Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[pbass6811]

How long does it usually take Alex to respond? We started an email conversation a couple of days ago, and the last correspondence was from me to him a couple of days ago. I'm not complaining, I'm just curious.

I'm currently using either two Ampeg PN-410's or two LDS 15/6/1's. I'm really trying to lighten the load, but I admit that I'm a bit skeptical. Is the BTII really comparable to a 412 or an 810 in terms of output? I don't use anything at anywhere close to max volume, but I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I'd love to hear from anyone that was gigging an 810, 2x410's, a 412, or really almost any multi-cab setup that would be bigger than a single 212, and switched to a Barefaced 212 and was blown away that a single 212 could do what their multi-cab setup was doing?

Thanks!

 

[anton72]

How long does it usually take Alex to respond? We started an email conversation a couple of days ago, and the last correspondence was from me to him a couple of days ago. I'm not complaining, I'm just curious.
Thanks!

Nothing wrong with reminding him, I do it always and he is fine with that. They do not ignore you but have a huge orders number and load of incoming messages so just keep reminding and they will respond soon.

 

[maxmaroon]

Bit of glue

Re bend the metal

This...if you reattach the cover and use a small wood wedge (or something that won't damage the metal too much) pushed up tight against where the metal cover meets the cab you should be able to hammer the wedge and re-crimp the cover so it doesn't fall off.

edit...actually looking closer I would take a flathead screwdriver and insert it into the small crimp at the end and give it a few taps to give it a bit more to grab at...

 

[socialleper]

How long does it usually take Alex to respond? We started an email conversation a couple of days ago, and the last correspondence was from me to him a couple of days ago. I'm not complaining, I'm just curious.

He and his people were pretty quick in getting back to me. There is the lag due to the fact that they are 9 hours ahead of us, and they don't work or answer emails on the weekend. Plus there is a holiday this weekend, and a lot of people take vacations this time of year.
Working with smaller companies like this takes getting used to. I know I'm used to instantaneous responses from big businesses with dedicated customer service personnel. These guys don't have those resources.

 

[nostatic]

Owning a BB2 and a B7K, I'll say that I've yet to find a high gain, or even moderate gain sound that doesn't generate some nasty clipping with the HF driver fully dialed in. Lighter dirt and/or lower HF settings are how you avoid that nasty clipping. Then it's lovely.

The one caveat would be Duke's cabs with the 3" paper cone HF driver (or MAS cabs with a similar setup). But agree that traditional tweeter or compression horn usually don't make for pleasant dirt fun.

 

[nostatic]

The only thing I regret now is that I stupidly sold my other one10 to fund SM, which is differrent story.

How so? I briefly played a 2-10 and liked it, the prospect of a giggable 1-10 is enticing. Already have a giggable 1-12 with my Hathor.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

IMHO the handles flat out suck, and the finishes are also suboptimal. I agree that at this price point, the finishes lack. My cabs are amazing, but compared to the finish on the Bergs (I used to own a CN210), they lag, big time. Juss sayin'.

I have to agree. The finish on my AccuGroove cabinet is way better and the handles are better too... i've also experienced that middle part of the handle coming loose as well. That being said the light weight and the tone of these cabs really makes up for their shortcoming, so much so that I couldn't resist getting another one. I don't think they will update the finish and handles in time for my Super Midget on order though...

 

[Stumbo]

IMHO the handles flat out suck, and the finishes are also suboptimal. I agree that at this price point, the finishes lack. My cabs are amazing, but compared to the finish on the Bergs (I used to own a CN210), they lag, big time. Juss sayin'.

I have to agree. The finish on my AccuGroove cabinet is way better and the handles are better too... i've also experienced that middle part of the handle coming loose as well. That being said the light weight and the tone of these cabs really makes up for their shortcoming, so much so that I couldn't resist getting another one. I don't think they will update the finish and handles in time for my Super Midget on order though...

Anyone know what material is on the Bergs or Accugroove?

 

[Dave W]

Anyone know what material is on the Bergs or Accugroove?

Tolex on the Bergs. Not all of them, but the newer ones.

I'll also agree that I'm not a fan of the finish or handles.

I've got a big ol' dent going through the finish on one on my BB2's. It happen WITH their cover on and carefully handled by me.

