Lightweight/Small Cab Suggestions?

What is your budget, and how loud do you really need to be?

 

Any 115 w/an Eminence 3015 or Faital Pro 15PR400. An Eminence Delta Lite II 2515 would work nicely, too, & save $75-100 bucks (maybe a smidge more). These are all neo drivers. Find one with a high frequency driver (tweeter) if you like. This or the TB153, mentioned below, would be the least expensive option.

Or a 15/6 cab with an Eminence 3015LF & any one of a half dozen or so nice dedicated midrange drivers.

A 12/6 w/an Eminence 3012LF & midrange would probably work, too, but it likely wouldn't cost much less than a 15/6. A 15/6 is larger/heavier (but not really that much, all things considered, they're both smallish & light), but more capable (not that the 12/6 isn't, just that a 15/6 is even more so).

An Avatar TB153 would be a good box to look at as well. It also uses the 3015LF. Go for the 8 ohm version rather than the 4 ohm if you want to go this way. http://www.avatarspeakers.com

A top grade commercial 212 could also do the trick, but I'd choose any of the above over this route for loudness potential & cost.

Whatever you decide on, check used first. TB classifieds are a great source. Or evilbay & Craigslist.

Here's a 115 in the classifieds to consider. It isn't in the same league with the above boxes, but the price isn't bad. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-schroeder-15-l-997310/

Here's the one you should get. Don't delay. Not mine, lol. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-lds-15-6-cabinet-997921/

 

I would be looking for a GK 112 or two. Im sorry to say that you are going to limited in volume with your budget and size requirements.

 

$300. Lightweight. With "meat." Pretty tall order. Gonna need to get fortunate, I think. Maybe very fortunate.

Here's the best I found in Chicago, a couple Eden boxes, a 210 & 115. Seller doesn't mention which model, ohms, or wattage rating. They're in Hegewisch, not too far from East Chicago. Are you close?

Each is $200. Says they're in good shape. They're covered with "rat fur," not tolex or Duratex. Pretty decent if they function properly. But not light @ ~68 & ~59 pounds, respectively. Don't know how much of an improvement the weight is for you.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/msg/3931653795.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/msg/3931601896.html

 

You want light and loud?
The Schroeder 210PL at 36 lbs. might fit the bill. Not cheap but you might find one used. Or Schroeder may have a display model on sale.

 

You any good at wood working?

 

what about having someone engineer 2 2x10's with the drivers from your 4x10. that and a good wheeled cart should help some.

 

What max weight are you looking for? The answer to that might narrow your choices. I have an Aguilar DB112, but at 49 lbs, I don't consider it "light".

Consider that your amp might not put out 500 watts at 8 ohms. Most manufacturers list the power output @ 4 ohms.

Light & cheap & high power-handling? As someone already pointed out, that's unlikely. Lightweight means neo - and that's expensive.

I believe the 112 configuration is the best configuration compromise for portability, power and tone. However, you should be prepared for the possibility that a single 112 cab isn't going to handle a gig with a rock band. I think having two identical 112 cabs is a pretty flexible setup. Lug one cab when you can get away with it, but have a second cab for those gigs that require it. Sure, it's and extra trip to the car - but it's two trips that don't strain you back, as opposed to one trip that injures you.

Having said all of that: Hartke Hydrive 112 or GK Neo 112. I haven't seen these offered used very often, FWIW.

 

If you have PA support I'd look at an Ampeg SVT 210av. I have one and it can take a beating. Now if it can do it all on its own I'm not as sure. But it might.

Check it out. It might work for you. It is light and can get loud.

Keep us posted.

 

I built myself a 1x12 for a little over $200 and I lent it to a fellow bassist for a gig and it was keeping up with his 4x10 no problem.

 

Peavey makes a 112 Tour cabinet. Pretty cheap too