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New Reeves Cabs Pics (Prototype)

I'd be interested to hear your observations if you've tried them out, Tom.

I don't want to say anything definite yet, as I am still putting them through their paces, but after spending some time A/B-ing them to each other, and then comparing them to several other 1x15's the other night, I am super impressed. The balance of fullness/warmth with clarity/articulation is amazing, and though not entirely "flat," the response is very even through both of them. The taller cab is probably the more quick and clear of the two, but I loved the punchy yet smooth and articulate mids from the shorter cab.

Either of these cabs would make a very strong case for itself in the market, IMHO. :cool:

Tom.
 
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That driver is the shiznit. I've never heard 15"s produce that kind of harmonic content. :D

Yes, the high end from that taller cab was especially compelling (though the shorter one leaves nothing to complain about in this department).
 
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If the taller cab delivered a bit more definition while the short deep cab delivered
warmth, I can see why blending the cabs impressed you so much.

To really be accurate in determining which configuration is best, I still think
you may want to try two of each together vs the blended pair.
 
This is a very interesting development.

I would LOVE a Reeves 15" cab with a Reeves bass head.

Still, and this will sound ridiculous to some, for me 225 watts is just too much for the venues I play!

A Reeves 100 watt head would do the trick for me.

Watching with great interest!!
 
It's not a ridiculous request, Rob.

I will say that the head doesn't need to to pushed hard to get a great sound, so honestly I would take it into any single cab gig and use it. I think maybe the cost of developing the 225 necessitated that it meet most players' power requirements, and with that type of amp half the power doesn't necessarily translate to half the cost to produce...so they went with DR203 (I hope that's right - I'm not a Hiwatt expert)) design. If you just need a single 15" rig, you could use it and know you've got a lot a headroom and expansion capability. :cool:
 
It's not a ridiculous request, Rob.

I will say that the head doesn't need to to pushed hard to get a great sound, so honestly I would take it into any single cab gig and use it. I think maybe the cost of developing the 225 necessitated that it meet most players' power requirements, and with that type of amp half the power doesn't necessarily translate to half the cost to produce...so they went with DR203 (I hope that's right - I'm not a Hiwatt expert)) design. If you just need a single 15" rig, you could use it and know you've got a lot a headroom and expansion capability. :cool:

That's true, and something to consider. I better start saving my quarters!
 
It's not a ridiculous request, Rob.

I will say that the head doesn't need to to pushed hard to get a great sound, so honestly I would take it into any single cab gig and use it. I think maybe the cost of developing the 225 necessitated that it meet most players' power requirements, and with that type of amp half the power doesn't necessarily translate to half the cost to produce...so they went with DR203 (I hope that's right - I'm not a Hiwatt expert)) design. If you just need a single 15" rig, you could use it and know you've got a lot a headroom and expansion capability. :cool:

If I'm not mistaken, Tom peterson (Cheap Trick) uses (Or used?) Reeves amps Because they sounded great, but they didnt have to be super loud to sound great.
He used Hiwatt amps before he switched to Reeves, so keep that in mind.
Hope that makes sense.
Thanks.
 
The Master Volume is quite effective in keeping the Custom 225
at small club volumes and still delivering wonderful rich tone.

The 225 is also EQ'ed for bass.

I'm running mine for now through my '73 8X10 and it's real nice.

The clips I did were straight into the camera mic, so imagine a proper
signal chain.

I'm looking forward to the Reeves 15's for portability, but I'm fine with my 8X10 for tone.
 
The Master Volume is quite effective in keeping the Custom 225
at small club volumes and still delivering wonderful rich tone.

The 225 is also EQ'ed for bass.

I'm running mine for now through my '73 8X10 and it's real nice.

The clips I did were straight into the camera mic, so imagine a proper
signal chain.

I'm looking forward to the Reeves 15's for portability, but I'm fine with my 8X10 for tone.

That's good to know. My worry is buying one and then having to keep it at 2 or 3 and have it sound anemic, or weak.

This is CERTAINLY something to consider!!
 
Hi Tom
Any update on these cabs? Any info you can share, here anyway, would be appreciated. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting one (two really ;)) of these.

I have had some time to play through these a bit more. It does seem that some basses prefer one cab, while others prefer the other. My conclusion was that both of them sound great, and I'd be happy to play out with either one. But I do think that I slightly prefer the shorter/deeper cab, on the whole.

