• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Lightweight cabinet recs

#42
el murdoque said:
I'd be interested in the real specs. With all these options, there has to be a significant difference in weight of a carpet covered metal grille version and a natural finish cloth grille one.
Click to expand...

I've actually played through one of those cabs before and it was shockingly liight when I picked it up. It was a single 12 and I recall it sounding pretty good. Anyway, the actual weights would be nice but as far as I know this company makes the lowest weight cabs available out there.
 
#43
If you want to stay with 10’s, I would be amazed if the Berg HDN210 wouldn’t actually be an improvement on the G JR. If you are willing to go 12’s, I’m pretty sure the HDN212, which should meet your weight spec, ought to be the last cab you would need.
 
#47
bherman said:
You made a good decision on the RevSound. I have a 210 and a 28 - both fantastic cabs and both easy carries. Enjoy it!
Click to expand...
Thank you! I told the seller that this seems like one of those situations I'd be regretting if I don't just do it. I felt the same way about the bass I bought a few months ago slightly used, and it was a great purchase. I'm sure this one will be the same :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: bherman and Tanner5382
#49
LBS-bass said:
I own a nice SWR Goliath Jr. cabinet that I will never part with.
Click to expand...

I had the same problem. Got a Goliath, 4x10, 95 pounds. My back can't do that anymore. But I wanted SWR sound. Tried a bunch of different stuff, no dice. Took a chance: I went and got myself a used SWR Golight 15". No new ones left. Paid off. 42 pounds, sounds almost exactly like my Goliath. Bought a second one for the inevitable stadium gig :)

They are hard to find. But totally worth the struggle.
 
#51
LBS-bass said:
Thank you! I told the seller that this seems like one of those situations I'd be regretting if I don't just do it. I felt the same way about the bass I bought a few months ago slightly used, and it was a great purchase. I'm sure this one will be the same :)
Click to expand...
If you have any questions or concerns, give the builder, David Luke a call. Check his website for more info.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lbsterner and Tanner5382
#54
LBS-bass said:
I own a nice SWR Goliath Jr. cabinet that I will never part with. The problem is that, at almost 59 years old, I can sort of lug it around but it's hard to lift it up to pack it into my car or anywhere else. So I went out and bought this cabinet, which is 44 lbs and a bit more luggable:

TC Electronic K-210 2 x 10" Bass Cabinet with 1" HF Driver

The problem is, of course, it's not the SWR and doesn't sound nearly as good, and so the outcome is that after gigging with it for a while I'm back to lugging the SWR around and begging for help with it. Band mates don't seem to mind, but I do. I have a little Fender Rumble Combo for small rooms, which is great, but for larger rooms, I need something. Currently running a GK 400RB into it but I'll likely be replacing that with more power at some point.

Any thoughts on a better sounding cabinet that is in that same weight range (45 lbs or less)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
#55
LBS-bass said:
I own a nice SWR Goliath Jr. cabinet that I will never part with. The problem is that, at almost 59 years old, I can sort of lug it around but it's hard to lift it up to pack it into my car or anywhere else. So I went out and bought this cabinet, which is 44 lbs and a bit more luggable:

TC Electronic K-210 2 x 10" Bass Cabinet with 1" HF Driver

The problem is, of course, it's not the SWR and doesn't sound nearly as good, and so the outcome is that after gigging with it for a while I'm back to lugging the SWR around and begging for help with it. Band mates don't seem to mind, but I do. I have a little Fender Rumble Combo for small rooms, which is great, but for larger rooms, I need something. Currently running a GK 400RB into it but I'll likely be replacing that with more power at some point.

Any thoughts on a better sounding cabinet that is in that same weight range (45 lbs or less)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you like the SWR, stay in the same family . (2) Eden D-210XSTs would fit the bill. Or 1 210XST and 1 112XST. Expensive? Yep.
 
#56
I highly recommend a Barefaced Two10. Only weighs 30 lbs. Awesome cab! I have both the Two10 and a Big Twin II for larger venues. Granted they are made in the UK so not easy to try one out unless you find another TBer local that is willing to let you give theirs a listen. I am a former SWR user. Owned a Goliath III and Big Ben for years. Got tired of the weight. Since owning a Barefaced cab, I really don't have an urge or need to try anything else. So light and sounds Sooo good!
 
