Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[smeet]

OK, I put the Fender Super Bassman 300 on top of the Four10. First of all, it looks GREAT. The fabric is pretty much a perfect match. It hangs over maybe 1/4" on each side, but nobody would notice it.

More importantly, it sounds wonderful. Just big and strong sounding, responsive to eq, and sounds great with all my basses, picked/fingered/slapped.

I pulled out my SVT-II, but I forgot it doesn't do 8 ohms... Would it damage it to play at practice volumes for a few minutes?

 

[Tim1]

Thought the Super Bassman would sound huge with the Four 10, can't wait to try that combination with the band next weekend. The Fender grill cloth looks pretty much a straight swap with the Barefaced so not surprised the visuals work well. Fender grill cloth with Ampeg silver grill is quite jarring though, so would be less attractive with my V4b.
You should be fine fine with the SVT2 set at 4 ohms for a short while. When I had my SVT2 nonpro I wrote and asked Ampeg and they told me 8 ohms would not upset it. Just wish I had never sold that amp, one of my biggest regrets.
For years I have always favoured a clean tone with a powerful tube head, but one of the things I am finding with the Four 10 now is that I am enjoying driving the amp harder and getting more grind. I think this is one of the reasons that Alex says on the site that the tens are designed to simulate a sealed amp with a tube head, it really does seem to bring out the best in all of mine. I have a shed load of high quality cabinets that are not getting a look in at the moment.

 

[oysteivi]

Guitarist in my band discovered yesterday that his guitar sounds even more awesome when he uses a stack of two good 212 cabs instead of the usual just one. (I agree, it gave his sound a certain oomph and wonderful clarity). At no point did my super twin have any trouble keeping up with volume, and my amp master volume is only at 9 o'clock. Yes, I'm happy with my barefaced cab!

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I'm also interested in the SM. I've read where some folks describe it as having a " wide " low end, while others say it is lacking , compared to the BB, in low end. The two descriptions seem a little contrary to me, but maybe I'm not understanding it right. I tend to think that, after reading through the thread, that the BB, if you are a 5 string player, would be the cab of choice, but a four string player would be happy with the low end of the SM, as a stand alone cab. Would that be accurate ?

I've described the SM as wiiiide. To my ears it goes deep. Or, more than deep enough. Though, having not heard any of the "big" BF cabs I can't compare.

But wiiiide doesn't mean deep. The low end is not directional, or "as directional", as other cabs I've owned. The low end surrounds you wherever you are. It really is like playing through a large PA with subwoofers.

That make sense??

 

[jnewmark]

I've described the SM as wiiiide. To my ears it goes deep. Or, more than deep enough. Though, having not heard any of the "big" BF cabs I can't compare.

But wiiiide doesn't mean deep. The low end is not directional, or "as directional", as other cabs I've owned. The low end surrounds you wherever you are. It really is like playing through a large PA with subwoofers.

That make sense??

Yes, thanks for the explanation. Unfortunately , not really what I was hoping for as far as low end goes. Guess I'll stick with my Greenboy Bassic 15, which has a nice, chunky, articulate low end. I would assume the BB is similar to the SM and more, as far as the low end goes ?

 

[Turn Em Loose]

Yes, thanks for the explanation. Unfortunately , not really what I was hoping for as far as low end goes. Guess I'll stick with my Greenboy Bassic 15, which has a nice, chunky, articulate low end. I would assume the BB is similar to the SM and more, as far as the low end goes ?

I'd say the SM is articulate. And quite punchy. IMO a nice cross between punch/feel/hearing the fundamental. The wiiiiide can be an issue with URB because of the nature of the beast. It's like one huge pickup picking up everything that goes on around it. Just a matter of EQing, I would guess. And cabinet placement of a gig. I need to get one of those folding things that waiters use when they bring a big order out to a table at a restaurant.