The handles just feel cheap and I hate the placement. I stick my fingers in the port to assist the lift when picking it up. I wish their was a handle on the top too.

While we're complaining, I hate the sideways speakon jacks. Every other amp and cab on the face of the earth has them oriented the right way. Why aren't these?

 

[pbass6811]

Nothing wrong with reminding him, I do it always and he is fine with that. They do not ignore you but have a huge orders number and load of incoming messages so just keep reminding and they will respond soon.

He and his people were pretty quick in getting back to me. There is the lag due to the fact that they are 9 hours ahead of us, and they don't work or answer emails on the weekend. Plus there is a holiday this weekend, and a lot of people take vacations this time of year.
Working with smaller companies like this takes getting used to. I know I'm used to instantaneous responses from big businesses with dedicated customer service personnel. These guys don't have those resources.

Thanks guys. I totally forgot this was Easter weekend. No worries.

Yeah, I'm used to dealing with smaller operations, in fact, I prefer it. The level of service I've received from companies like Valenti basses, Source Audio, Low Down Sound, Arkham Sound, Broughton Audio, et al, has far surpassed ANY interaction I've had with Fender, Crown, and a few other larger companies. Even Kiesel Custom Guitars, who seem to be starting to expand, has been more attentive than Fender ever was...

Back on topic- Anyone go from a big, multi-cab setup to a single BareFaced cab and just be blown away? I'm sure the BTII sounds great, but is it as great as an 810, or a 412, or 2x410? That's my only sticking point, if I'm gonna spend $1,450 on ONE 212 cab, I need it to put out the same loud as my 2x410 setup.

 

[maxmaroon]

While we're complaining, I hate the sideways speakon jacks. Every other amp and cab on the face of the earth has them oriented the right way. Why aren't these?

HAHA...this. I still haven't gotten used to the orientation!

 

[Lowendtech]

It's like saying Cindy Crawford looks like a Haggered old Crone because she has a rabbit poo mole on her face,

Great......now I have to clean up my coffee that I just snorked all over the floor.

 

[socialleper]

Thanks guys. I totally forgot this was Easter weekend. No worries.

Yeah, I'm used to dealing with smaller operations, in fact, I prefer it. The level of service I've received from companies like Valenti basses, Source Audio, Low Down Sound, Arkham Sound, Broughton Audio, et al, has far surpassed ANY interaction I've had with Fender, Crown, and a few other larger companies. Even Kiesel Custom Guitars, who seem to be starting to expand, has been more attentive than Fender ever was...

Back on topic- Anyone go from a big, multi-cab setup to a single BareFaced cab and just be blown away? I'm sure the BTII sounds great, but is it as great as an 810, or a 412, or 2x410? That's my only sticking point, if I'm gonna spend $1,450 on ONE 212 cab, I need it to put out the same loud as my 2x410 setup.

I wouldn't say "big" but I went from a GK 2 x 112 set up to a Super Twin. It was a easily manged rig already, but I was blown away by how light the Super Twin was. I can put it on my shoulder and carry it no problem.
I had my doubts about how loud it can be. I read all the literature and decided to take a chance on innovation. The first thing you will notice is how complete the tone is. "Flat" is an unattractive word for me. ALL of your frequencies are there and represented in the best ways. That alone makes it seem louder.
I ran it at practice next to an Ampeg 810 rig and it definitely held its own without sounding like I was pushing it too hard. I was playing with two guitar stacks running full tilt, so I'd say it does well.
I haven't been able to beat the stuffing out of it since we are recording right now and not practing as much.

 

[Tim1]

How long does it usually take Alex to respond? We started an email conversation a couple of days ago, and the last correspondence was from me to him a couple of days ago. I'm not complaining, I'm just curious.

I'm currently using either two Ampeg PN-410's or two LDS 15/6/1's. I'm really trying to lighten the load, but I admit that I'm a bit skeptical. Is the BTII really comparable to a 412 or an 810 in terms of output? I don't use anything at anywhere close to max volume, but I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

I'd love to hear from anyone that was gigging an 810, 2x410's, a 412, or really almost any multi-cab setup that would be bigger than a single 212, and switched to a Barefaced 212 and was blown away that a single 212 could do what their multi-cab setup was doing?

Thanks!

