New cab options: Mesa 4x12 vs. Traynor 4x12 vs. ??

[HeavyAxe]

Hey, folks. I'm looking into getting a new cab and would like some input. Lately I've had an infatuation with 4x12's so I've been looking into them pretty heavily. I just purchased a Mesa Boogie 400 (non-plus) and thats what I'll be using for reference. I've also thought about just snagging up a used Ampeg 8x10 but I don't know. I heard lots of good things on the Mesa and the Traynor as well, and the 'Made in Canada' stamp on the Traynor does mean something to me, but don't want to make my decision solely on that.
For the bands I'll be playing in we'll probably mostly be doing progressive death or black metal. But I also play in some psych blues/rock bands. So, I don't mind being able to play clean but I do enjoy some crackle and grittiness moreso.
If anyone has some input or alternative recommendations that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[chaosMK]

Can't go wrong with Mesa cabs and the 400. I have been using a non-plus with PH cabs (owned most of them at one point or another, currently use a 112 or 2 410's) for around the last 10 years. I play in modern progressive metal post metal and d00m styles. JJ KT88's are also a phenomenal upgrade for the non-plus.

 

[JHandley]

I dont play either of those genres of music but I can vouch for the 412 cab configuration.
I play mostly classic rock and blues.
I have a Peavey Nitrobass atop a 412 TVX and it just kills in my opinion.
I can get get a damn nice versatile set of tones and have no issues whatsoever with being loud enough.
I've thought a few times about replacing this rig but I just can't do it.
412 is THE way for me, and I know by searching that there are not many choices for someone looking for them.
I didnt add much to help, but there ya have it.
Jeff

 

[Alexander]

I like the pairing of Mesa heads with Mesa cabs, although somewhat dark for my taste might be just up your alley, given the genres you mention. I'll tell you the best 412 cab I've owned is the Bergantino NV412. It's sealed and sounds awesome with tube amps on top. I recently bought two Ampeg 212AV cabs that I absolutely love - so while not exactly a 412 is essentially the same thing. It's taller, looks great on stage and is modular (which may or may not be your thing)

 

[HeavyAxe]

Can't go wrong with Mesa cabs and the 400. I have been using a non-plus with PH cabs (owned most of them at one point or another, currently use a 112 or 2 410's) for around the last 10 years. I play in modern progressive metal post metal and d00m styles. JJ KT88's are also a phenomenal upgrade for the non-plus.

So, what effect do the KT88's have on the 400? More gnarliness? Also, I just got my 400 and am about to download the manual or whatever but do you have any useful tips or instructions for when I connect a Mesa 4x12 in for example?

 

[chaosMK]

So, what effect do the KT88's have on the 400? More gnarliness? Also, I just got my 400 and am about to download the manual or whatever but do you have any useful tips or instructions for when I connect a Mesa 4x12 in for example?

KT88's (and 6550) add a good bit of clean headroom. I suppose it only matters if louder volume levels are an issue for you. 6L6 will work beautifully for most band situations but there is a point in rock/metal situations (monster double bass drummer, guitarist with a loud ass Rectifier or equivalent) where you might find yourself pushing the headroom at practice or on stage. I have observed benefits to tone with the JJ KT88's- much more "solid" low end presence, bigger low end (controllable though), silky smooth highs, a bit of a compression feel when they are pushed. 6550's are a great upgrade too but I find that the ones I am using now (Tung Sol RI) have more of a "flat" frequency response and less baked in character than the JJ 88's. That is why I like the JJ's.

Easy to connect to cab... just match the impedance. Note: If you run 2 8-ohm cabs (which = 4-ohms), then use the two 4-ohm jacks (that's how it works). If you are new to the 400, good place to start for a kind of growly sound is Mids: 9, Bass: 3, Treble: 2; boost low mids (100 and 250) a bit on graphic.

 

[HeavyAxe]

KT88's (and 6550) add a good bit of clean headroom. I suppose it only matters if louder volume levels are an issue for you. 6L6 will work beautifully for most band situations but there is a point in rock/metal situations (monster double bass drummer, guitarist with a loud ass Rectifier or equivalent) where you might find yourself pushing the headroom at practice or on stage. I have observed benefits to tone with the JJ KT88's- much more "solid" low end presence, slight boost to low end, silky smooth highs, a bit of a compression feel when you push 'em. 6550's are a great upgrade too but I find that the ones I am using now (Tung Sol RI) have more of a "flat" frequency response and less baked in character than the JJ 88's. That is why I like the JJ's.

Easy to connect to cab... just match the impedance. Note: If you run 2 8-ohm cabs (which = 4-ohms), then use the two 4-ohm jacks (that's how it works). If you are new to the 400, good place to start is Mids: 9, Bass: 3, Treble: 2.

So if I pick up a PH412, I just connect er' into the 4ohm, eh?

 

[dukeisdog]

Yup! I'd double check that it wasn't an 8ohm special order cab, just to be safe though! Here's a pic of my old 400 on my PH412. I've since picked up a vintage SVT but man, I miss the 400.

 

[HeavyAxe]

Yup! I'd double check that it wasn't an 8ohm special order cab, just to be safe though! Here's a pic of my old 400 on my PH412. I've since picked up a vintage SVT but man, I miss the 400.

Sweet! What did you find the sound of the 400/4x12 combo to be like? Funny enough, the 400 I just got came from Winnipeg.

 

[dukeisdog]

So if I pick up a PH412, I just connect er' into the 4ohm, eh?

Sweet! What did you find the sound of the 400/4x12 combo to be like? Funny enough, the 400 I just got came from Winnipeg.

It was the first tube amp I ever used with a full band. Always sounded fat and huge! I ran the amp clean and used my pedals to get the dirt I wanted. Was always happy with the sound though the EQ takes a bit of time to get used to. I ended up getting rid of mine when I bought a Prodigy but was very underwhelmed with the Prodigy compared to the old 400. I wanted a lighter amp and ended up having a few tube related issues so I ended up selling it soon after. I ended up with an SVT that weighs double what the 400 weighs (kinda funny how that worked out) but don't doubt that I'll have another 400 in my lifetime.

What kind of shape is the 400 you just bought in? Mine was pretty mint aside from some kincks on the handles. The guy I sold it to took it in for a retube and look over with the same tech I use. Did it come with a 4 space road ready rack? If so, you got a great amp! Actually, either way you got a great amp! Enjoy!