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Lighter weight Bag End clone

John D Harris

John D Harris

aka UFO
Jan 19, 2003
10,724
4,310
SW, OK
www.bandmix.com
#1
Basically, I was wondering if any of you DIY speaker cabinet builders have ever considered building a lighter weight S15 or what I really want - S15L.
My back has serious issues.
I like the Bag End 15's because of their tone w/o tweeters and their sensitivity (to use either lower power heads or have more headroom).
I'm thinking an Ampeg PF-50T or similar would rock one or two of these pretty well.
The S15-N is 46 lbs. and the S15L-N is 54 lbs.
@kringle77 - tagging you because I know you've done some designs & builds and you like Bag End 15's as well.
The standard 15 driver is the E-15A and the neo version (which I have no idea what they sound like) is the E-15F.
So the design I'd like to see or get an estimate on cost and weight (using lighter weight woods) for a S15L clone (maybe with Duratex coating).
Thanks in advance for any input from anyone!
#DIY
 
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#4
John D Harris said:
That would help cut weight.
Can you EQ the neo to sound similar to the ceramic?
Click to expand...
Yes. I use them often and they did a great job. I don’t use too much EQ on my bass head.. pretty much flat across the board. I primarily use my bass controls for adjustments. My main basses all have master volume controls.
The Neo versions are actually a bit more expensive than the traditional.
 
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#6
57pbass said:
Yes. I use them often and they did a great job. I don’t use too much EQ on my bass head.. pretty much flat across the board. I primarily use my bass controls for adjustments. My main basses all have master volume controls.
The Neo versions are actually a bit more expensive than the traditional.
Click to expand...
Right now they show $24 more on Bag End's website!
$433 compared to $409.
 
#10
The brilliance of the Bag End design is its simplicity that maximizes the efficiency of the BE speaker - also the reason why it hasn’t changed in decades. Other builders also make compact cubes - but driver selection is really important especially if you’re trying to replicate the BE. I’d contact RevSound and LowDownSound to see what they can do for you.
 
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#11
Sorry to hear that about the Neos. IMO the BE are all about the mids. OP, I own a couple S15Ls and they are basically a copy of a TL-606 cabinet (with porting in the rear). Just google that and you can find free plans on how to build them, tell your builder to build that with lighter wood. It is a tried and true design. Good luck.
 

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#12
John D Harris said:
Basically, I was wondering if any of you DIY speaker cabinet builders have ever considered building a lighter weight S15 or what I really want - S15L.
My back has serious issues.
I like the Bag End 15's because of their tone w/o tweeters and their sensitivity (to use either lower power heads or have more headroom).
I'm thinking an Ampeg PF-50T or similar would rock one or two of these pretty well.
The S15-N is 46 lbs. and the S15L-N is 54 lbs.
@kringle77 - tagging you because I know you've done some designs & builds and you like Bag End 15's as well.
The standard 15 driver is the E-15A and the neo version (which I have no idea what they sound like) is the E-15F.
So the design I'd like to see or get an estimate on cost and weight (using lighter weight woods) for a S15L clone (maybe with Duratex coating).
Thanks in advance for any input from anyone!
#DIY
Click to expand...
You could build a slightly lighter cab but, you’d only save a few lbs. not worth it. I’ve never heard the neo version. It’s really hard to beat what those s15 cabs do.
 
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#13
I've been enamored with the Mesa Subway 15. I don't know how they spec out to the various Bag End 15s though. But here are the numbers on the Subway 15
  • Height:19.37"
  • Width:19.25"
  • Depth:18.25"
  • Weight:37.9 lbs.​
  • Tri-port front porting enhances your low end
  • 400-watt, 15" custom Subway neodymium speaker
  • Variable high-frequency horn
  • Combination speakOn 1/4”
  • Slip cover included
Tone is always subjective and in the ears of the beholder.

😊
 
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#18
Frankie Fender said:
Sorry to hear that about the Neos. IMO the BE are all about the mids. OP, I own a couple S15Ls and they are basically a copy of a TL-606 cabinet (with porting in the rear). Just google that and you can find free plans on how to build them, tell your builder to build that with lighter wood. It is a tried and true design. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Things of beauty!
My Mom (RIP) was a lover of the color purple.
They had purple carpet in their house.
I don't suppose that matches the Fuchs FBS-700 color?
 
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#20
John D Harris said:
Things of beauty!
My Mom (RIP) was a lover of the color purple.
They had purple carpet in their house.
I don't suppose that matches the Fuchs FBS-700 color?
Click to expand...
It really depends on the lighting. The Nebulla cabs look different in different lighting but in bright outdoor lighting they’re very purple…
 
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