  • Like
Reactions: pudgychef and son_of_mogh
#57
LBS-bass said:
I own a nice SWR Goliath Jr. cabinet that I will never part with. The problem is that, at almost 59 years old, I can sort of lug it around but it's hard to lift it up to pack it into my car or anywhere else. So I went out and bought this cabinet, which is 44 lbs and a bit more luggable:

TC Electronic K-210 2 x 10" Bass Cabinet with 1" HF Driver

The problem is, of course, it's not the SWR and doesn't sound nearly as good, and so the outcome is that after gigging with it for a while I'm back to lugging the SWR around and begging for help with it. Band mates don't seem to mind, but I do. I have a little Fender Rumble Combo for small rooms, which is great, but for larger rooms, I need something. Currently running a GK 400RB into it but I'll likely be replacing that with more power at some point.

Any thoughts on a better sounding cabinet that is in that same weight range (45 lbs or less)?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Thing is, none of those lightweights sound as good as the heavyweights. This might be scientifically confirmed or rejected, but I have tried a plethora of lightweight top tier cabs including Barefaced, Vanderkley, Greenboy, PJB, Bergantino, etc etc. and not even one of them sounded as pleasing and refined as some heavyweight classics, the likes of Aguilar, SWR, GK, Ampeg, etc.

To my ears (and many others) it doesn't even come close. Also, the neo magnets are for some reason much stiffer sounding as opposed to the ceramic designed speakers, let alone alnico. I know, it is just a magnet difference but still the speaker as a whole just don't work the same. There is a notable difference in softness of the tone already in alnico vs ceramic comparison, as we all know.

I would love to have a 10lbs cab with 5kW RMS and amazing tone but it just ain't gonna happen. My GK 410RBH, rated at 800W RMS eats the Barefaced Big Twin 2 both in tone and punch and loudness and the Big Twin 2 is supposed to be rated at twice as much. Yes, it will put out more low end and all that, but it won't get even near the punch and fatness of the above cabs. Some people dig it, some don't, but I would bet that if you like the sound of your SWR goliath, you will have a hard time finding a suitable replacement in the lightweight sector.

My 50 cents, some sound engineers might confirm or reject my opinion as a whole but with all the science and fact papers I've read, my ears always told me otherwise. Honestly, the closest I have ever come to Aguilar DB410 softness and warmth (as a lightweight alternative) were Vanderkley cabs, so that might be a viable option to go to, have I decided to go to the lightweight side of things.

Having owned a SWR Goliath Sr., I would bet that you would be immensely pleased with Vanderkleys voicing. Fat, deep, but also refined on the top in modern sizzle, just like the SWR (minus the deep, which Goliaths can't really pull out due to their design). Definitely try!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lbsterner
#58
I have been through this exactly. I have a Goliath Jr I gigged with for 25 years and still have it. I switched for the Basic 350 head a few years back to a Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0. What a change to have a 3 lb head. Then I picked up a shuttle 6.0/12. The whole combo ways around 20 lbs and does pretty much as much as the SWR and sounds better. I have the SWR as the big rig, but the 12 really does the same thing and sounds better.
So there are plenty of 20lb options out there that will be an improvement. If the budget allows I would be checking out the premium Neo 12 cabs, Bareface, Auguilar , Genzer, Mesa ................................probably all are awesome compared to 60lbs of 1980s hitech. I was really surprised a combo cab could sound better, but it does and it is not even on par with most of the newer options available.
 
#60
DiabolusInMusic said:
Have you considered just getting a hand cart to roll the cab around? You'd still have to heave the cab in and out of your trunk though.

As far as replacement options, I would highly suggest Markbass. Their cabs have a low-mid bump that makes them sound pretty similar to SWR (to my ears.) They are also all neo driver cabs, so they are light. If you buy used, Markbass is not that much more than other brands.
Click to expand...

Having owned both, MarkBass is light years apart from SWR. Not even close. SWR has that modern scooped tone, MarkBass is just full of harsh mids (more vintage voiced really, although not to my taste honestly), especially around the 2khz range which just ain't happening on any of the SWR cabs. This MarkBass voicing isn't only emphasised through their amps, but obviously in cabs too, since all MarBass amps tend to sound much smoother when coupled with other cabs of different brands.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back