New 2x12 or add a 15?

[el murdoque]

unless you're contemplating the purchase of a Barefaced 2x12 cabinet, I'd also advocate the second Bag End.
Not only will you like the sound (because a second cab means you get the same sound, only a lot more of it), but also will you have a modular rig.
You essentially keep yours as is, but gain the option of bringing a second. And options like having one cab at home and one in the rehearsal room.

 

[ravlin]

Now that OP has mentioned that the 212 in question is the Mesa Subway 212, I would reinforce that it's more about the sound than overall volume. I haven't played either cab so take my opinion with a grain of salt (reflected talkbass knowledge). The Mesa will have an aggressive upper mid sound that isn't the same as the Bag Ends more old school vibe. I'd say split the difference and get the Mesa 215!

 

[mikecd1]

The GK Neo 212 is 800 watts and has an HF horn as well as being front ported which might also help at an outdoor gig. Since rear ported cabs like the Bag End don't have anything to reflect sound off of outside it might make sense to have a front ported cab for the gigs the OP mentioned. Its also about the same weight as the Bag End so less stuff to schlep if you just used the GK. I've not played one, but have heard them and they sound like thunder. Not opposed to the two Bag Ends or the Mesa 2x12 either (same wattage), but the GK worth a look and $500 cheaper than the Mesa. Bag End def the most economical choice and would provide the balance when used together going forward.

 

[Slade N]

Yes, and I have, a Mesa Subway 2x12, and I'm a bit on the fence, tonally, which is one of the reasons I was asking. to see if anyone had thoughts on the different qualities the two options. I always find these decisions tough. Maybe I'll end up with two rigs...

Thank you!

For reference my fav cab is the Eden 212xlt (tweeter off) it’s sound is big warm clear and it is easy to manage physically for me. I had 3 at one point.

It’s tighter and thicker than the 15s I had and played in the past, had more detail in the mids. The 15s I experienced were more scooped and flabby to my ear.

Speaker, cab, eq design all effect tone as does room resonance, bass and strings so remember tone is a chain of factor but hearing other players rigs I have consistently heard tone that I like from 12s and 10a over 15s.

Just my two cents.

 

[bassfran]

I have experience using (2) S15 cabs outdoors. Recommend, with some suggestions. I had good luck placing them on a Gramma pad to avoid stage coupling and I fed them a lot of (500w+) juice. As mentioned previously you won’t get a lot of lows under, say 50hz from those boxes. They will bark but aren’t really optimal for chest-thumping low end if that’s your goal.

Lots of TB’ers dig the Subway cabs and I’m sure you’d likely enjoy their 2-12 also. You may be able to demo one in a store to help with your decision.

 

[Wyvern]

I really like my Avatar 212T, 12’s just hit right.

But yeah, going with a second 15 simply for volume makes more sense.

 

[ravlin]

The GK Neo 212 is 800 watts and has an HF horn as well as being front ported which might also help at an outdoor gig. Since rear ported cabs like the Bag End don't have anything to reflect sound off of outside it might make sense to have a front ported cab for the gigs the OP mentioned. Its also about the same weight as the Bag End so less stuff to schlep if you just used the GK. I've not played one, but have heard them and they sound like thunder. Not opposed to the two Bag Ends or the Mesa 2x12 either (same wattage), but the GK worth a look and $500 cheaper than the Mesa. Bag End def the most economical choice and would provide the balance when used together going forward.

I do play the GK212 and can confirm 1. it can be found for much less than the Mesa and 2. it thumps. Incidentally, since OP is worried about mixing cabs, I mix my GK212 with a 115 from the same series.

 

[burgerdj]

+1 on the S15 stack. I have been running an S15/S15X for a few years and couldn’t be happier. They are very efficient cabs, but do sound good when pushed a bit. I drive mine with an Eden WT390. I just played an outdoor gig with no bass in the mains and no subs and it sounded great.

 

[pbass2]

I do play the GK212 and can confirm 1. it can be found for much less than the Mesa and 2. it thumps. Incidentally, since OP is worried about mixing cabs, I mix my GK212 with a 115 from the same series.

Yep, I often run my GK Neo IV 212 with a "mere" 300 watts, and it is LOUD, full and super punchy. Use it outdoors all the time and rarely ever add my second 1x12 cab as it's usually overkill.

 

[edencab]

I asked almost the exact question a few years ago about getting another Eden D115 vs. (I don't remember what I was looking at)....

...overwhelmingly the response was: "get the 2nd D115!"

...I would suggest the same here........a 2nd 15" Bag End would give you huge sound

 

[CT Corvette]

Y'all are friggin' awesome! I appreciate all the thoughtful replies. Lot of great info and knowledge here.

One thing I could have been more specific about is that when I say "outdoor gigs," I'm not talking about patios or decks at restaurants and bars. I play some of those every year, but the gigs where I need the volume are the big town greens, parks in the woods, and the farm venues we play. Maybe you assumed that; maybe not. Outdoor can mean a lot of things. Often at these gigs, the closest people are 30 ft. away and some much further than that. Also, I rarely have PA support.

I was playing my new (to me) Ampeg through the one Bag End I have today and loving the sound, so, I think the economical decision is the smart one in this case. That's a first for me.

Thanks everyone! I'll report back after the first such outdoor gig which is later this month.