Official Barefaced Bass Cab Club

[Wxp4759cb]

Hello,

I am not a “member” of the club yet, but would like to be one. If this is the wrong place to ask questions for a prospective buyer though, please feel free to delete. (I did email barefaced a week ago, but haven’t heard back yet).

First, is there any info on what the frequency response specification actually shows? For both the bb3 and the super twin it shows down to 30hz. Is that 30hz @ -3db, 30hz @ -10db, or something else? If googled but have been unable to find this information.

Also, as mentioned above both the bb3 and super twin the low of 30hz is the same, but the bb3 supposedly goes lower than the super twin (it is a little hard to tell from youtube clips). So, this kind of goes with the first question, but are they measuring the 30hz differently between the different can specs?

Lastly, I’m torn between the big baby 3 and the super twin (with tweeter). I play both electric bass and upright bass. I want something that is loud and full for the electric, but as neutral as possible for the upright. Both are 4 string, I.e. no low B string.

Right now I play a tone hammer 500 through a very heavy Aguilar gs212. I’m tired of lugging the 70lb cab around. For some shows, however, it barely provides enough volume. I’m going to upgrade the amp to a bergantino forte hp2x to have plenty of power. Would the big baby 3 be loud and full enough with that setup or am I going to wish I had the super twin? BB3 is 10 pounds lighter and has the horn which may sound better for upright bass upper mids? I don’t want to sound anemic when playing electric full tilt though. I also think 2 BB3s or 2 super compacts is going to be too tall - I don’t want to look like Im trying to be a rockstar bringing a full stack to a low key (but loud) show on upright bass. lol.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: lately I’ve been playing electric bass more frequently than upright, but that could always switch back to upright more frequently. Thus, I just want something that would be great for either.

Edit2: this may be heresy, but the other cab I am considering is 2 genzler bass array 1x12s.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Hello,

I am not a “member” of the club yet, but would like to be one. If this is the wrong place to ask questions for a prospective buyer though, please feel free to delete. (I did email barefaced a week ago, but haven’t heard back yet).

First, is there any info on what the frequency response specification actually shows? For both the bb3 and the super twin it shows down to 30hz. Is that 30hz @ -3db, 30hz @ -10db, or something else? If googled but have been unable to find this information.

Also, as mentioned above both the bb3 and super twin the low of 30hz is the same, but the bb3 supposedly goes lower than the super twin (it is a little hard to tell from youtube clips). So, this kind of goes with the first question, but are they measuring the 30hz differently between the different can specs?

Lastly, I’m torn between the big baby 3 and the super twin (with tweeter). I play both electric bass and upright bass. I want something that is loud and full for the electric, but as neutral as possible for the upright. Both are 4 string, I.e. no low B string.

Right now I play a tone hammer 500 through a very heavy Aguilar gs212. I’m tired of lugging the 70lb cab around. For some shows, however, it barely provides enough volume. I’m going to upgrade the amp to a bergantino forte hp2x to have plenty of power. Would the big baby 3 be loud and full enough with that setup or am I going to wish I had the super twin? BB3 is 10 pounds lighter and has the horn which may sound better for upright bass upper mids? I don’t want to sound anemic when playing electric full tilt though. I also think 2 BB3s or 2 super compacts is going to be too tall - I don’t want to look like Im trying to be a rockstar bringing a full stack to a low key (but loud) show on upright bass. lol.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: lately I’ve been playing electric bass more frequently than upright, but that could always switch back to upright more frequently. Thus, I just want something that would be great for either.

Edit2: this may be heresy, but the other cab I am considering is 2 genzler bass array 1x12s.

I do not play upright, but IMHO a forte HP thru a SuperTwin T for the win...especially if your current rig isnt loud enough. I have both (no T though)

 

[Wxp4759cb]

I do not play upright, but IMHO a forte HP thru a SuperTwin T for the win...especially if your current rig isnt loud enough. I have both (no T though)

Thanks! Yes, I meant the super twin t when I referenced the super twin.

On the super twin t, is the crossover at fixed frequency like a traditional cab or is it variable like the bb3? If it is fixed, does anyone know the crossover frequency?

 

[monsterthompson]

On the super twin t, is the crossover at fixed frequency like a traditional cab or is it variable like the bb3? If it is fixed, does anyone know the crossover frequency?