Honestly, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if you're looking for a great performance-per-pound cab the SM is killer. Damn thing is like 23 or 25 lbs? Easy to schlep because of it's small and uniform size. And can can freakin' LOUD. Just for kicks I was using the SM as a monitor in my basement practice space and it sounded pretty darn good. A tad boxy compared to my cheap powered studio monitors but just a tad. Low end was killer on it! Very defined yet full.

 

[Plutonium244]

I've described the SM as wiiiide. To my ears it goes deep. Or, more than deep enough. Though, having not heard any of the "big" BF cabs I can't compare.

But wiiiide doesn't mean deep. The low end is not directional, or "as directional", as other cabs I've owned. The low end surrounds you wherever you are. It really is like playing through a large PA with subwoofers.

That make sense??

I realize you weren't talking to me but yes, it makes complete sense.

Your description "It really is like playing through a large PA with subwoofers" is exactly how I have described the Big Baby 2, and others have made the exact same observation. People thinking about the SM, BB2, or other BF cabs with 12"'s -- that is very much what it is like in the experience of many users. I lot that a lot. You can stand in the back of the room and it sounds like PA with subs, and it doesn't seem to matter where you stand-- as Diaper Geni noted, quite non-directional.

EDIT: in response to jnewmark, "sounds like PA with subs" doesn't mean "muddy mess". It is articulated, and certainly you can dial down the bass if you want. Generally the cab sounds great with pretty much a flat EQ at bass and amp (depends on bass and amp of course). The existence of plenty of bass does not in any way diminish the mids, which are known to be clear and precise. It's a shame there's no one near you jnewmark, to try them out. Direct sales has its advantages to the buyer, but I know that it can cause some trepidation, given that these cabs are pretty expensive and you can't try before you buy, unless someone nearby has one.

But, bottom line, get what seems right for you. The BF's are to me, unlike anything I have played through, although many seem to compare them to Bergs.

 

[CharlieC]

Question for those of you with the Super Twin:

Provided that one can lift 40 pounds, would a one handed carry be possible using just one of the side handles? (i.e. carrying the cabinet like a big suitcase.)

Given the side placement, would this be a balanced carry?

Finally, do you feel the side handles are up to this stress, especially because the side wood is not very thick. Would the handle and cabinet side survive this under repeated use?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tallboybass]

Question for those of you with the Super Twin:

Provided that one can lift 40 pounds, would a one handed carry be possible using just one of the side handles? (i.e. carrying the cabinet like a big suitcase.)

Given the side placement, would this be a balanced carry?

Finally, do you feel the side handles are up to this stress, especially because the side wood is not very thick. Would the handle and cabinet side survive this under repeated use?

Thanks in advance!

Yes, I would carry mine exactly that way if not for an injury that precludes it! (tried it for a short distance and it was fine)

 

[CharlieC]

Yes, I would carry mine exactly that way if not for an injury that precludes it! (tried it for a short distance and it was fine)

Thanks!

Any concerns for a weakening handle mount or cabinet side? With the limited wood thickness is there some type of metal anchor on the screw side? Do you feel the construction is up to this over time?

 

[jnewmark]

I realize you weren't talking to me but yes, it makes complete sense.

Your description "It really is like playing through a large PA with subwoofers" is exactly how I have described the Big Baby 2, and others have made the exact same observation. People thinking about the SM, BB2, or other BF cabs with 12"'s -- that is very much what it is like in the experience of many users. I lot that a lot. You can stand in the back of the room and it sounds like PA with subs, and it doesn't seem to matter where you stand-- as Diaper Geni noted, quite non-directional.

EDIT: in response to jnewmark, "sounds like PA with subs" doesn't mean "muddy mess". It is articulated, and certainly you can dial down the bass if you want. Generally the cab sounds great with pretty much a flat EQ at bass and amp (depends on bass and amp of course). The existence of plenty of bass does not in any way diminish the mids, which are known to be clear and precise. It's a shame there's no one near you jnewmark, to try them out. Direct sales has its advantages to the buyer, but I know that it can cause some trepidation, given that these cabs are pretty expensive and you can't try before you buy, unless someone nearby has one.

