for the spray).
 
#16
I have the shorter version with a 2u rackspace. I believe the cab itself weighs in the low to mid 40s. It certainly feels light. On stage, I remove the rear casters so that the combo points up toward my ears. So far, I'd say that's working out very well for me.

Link Removed

On a side note, I was originally getting some buzzing noise at higher volumes. It was starting to frustrate me, and I couldn't seem to pinpoint the problem. It wasn't the grill or the head, and the speakers were fastened snugly. It seemed like the source of the buzz was somewhere near the 6ND410, but it didn't appear to be damaged. Finally, I removed the 6ND410 and quickly found the problem.

Link Removed

I contacted Don, and he had a new speaker shipped to me and sent me a check to cover shipping the original speaker back to him. Great customer service.

Since installing the new speaker, I haven't heard any buzzing from my cab. I'm quite happy.
 
#17
Top_Ten said:
If anyone is inclined, I'd really appreciate a short, not-too-technical list of
"here are the choices you need to make when ordering a custom 15/6 cab, with pros and cons."

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
ohhh ... i chance to show off my LDS 15/6 cab !! :D

i guess mine is the "tall " version , with an old school cloth grille .
compared to my other 1-15" , an old Berg HT115 ...

i don't know about the "short "version of the LDS , but i have
absolutely no problems being able to hear this bad boy .
texaspride001.gif

i crank 1500 watts bridged into mine , and it sounds awesome .
cab weight is right around 42 lbs.

09marathon007.gif


:D

 
#18
Thanks again for the info, everyone.

If I can impose on your knowledge and kindness one more time, can anyone give me a short, not-too-technical summary of the issues/considerations/pros and cons regarding the crossover?

Is it just a question of where the crossover point is or is it more than that? How does Greenboy's crossover differ from the LDS "standard" or whatever the other choices are?

Thanks!
 
#20
Top_Ten said:
Aside from the cab dimensions, are there other critical differences between the "standard" LDS design and the fEarful design?
Click to expand...

As far as I know, there is no "standard" LDS design. Don is a 100% custom builder - meaning that you can order your cab in nearly any configuration and dimensions that your little heart desires - within the realm of practical physics. And as long as you're willing to take responsibility for the final product - if you should happen to overrule Don's warnings in case he feels the design is a bad one. :hmm:

MM
 

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