Looks like the same variable crossover.

 

[RColie]

Hello,

I am not a “member” of the club yet, but would like to be one. If this is the wrong place to ask questions for a prospective buyer though, please feel free to delete. (I did email barefaced a week ago, but haven’t heard back yet).

First, is there any info on what the frequency response specification actually shows? For both the bb3 and the super twin it shows down to 30hz. Is that 30hz @ -3db, 30hz @ -10db, or something else? If googled but have been unable to find this information.

Also, as mentioned above both the bb3 and super twin the low of 30hz is the same, but the bb3 supposedly goes lower than the super twin (it is a little hard to tell from youtube clips). So, this kind of goes with the first question, but are they measuring the 30hz differently between the different can specs?

Lastly, I’m torn between the big baby 3 and the super twin (with tweeter). I play both electric bass and upright bass. I want something that is loud and full for the electric, but as neutral as possible for the upright. Both are 4 string, I.e. no low B string.

Right now I play a tone hammer 500 through a very heavy Aguilar gs212. I’m tired of lugging the 70lb cab around. For some shows, however, it barely provides enough volume. I’m going to upgrade the amp to a bergantino forte hp2x to have plenty of power. Would the big baby 3 be loud and full enough with that setup or am I going to wish I had the super twin? BB3 is 10 pounds lighter and has the horn which may sound better for upright bass upper mids? I don’t want to sound anemic when playing electric full tilt though. I also think 2 BB3s or 2 super compacts is going to be too tall - I don’t want to look like Im trying to be a rockstar bringing a full stack to a low key (but loud) show on upright bass. lol.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: lately I’ve been playing electric bass more frequently than upright, but that could always switch back to upright more frequently. Thus, I just want something that would be great for either.

Edit2: this may be heresy, but the other cab I am considering is 2 genzler bass array 1x12s.

More heresy here. I have not heard a BareFaced cab, but TalkBass likes them a lot. I have heard and played through Genzler bass array cabs, and I would highly recommend them, especially since you double. They are very smooth and neutral, and reproduce the mids and highs wonderfully. They also have excellent dispersion. I imagine you'll be happy either way.

 

[Superbird]

Hello,

I am not a “member” of the club yet, but would like to be one. If this is the wrong place to ask questions for a prospective buyer though, please feel free to delete. (I did email barefaced a week ago, but haven’t heard back yet).

First, is there any info on what the frequency response specification actually shows? For both the bb3 and the super twin it shows down to 30hz. Is that 30hz @ -3db, 30hz @ -10db, or something else? If googled but have been unable to find this information.

Also, as mentioned above both the bb3 and super twin the low of 30hz is the same, but the bb3 supposedly goes lower than the super twin (it is a little hard to tell from youtube clips). So, this kind of goes with the first question, but are they measuring the 30hz differently between the different can specs?

Lastly, I’m torn between the big baby 3 and the super twin (with tweeter). I play both electric bass and upright bass. I want something that is loud and full for the electric, but as neutral as possible for the upright. Both are 4 string, I.e. no low B string.

Right now I play a tone hammer 500 through a very heavy Aguilar gs212. I’m tired of lugging the 70lb cab around. For some shows, however, it barely provides enough volume. I’m going to upgrade the amp to a bergantino forte hp2x to have plenty of power. Would the big baby 3 be loud and full enough with that setup or am I going to wish I had the super twin? BB3 is 10 pounds lighter and has the horn which may sound better for upright bass upper mids? I don’t want to sound anemic when playing electric full tilt though. I also think 2 BB3s or 2 super compacts is going to be too tall - I don’t want to look like Im trying to be a rockstar bringing a full stack to a low key (but loud) show on upright bass. lol.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: lately I’ve been playing electric bass more frequently than upright, but that could always switch back to upright more frequently. Thus, I just want something that would be great for either.

Edit2: this may be heresy, but the other cab I am considering is 2 genzler bass array 1x12s.