But, bottom line, get what seems right for you. The BF's are to me, unlike anything I have played through, although many seem to compare them to Bergs.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'm not getting the " wiiiiide " remarks. That, to me, sounds like the low end is all over the place, rather than directional.Of course, if this just applies to upright playing, then I get it. But, I guess I just don't understand how it can be wide and punchy at the same time. I play bass guitar and like a punchy articulate sound, as I mostly play a finger funk kind of style. My only complaint with the Bassic 15 is that it runs out of high end, as there is no tweeter, and I occasionally have to pop and slap my way through a couple of songs a night. I was hoping the SM might be the answer for that.

 

[BarabassNL]

I think the SM is the answer for that.

 

[Plutonium244]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'm not getting the " wiiiiide " remarks. That, to me, sounds like the low end is all over the place, rather than directional.Of course, if this just applies to upright playing, then I get it. But, I guess I just don't understand how it can be wide and punchy at the same time. I play bass guitar and like a punchy articulate sound, as I mostly play a finger funk kind of style. My only complaint with the Bassic 15 is that it runs out of high end, as there is no tweeter, and I occasionally have to pop and slap my way through a couple of songs a night. I was hoping the SM might be the answer for that.

I don't mean to speak for anyone, so apologies to all if I am getting this wrong.... but I think what is meant by "wiiiide" is that dispersion is less directional (even though low end isn't all that directional compared to high frequencies). The bottom end sort of fills a room, without being "loud" bottom end, hard to explain... When used an Eden or Fender 4x10 cab, it would sound great in places, but a little off axis or in the wrong spots, or 25' out from the cab, even the bass seemed suddenly dimmed somehow... that does not really happen with the Barefaced cabs-- any of them-- and especially not the Big Baby 2 (I assume it'd be the same with the SM but I don't have an SM to say for sure).

So, take it all with a grain of salt... far be it for me to tell anyone that "what I think" is more important than what they think, it certainly is not, it's just one man's opinion, and considering I just had to replace my phone because I put my last one on top of the car and then forgot and drove away, maybe you SHOULDN'T listen to my advice on anything ... and I will admit to being a bit of a fan boy of Barefaced, but only because I have been so impressed with them. I heard of people not liking them... one or two. Diff'rent Strokes.

I also play mostly finger style, and like to be finger funky ( I am far funkier with the fingers than with my half-assed slap technique). A lot of the "funk" is in the fingers and not the amp or cabs, but I find the BF 12's work for me in that capacity (and also the 10's in my Four10). The tweeter on the Big Baby 2 is nice, smooth, not harsh; plenty of good sheen for slap, IMO, though that's not my forte.

If you were in Wisconsin I'd be happy to let you check them out. If you really like the way the Greenboy Bassic 15 sounds, then I'd see no reason to change, why spend $900+ for a cab if you won't be getting much more enjoyable sound for you than what you've been using? But, I do think you'd like the BF. Good luck regardless in your Epic Tone Quest; we are all brothers in that! Lemme know what you decide to do, always interested.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Yes, thanks for the explanation. Unfortunately , not really what I was hoping for as far as low end goes. Guess I'll stick with my Greenboy Bassic 15, which has a nice, chunky, articulate low end. I would assume the BB is similar to the SM and more, as far as the low end goes ?

For the blues band music you play, the Greenboy Bassic 15 is perfect. Wouldn't change a thing.

 

[jnewmark]

For the blues band music you play, the Greenboy Bassic 15 is perfect. Wouldn't change a thing.

This is actually for a different project; a seven piece, Classic Soul band ( think James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, etc. ), and the style is more low mid punchy, not scooped at all, with some sheen on top for slapping and popping. I was using the Bassic 15, but the high end I need on some songs, just dies with that cab; definitely need a tweeter. I switched over to my LDS, 212/horn cab, loaded with 3012 HO drivers, and that pretty much does it for me, but then The SM caught my eye and got me wondering if this cab could pick up where the Bassic 15 leaves off. The LDS is ok to move, but the SM would be ideal, if it is indeed as loud as everyone claims.

