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Practice/Small Gig Cab

SplinteredSkull

SplinteredSkull

Guest
Jul 20, 2013
937
487
Roanoke, VA
#1
I'm looking to get a smaller cabinet to use for practices and acoustic/small gigs so I don't have to lug my Mesa 2x12 around all the time. I've been thinking either a 1x12 or a 2x10

Criteria: I would like a cabinet that is under 60lbs, moderately priced (below $400 new or good condition used), and is at least 300W or more, preferably 4 ohm. I would like it to not sound too far off from my Mesa (punchy and defined, not overly bright)

I've been looking at the GK 1x12, an Avatar cab, or maybe a Carvin. Any suggestions on what might be best of those 3 or something else to look into? I use a GK 700RB-II head. Just looking to get a good amount of sound out of a smaller package without breaking the bank
 
#2
tough list of expectations- $400 is only going to get you so far (unfortunately). I think GK would be a good choice though in that price range. Light, low, and cheap= really tough to find ;) Gonna get a lot more for your money used obviously. I use a GK1001rbii so I can guess what you're looking for. It was originally in a 210 combo and sounded great and much bigger than it's size. Those old GK210s were fantastic, but not light. Best of luck!!
 
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#8
SplinteredSkull said:
I've been looking at the GK 1x12, an Avatar cab, or maybe a Carvin. Any suggestions on what might be best of those 3 or something else to look into? I use a GK 700RB-II head. Just looking to get a good amount of sound out of a smaller package without breaking the bank
Click to expand...

For rehearsals and acoustic gigs, I've been loving the Carvin 115MB Extension cabinet, instead of my Schroeder 212PL. I swapped out the 1/4 with a Speakon. Great punch and surprisingly capable for its size. Certainly not overly bright; it's tweeterless. It's a very easy carry (30lbs), super compact and it's not going to break the bank.
 
#9
tastybasslines said:
Why are you preferential to 4 ohm?
2, 12 inch, 8 ohm cabs is nice and modular, and you can run both at 4 ohm if you wanted to.
Click to expand...

I just want to draw the maximum amount of power from my amp. And I don't plan to hook it up with another 1x12 since I already have a 2x12

CL400Peavey said:
But it meets his budget, is 4 Ohms, isnt overly bright, and is easy to come by.
Click to expand...

Fair point sir ;) but being small and semi-light are important criteria. I couldn't fit an 8x10 in my VW Beetle regardless haha
 
#10
SplinteredSkull said:
I just want to draw the maximum amount of power from my amp. And I don't plan to hook it up with another 1x12 since I already have a 2x12



Fair point sir ;) but being small and semi-light are important criteria. I couldn't fit an 8x10 in my VW Beetle regardless haha
Click to expand...

If it is a small gig, who cares if you have the full power from your amp.

But a used GK neo, turn your eq so it sounds the way you like.
 
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#17
The GK Neo has high reviews from a lot of cab folks - it really is a great cab for the price, you should be able to get one for $250 used if you shop around. Find two for $500 and you've got a pair of cabs that can handle a *lot* of serious gigs, yet a single is still a dead easy one-hand load for small gigs.
 
#19
I wandered into a music store a few months ago and ended up walking out with a used Carvin AG112 cabinet for about $50. This cab has been a real God send, and it sounds really good for smaller venues with my Gk MB500. With upright bass, I use a Genz Benz 3.0 and the sound is just stellar.
 
#20
I was fortunate and scored an Eden WTX264 & ETX 1-10 when Best Buy decided to scrap their Musical Instrument Departments. That amp and little 10" speaker has impressed several bass players because of size and weight.

Recently, I was doing some open mic nights with friends and realized what a pain it was to set up and amp and cabinet just to do 3 or 4 songs. I bought a Fender Rumble 40 just for practices, open mic and smaller venues. With a $400 budget you could buy a Fender Rumble 100 combo that weights 22 lbs. and has a MSRP of $299.99 USD. I don't know what they did but their is some serious sound for money and weight. My Rumble 40 v3 weights 18# and retails for $199.99.
 

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