The more I use my Four 10 the more convinced I am that it will do most stages. I have a Fender neo 810 but have never AB'd the two side by side - that said, the more power I feed into the Four 10 it just gets louder without farting out. So light, too.
Sorry, I know you were asking about the 212.....

 

[RasGK]

Thanks guys. I totally forgot this was Easter weekend. No worries.

Yeah, I'm used to dealing with smaller operations, in fact, I prefer it. The level of service I've received from companies like Valenti basses, Source Audio, Low Down Sound, Arkham Sound, Broughton Audio, et al, has far surpassed ANY interaction I've had with Fender, Crown, and a few other larger companies. Even Kiesel Custom Guitars, who seem to be starting to expand, has been more attentive than Fender ever was...

Back on topic- Anyone go from a big, multi-cab setup to a single BareFaced cab and just be blown away? I'm sure the BTII sounds great, but is it as great as an 810, or a 412, or 2x410? That's my only sticking point, if I'm gonna spend $1,450 on ONE 212 cab, I need it to put out the same loud as my 2x410 setup.

I haven't owned an 8x10 per se, but I regularly use the Behringer and Ampeg 8x10s in a rented rehearsal room and in rented backlines, both which I have ab'd with my Supertwin, and I can tell you the Barefaced can definitely keep up with them volume wise, and do so while providing fuller lows at the same time.
I have done such tests with a Genz Benz Shuttle Max 9.2 and a Tecamp Puma 900, both fully crancked in a LOUD metal band with 2 Marshall halfstacks, keys and a heavy-handed drummer, and had no problem being heard...actually I have been asked to turn down a couple times while using the Barefaced, so no worries there.
In fact, I think the Supertwin can probably take more than both of these 900 watts amps can deliver, so perhaps I'll give it a try with a 1200 watts amp (not that I'll ever need that much volume, but just for curiosity's sake)...
I used to own a GK Neo410 and a Schroeder 21012L, and the Supertwin puts out substantially more volume and low end than this cabs, (while being also substantially lighter and much easier and comfortable to carry around), and so far I haven't been able to make it fart out, even with a lot of bass boost in both the amp and bass...my amps start clipping sooner...

 

[Mark Hughes]

Right on!

Thanks tim! Their prices, shipped to nz seem very very reasonable.

Yep very reasonable, I had to pay gst on my two BB2s but will claim that back.

 

[solarfly]

Hey everyone! Just want to report that I've been doing a couple of gigs here and there and recording/playing at live practice nearly every weekend with the BB2 and my Mesa Carbine M9 for a while now. Other bands and bassists consistently are blown away by how light this cab is and how much sound I get out of it. I dialed in a really sweet tone for jazz/blues for my Fender Jazz. It's punchy if I want it, great mids, awesome lows and very tight. The amount of control I have over the sound of the bass to get the exact tone I want is awesome and as you move further back in the crowd, I noticed the sound stays tight and sits really well within the mix. The drummer can hear things perfectly too with no monitor aimed at him for bass!

We're doing a couple of outdoor shows this summer so I'm still debating about adding another one, though the venues are small and we probably won't need it. I've never had to turn up very much to get good levels. Running the Mesa Carbine M9 into one cab is only 8ohm, so we're really only maxing at around 300W but my volumes aren't set anywhere near that.

And several times now, I've had to turn down for the guitarists I love that.

 

[sratas]

As far as handles and finishes go, I have to say something

The first BB2 I ordered was custom made for me, or it was intended as it by barefaced. It had two handles. One on each side, so that when lifting it .i could do it with two hands.

It proved to be a good thing, comfy, albeit with an added price and the no return policy because it was a one of a kind custom order. Barefaced does not usually do custom orders, but Alex wanted to see how it would come out, so he accepted.

Unfortunately it has been stolen. My current bb2 is one handled.

Finish: no kess than the two bergs ae210 I owned. In fact, the bergs sucked in comparison. The sprayed finish was very cheap and delicate. The one of the barefaced seems to ge tougher and thicker.

Anyway...I prefer old school tolex if possible on my cabs.

 

[Dave W]

The hardware and covering choices are likely heavily based on weight savings.

 

[lomo]

The hardware and covering choices are likely heavily based on weight savings.

And cost? The Berg tolex is nicer.....much, IMHO. I realize that recessed bar handles would entail more changes to the box, but they simply work better in all ways.