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

This is actually for a different project; a seven piece, Classic Soul band ( think James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, etc. ), and the style is more low mid punchy, not scooped at all, with some sheen on top for slapping and popping. I was using the Bassic 15, but the high end I need on some songs, just dies with that cab; definitely need a tweeter. I switched over to my LDS, 212/horn cab, loaded with 3012 HO drivers, and that pretty much does it for me, but then The SM caught my eye and got me wondering if this cab could pick up where the Bassic 15 leaves off. The LDS is ok to move, but the SM would be ideal, if it is indeed as loud as everyone claims.

If you're competing against six other instruments, and if they're blaring like a typical classic soul band, I'd go with a BB2.

 

[Turn Em Loose]

I don't mean to speak for anyone, so apologies to all if I am getting this wrong.... but I think what is meant by "wiiiide" is that dispersion is less directional (even though low end isn't all that directional compared to high frequencies). The bottom end sort of fills a room, without being "loud" bottom end, hard to explain... When used an Eden or Fender 4x10 cab, it would sound great in places, but a little off axis or in the wrong spots, or 25' out from the cab, even the bass seemed suddenly dimmed somehow... that does not really happen with the Barefaced cabs-- any of them-- and especially not the Big Baby 2 (I assume it'd be the same with the SM but I don't have an SM to say for sure).

So, take it all with a grain of salt... far be it for me to tell anyone that "what I think" is more important than what they think, it certainly is not, it's just one man's opinion, and considering I just had to replace my phone because I put my last one on top of the car and then forgot and drove away, maybe you SHOULDN'T listen to my advice on anything ... and I will admit to being a bit of a fan boy of Barefaced, but only because I have been so impressed with them. I heard of people not liking them... one or two. Diff'rent Strokes.

I also play mostly finger style, and like to be finger funky ( I am far funkier with the fingers than with my half-assed slap technique). A lot of the "funk" is in the fingers and not the amp or cabs, but I find the BF 12's work for me in that capacity (and also the 10's in my Four10). The tweeter on the Big Baby 2 is nice, smooth, not harsh; plenty of good sheen for slap, IMO, though that's not my forte.

If you were in Wisconsin I'd be happy to let you check them out. If you really like the way the Greenboy Bassic 15 sounds, then I'd see no reason to change, why spend $900+ for a cab if you won't be getting much more enjoyable sound for you than what you've been using? But, I do think you'd like the BF. Good luck regardless in your Epic Tone Quest; we are all brothers in that! Lemme know what you decide to do, always interested.

Hmmmm....Agreed. On all points.

I might have started this whole "wiiiide" thing and then did a terrible job of explaining myself. @Plutonium244's first paragraph of his post is spot on and he said it way more betterer than I could have. Or did!

And his other paragraphs are spot on, too! IMO any cab is not 100% perfect. If the GB15 gets you 90% there, keep it!

 

[Turn Em Loose]

This is actually for a different project; a seven piece, Classic Soul band ( think James Brown, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, etc. ), and the style is more low mid punchy, not scooped at all, with some sheen on top for slapping and popping. I was using the Bassic 15, but the high end I need on some songs, just dies with that cab; definitely need a tweeter. I switched over to my LDS, 212/horn cab, loaded with 3012 HO drivers, and that pretty much does it for me, but then The SM caught my eye and got me wondering if this cab could pick up where the Bassic 15 leaves off. The LDS is ok to move, but the SM would be ideal, if it is indeed as loud as everyone claims.

Hmmmm....Hard to say if the little SM would get you there. If the LDS cab gets you there then keep it. And start doing some core workouts!

 

[dBerriff]

Compact gig rig - Genzler Magellan into two One 10s. Plenty in reserve for the Rutland Big Band.

Compact Gig Rig by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr

 

[anton72]

Compact gig rig - Genzler Magellan into two One 10s. Plenty in reserve for the Rutland Big Band.

Compact Gig Rig by Invalid Link Removed, on Flickr

Great! I also ordered the second One10 a day ago. How do you find the power capacity of this stack?