I've had a year now with a BB3 purchased new and I really think it can be a great doubling solution (I've doubled on upright and slab for many years live). I've been repeatedly told to turn down in my recent surf rock project which does get quite loud at times. It's easily loud enough to be in the feedback zone for most uprights. The only reason I would go with the ST is the form factor. The small portrait cab is just a great shape. The BB3 is 22 inches high and I need to reach down for amp adjustments. Not a big deal, but it's compact. All that said, I just placed an order for a Three 10. The 12XN gives you ultimately clarity and tons of excellent low end. Which is great, but for me, it requires a fair amount of tone shaping to get to where I want to go. The Three 10 goes right into the warm fat "15-inch" place that I grew up in. Will be fun to try them side by side. I may keep both of them. Hard to go wrong with any BF products

 

[rapidfirerob]

I can't imagine being unhappy with any Barefaced cabs. I only play electric and have a One10T and a One10. It sounds fantastic,
is a really loud set up and goes way low. A Three10 would be an incredible cab, I'm sure. Barefaced rules!

 

[D to the C]

I don’t play upright but I have two BB3’s and can tell you a BB3 is a frfr cabinet so should work for both and can go very very loud if needed and only weighs 30 lbs.

 

[John D Harris]

I do not play upright, but IMHO a forte HP thru a SuperTwin T for the win...especially if your current rig isnt loud enough. I have both (no T though)

I'd second that rec.

If you have volume concerns, the ST-T (esp. w/Forte HP) will completely alleviate those concerns and to me, the ST would be an easier form factor for portability compared to the BB3.

 

[NotAGardener]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

 

[Guitarodeo]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

Do you ever see yourself playing with a drummer on a kit? If not, the One10 is all you need. If so, adjust your volume, style, and tweeter requirements upwards from there to decide between the SM and SC. You could also add another One10 later if you want a modular growth solution. Also, I'd define the 10s as a more old school sound vs neutral 12s that purely amplify whatever you put into them. I have had the One10 and the SC, and loved them both. Enjoy your new obsession. It is a worthy and noble hobby.

 

[eric9353]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

If you haven't yet, you should also email Barefaced (think they strongly suggest / require before purchasing so you have a better chance of getting what you want). For me, I told them what gear I've used that I like and what I was aiming for, and Alex responded with thoughts on which of their cabs would be ideal for that sound and volume needs. Still waiting on the cab, so the jury is still out, but reading over this thread it seems like he has a good batting average for suggesting the right cabs.

 

[monsterthompson]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

If you don’t need big volume, I’d suggest the One10 if you want a “traditional” voiced bass cab. If you want a little more neutral/monitor response, then a SM. I’ve had the One10, SM, SC, and currently have a pair of BB2 cabs for PA use (though I haven’t used them in a while). The One10 and SM are the ones I miss the most. There was something about the SM feel that I liked over the SC, though the SC output made it more practical for what I was up to.
…Theoretically, if I could find someone willing to trade a pair of SMs for a pair of BB2s, I might consider that trade.

 

[ihixulu]

I emailed Alex before buying my ST and it was a good experience. He's knowledgable and very helpful. I'm very happy with my decision. (And I am an unabashed ST fanboy so my advice is for you to get an ST, it's a killer cab.)

 

[BlueTalon]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

I don't have quite as many years under my belt as you, but I'm in my seventh decade. I decided several years ago that I'm allowed to get nice things for myself, when I can afford them. So I say treat yourself, if you're in a position to do so.

 

[lomo]

I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

Nothing is wrong. Breathe deeply. If you have the budget for it, I'd advise a 110T + small head of choice. It'll sound much better than your combo, and be light enough to haul to a jam (or from room to room, or out to onto the porch) well into your next decade + AND it'll be enough to play along with a "reserved drummer" or allow you to add a 2nd one for a stack when you unexpectedly end up in a band 8 months from now and have the itch to gig.

 

[R Flynn]

Nothing is wrong. Breathe deeply. If you have the budget for it, I'd advise a 110T + small head of choice. It'll sound much better than your combo, and be light enough to haul to a jam (or from room to room, or out to onto the porch) well into your next decade + AND it'll be enough to play along with a "reserved drummer" or allow you to add a 2nd one for a stack when you unexpectedly end up in a band 8 months from now and have the itch to gig

My first combo was a PJB Double Four which worked fine. At some stage I realised it had a wolf tone on G, particularly around the 12th fret and it was time to move on. A One10T and head has been wonderful. I overdid it with a Bergantino head. The Bergantino does provide; aux in (for backing tracks), headphone out, and effects loop. The One10T fits under a bench when not in use, is too loud for domestic use if needed, has plenty of headroom at that volume, and can be carried around one handed if needed. The sound is much warmer than the PJB, somewhere on the website Barefaced do advise the 10s are more ‘traditional’ and 12s are more ‘modern’. Its a warm hifi as opposed to gooey, wallowy warmth.

