Picking cabinets for a Mesa WD 800

Mesa Boogie Subway 112 + 115 would cover everything, including lightweight.

 

If you're unable to lift correctly, bad knees could end up as a bad back. That's what I was stupid enough to do!! Now I've got both!

I believe the Subway 12's mix with the 15's, so you could have one of each. I went with 2 Barefaced 112 cabs. That's a lot of tone and a lot of volume for 2 21lb lifts.

 

I have an equivalent of a 212 when I use both my 112's. The volume and tone is good but the big benefit for me is that every time I move a cab I'm only lifting half the weight.

I use both cabs for 90% of my gigs. They still sound excellent at low volume. I have used 1 cab when the load in has been difficult and it's a low volume gig.

Separate cabs give more flexibility.

 

In addition to weight, the shape of the cab influences things. I prefer a shallower cab as I find it easier to carry and easier to fight on tight stages. Been gigging Audio Kinesis Hathor H1203 for years now (25 lbs, 14" wide x 14" deep), and have the slightly taller version as a second cab when I need to push more air. I cover most of my gigs with one cab though.

 

I am over 60 and use a WD800 as my primary gigging amp. I play a similar mix of styles as you describe in your OP.

I have several cab options, but currently use the Bergantino CN212 as my goto cab for 90%+ of my gigs. I also have a CN112 that I can add for a 312 stack if really needed (not very often in my situation). Berg cabs sound great with the WD800.

Of course, I have also read that the Subway cabs, in their various configs, unsurprisingly also sound great with the WD800.
If you need to get loud from time to time, its possible the Subway 2x15 could be a good fit. Its a very compact 2x15 cab, and while I have become a huge fan of 12" driver loaded cabs, there is something to be said about the bit bigger 2x15 format if it has been intelligently engineered (as would be expected from an agedhorse/Mesa design).

good news here is that there are lots of good cab options for you to choose from, and the WD800 is a stellar amp.
so ... win-win!

good luck

 

I'm '70 and very happy with a 212, but don't need to do stairs very often. I have a d800 and a fEARful 12/12/6/1 (a 212 cab). They are amazing for blues, jazz, rock, gospel, reggae, etc. I use this rig with upright and electric a lot.

However, I think two 112 cabs from mesa or barefaced, or even two 12/6/1 or a 12/61 + 12sub might be a better option for stairs. Start out with one cab, and add the second later.

 

Do those casters lock on that cart?
That would be a phat way to hold my rig, my cocktail and an ashtray.....

 

What size rooms are we talking about? How many people?

My hunch is that two of the 112 Subway cabs should get it done for small to medium rooms as long as your drummer and guitar player aren't too crazy loud. They would also meet your portability needs. Throw the head in a bag over your shoulder. Grab a 112 in each hand. If it's a fairly flat load in, a small cart would handle all of it easy. Whataya think, Andy?
@agedhorse

 

No they don't lock, but I never had any problems...

 

I'd put in a word for a pair of the Subway 1-15 cabs--or one of the Subway 2-15s. You'll have plenty of muscle on tap, and IMHO the Subway 15s have great midrange clarity and definition.

 

I daydream about my future Mesa rig all the time, so FWIW. 2 Cabs and 2 flights of stairs-- I would suggest the Mesa Subway 112 at 32.9 lbs and the 115 at 37.9 lbs. The 212 or 215 are 52 lbs. and 60 lbs., respectively, which would make the trek up the stairs challenging. The single cabs are 400W at 8 ohms each, so a third cab down the road is an option as well.

 

I love the sound from my Mesa Subway 15; it’s definitely worth the extra 5lbs over the 12 to me.