Need new cab, GK or FMC or ?

[dronnba]

Hello everyone!

I recently sold my Warwick 411 Neo cab and now I'm looking for a new cab to go with my GK RB700-II. The initial thought was to get a GK 212 neo, but now I'm not so sure if it's the right way to go. When searching around here on TB I found links to a few cabinet builders here in Europe, mainly in Germany, and FMC (Invalid Link Removed), especially the 212 neo and proline cabs, caused most GAS. I have read comments about the FMC speakers on the bassic.ch website and even though my german is not that good I understood that the comments were very positive.

A GK 212 neo from thomann.de costs 679€ incl. shipping, but is not in stock. The FMC's go for 425€ + shipping.

So the question is: Shall I get the GK or one of the FMC's?

Cheers,

Dronnba

 

[long-dong]

i`d get the fmcs cause they are simply fantastic... i played a few at some shows here in germany. they are very neutrally and natural sounding. you really get much more than you are paying! also you got the opportunity to get them custom builded like you want them... on the other side i don`t know if they support biamping (but i bet if you write them an email asking if its possible -> they`ll make it possible ).. really great cabs!

 

[razboinikoff]

I had same dilemma before a few months and contacted Hans from FMC. After some phone and e-mail conversations I decided to buy kit for 2x12 cab only, mainly because his build time is too long - 3 months. I have experience in cabinet building and FMC provide their kits with complete plans so it sound like an easy project. Unfortunately Hans is extremely slow. More than 2 months later I'm still waiting document for payment from him. I understand that FMC is one man business and Hans is busy enough, but definitely can't understand almost 3 month delay for such a simple deal as buying two speakers, horn and crossover

My bassplayer friend who have FMC Neo 2x12 is very happy with it. According to his descriptions it sounds a little deeper and flatter than GK Neo 2x12 - it can be good or bad, depends after what tone you are after

 

[dronnba]

Thanks for the responses!

I didn't know that it would take such a time to get a cabinet from him. . OTOH I don't have any gigs booked before June so I guess I can wait... I also started thinking about building a cab myself but I'm in the middle of building a house so I don't have the time, but it would be an interesting project. Razboinikoff: Which kit did you get? Has anybody had a chance to try out both the FMC neo and pro cabs?

Cheers,

Dronnba

 

[razboinikoff]

dronnba, in fact I didn't get any kit. I tried to buy 2 Neo 12 speakers + horn + crossover with attenuator. I don't need the rest of the kit (grill, corners, etc), because I prefer to match the look of the cab to my other cabs.

Best,
Raz

 

[liquid-dream-ex]

I do own a FMC 2x12 Proline, and i really like it. Take the Character switch when you order one, it's a cool feature and adds versability to the cab.

I ordered mine when there wasn't as much hype about FMC and got it around 3 weeks after i ordered it. Had some problems with the speakers (problem caused by the amp) and Hans was quickly responding and sending me new ones. So Customer service is second to none, in my experience.

As for sound, i can't really tell you what it sounds like, i like the sound my setup has, how much of a part the cab plays, i can't tell. However, the speakers are very efficient. When playing through different cabs at shows (mainly hartke, behringer, Ampeg) i always had to turn up the volume more than with the FMC.

 

[dronnba]

Thanks for the responses.

Yesterday I sent an e-mail to Hans at FMC and I'm waiting for a reply. I am ordering a 212 neo but haven't decided yet about the finish and other options, like snakeskin tolex, coloured tolex or just plain black rat fur, removable casters and so on. I don't think that the character switch is something that I need but I am going to consider it, afterall it's a pretty cheap option.

Cheers,

Dronnba