With regard to stacking the cabs, I certainly do like the sound of them stacked, but I don't know that this was the result of a special combination of these two particular designs, or whether it was just a stacking of two 1x15's; meaning, stacking two of one or the other design would probably be equally impressive.

Tom.
 
I have had some time to play through these a bit more. It does seem that some basses prefer one cab, while others prefer the other. My conclusion was that both of them sound great, and I'd be happy to play out with either one. But I do think that I slightly prefer the shorter/deeper cab, on the whole.

With regard to stacking the cabs, I certainly do like the sound of them stacked, but I don't know that this was the result of a special combination of these two particular designs, or whether it was just a stacking of two 1x15's; meaning, stacking two of one or the other design would probably be equally impressive.
Tom.

Hmm...that matches my impressions pretty much exactly. :D
 
Hello TB'ers! I am a 53 year old bass player (new to this forum btw), and having played bass since age 16, I have had so many different bass rigs that I would be embarrassed to list them all. I respect some players' desire and preference for the latest lightweight solid state rigs, but I have come to the conclusion that, at least for me, it is that "all-tube bass amp tone" that puts a smile on my face and causes me to want to play more. And I prefer large ceramic-magnet 15" cabs with no tweeters.

I am currently having Fargen build me a hand wired 125 watt all-tube bass amp for practice and for small gigs, but when it comes to larger venues (or outdoor gigs) where I will need more "oomph", I have to say that I am EXTREMELY interested in obtaining a Reeves Custom 225 bass amp and a pair of the shorter, deeper 1x15" Reeves bass cabs. It is my hope that Bill decides to go with the shorter deeper cabs (again, personal preference).

I really like the way the prototype Reeves cabs look....nice clean lines, old school grille cloth, great size....a perfect "look" in my opinion.

And *KUDOS* to Bill for deciding to go with 1x15's instead of 2x15's. For my personal needs (which may certainly be different that others' needs), I like the idea of having the flexibility of using one cab or two cabs, plus, I think it is easier to lift two 1x15 cabs one at a time rather than a bulkier, heavier 2x15 (I used to cart around 2x15 cabs in the 70's.....I am not as strong as I used to be).

I also wish to express thanks to edbass, tombowlus, and FFTT for posting their very useful information in this string and other strings on the Reeves bass products. These guys have the enviable luxury of playing through these products, and I really appreciate how they take the time to share information.

Yoda in Star Wars said "always emotions, the future." Well, my future also contains a Reeves Custom 225 and a pair of Reeves 1x15's.

My only question for edbass, tombowlus, FFTT, or anyone else "in the know" is: do we have any idea *when* the 1x15 cabs will become available? I e-mailed Bill a few weeks ago, and he [respectfully] stated that he doesn't have a date just yet.
 
You will be happy - I have no reservations about that.

The reasons you listed (I am also a 53 year old bassist) were the same ones that led Ed and me to encourage Bill to go with a single 15". There are a lot of gigs that a single cab will handle very well...and I can't imagine a gig that two wouldn't. ;) :cool:

Both of the cab designs are lighter than the single 15" JBL cabs I currently use. I think the deeper one might be the frontrunner. Bill will put them out when he's totally satisfied it's the best product - I respect that.
 
Thanks nysbob. (Btw, I meant to list your name in my previous message as well, as I have read many of your posts and found them informative).

I too respect Bill holding off until he "gets things right." As much as I look forward to acquiring this rig, I am in no hurry. I will happily wait for Bill to do what he feels is necessary. Like they say, good things are worth waiting for!
 
And FWIW, regarding the weight of the Reeves 1x15's, I spoke with Bill on the phone about a month ago, and he said he didn't have an exact weight, but he did say the 1x15 cab would probably be in the range of somewhere around 60 pounds. That is on par with the 59 pound Berg HT-115 cabs I used to have, and the Berg HT-115's had an internal crossover, a tweeter, and an attenuator knob for the tweeter (granted, those items don't weigh a heck of alot).
 
One other piece of info. Bill told me in an e-mail dated June 24 that the dimensions of the 1x15 cab he plans to market will be 24"w x 24"h x 17"d. That sounds to me like it matches the looks of the shorter deeper cab since the taller cab is taller than it is wide. So perhaps Bill has decided to go with the shorter deeper cab that has the perfectly square front.
 

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