 

[rapidfirerob]

Nothing is wrong. Breathe deeply. If you have the budget for it, I'd advise a 110T + small head of choice. It'll sound much better than your combo, and be light enough to haul to a jam (or from room to room, or out to onto the porch) well into your next decade + AND it'll be enough to play along with a "reserved drummer" or allow you to add a 2nd one for a stack when you unexpectedly end up in a band 8 months from now and have the itch to gig.

This right here. I have a One10T and a One10. Just amazing cabs. Start with a One10 or One10T as suggested. Barefaced rules!

 

[NotAGardener]

Thank you all for your input; it was helpful.

I unexpectedly got an education yesterday. Our bass player, an experienced, life long bass playing musician of my age invited me to his place to audition my little Peavey amp alongside three of his cabs/heads. I’d been wanting to do that for a while but with holidays and all that jazz it fell off my radar. But yesterday the phone rang and I loaded up.

Warmed up and ready to go when I arrived were a Genzler BA-10 + Magellan 350, an Aguilar GS 112 (with a newer generation12” driver) + Magellan 800, and a 12” cab + head which I don’t remember but were also high end, quite good stuff. I used my Kiloton to play scales and the box patterns in the first few pages of Method Book-2, for two or three hours. I used his LB-100 (Thomastik flat wounds, mine round wounds) as well.

I’ll make it short: Everything sounded great, including my Peavey 158 Max! Of course each of the four had it’s own voice but in the relevant volume range my Peavey sounded as much like a bass amp/cab as the others; both of us kept remarking on it, that the Peavey sounded like a proper bass cab, just without the higher power/SPL capability of the others.

I had assumed there would be meaningful tonal differences; that mine would sound significantly lacking by comparison but that wasn’t the case at all. It turns out that this is a great little portable, practice/student amp that sounds like a bass amp should.

The upshot, there are three actually, is that:

1) I’m suddenly very happy and satisfied with my little rig and will just continue practicing.

2) When the day comes that I’m playing bass with others and I need horsepower, I won’t hesitate to grab a nice cab/amp.

3) I’m going to get some flats (I really liked the feel, ease of using them and their sound), a Unitune (way easier than the tuner on the Peavey) and a set of the strap/bass connector thingies that won’t come off accidentally!

Thanks again for the ideas and benefit of your perspectives.

 

[watt]

This is looney; I am, right this second, working on the first four pages of Ed's Method Book 2 and I have, for the past few weeks become totally obsessed with getting a small Barefaced cab. My little Peavey 158 Max is everything I need for where I am now or likely will be for the foreseeable future! But I can't shake the desire for a One10, SM or SC. What is wrong with me?

I'm a late blooming drummer of modest but useful chops, and at nearly 70 years old there's not enough time for me to become terribly skilled with electric bass; I'll never play out. But this itch for a Barefaced cab is seriously intense. On the chance that I open the gate to this fruit-cake idea I might as well ask a question that's impossible to answer; which one, and why? I don't need big volume I just want to know that my cabinet and amp, and I have no clue which amp that would be, are delivering superb reflection of whatever it is I'm managing to do.

A retired engineer who often swam against the conventional tide, seeing others revisit first principles and come up with the clever engineering that has gone into these cabinets tickles me no end.

I may not be able to play bass, but I am seriously addicted to it. Break time is over, back to page 3 before the sun comes up.

I feel better just getting this off my chest; perhaps there's a 12-step program I can get into.

Thanks for indulging me, cheers, John

bassslinger john,

I love my super compact, really do.

huge giant recommend from me for it!

I have never played through a 110, sorry but I love my super compact: incredible speakerbox. much respect to alex for bringing this, much respect!!


on bass, watt

mike watt's hoot page

mike watt's hoot page. here's a page put up on the web by me to let folks know what's up in my wack life. I live in pedro. I work the thud staff. I jam econo.

hootpage.com