Are the 1212 and 1515 cabs ported? Just curious...
Of all the cabinets I've had in my 36+ yr history, my faves have always been sealed cabs... First one was a '66 Fender Showman 2x15, followed by a physically and sonically similar Vox T100 cab... Too many to list after that. But the most famous beast was "the fridge" - a '76 SVT 8x10 cab... For those of you familiar... 'nuff said! Those who are not, it would part hair 30+ feet away, but wasn't loud enough on stage! Plus it requires an army to move!
Now on to better and lighter cabinets!
Probably THE most problematic aspect of being a bassist is getting the right tone at the right volume level for the situation... Guitarists pale by comparison when it comes to a this problem... Their sound is mid-range, and fairly easy to produce, even with a 20 watt open back combo (I know 'cause I'm a guitarist too!). However, every gig is a bit different for a bassist... Or is it? Maybe I just haven't found the right amp and cabinet yet!!!
Inside, or outside?
Big venue, or small club?
Does the gig have a sound man?
Does he know what he's doing?
Would it matter anyway? (in other words, can anything be done about it if he does not know what he's doing?)
Most of my live sits do NOT include a sound man... So that means I must fit the power and cabs to the venue... Have I been there before? Is the dominant note of the stage or room F? G? A? Which note will the stage/room "eat" (make disappear)?
So, personally I find it easier to "tune/tame" a room with a sealed cabinet, due to the smoother bass roll-off in the lower frequencies. The question then becomes, how many square feet do I need to fill, at what decibel level?
My goal is to take the smallest, lightest gear possible and still "fill" the venue. 'Cause whether guitarists or drummers like it or not, the bassist provides the foundation, and energy for the gig. Yeah, its the lead singer and lead guitarist that get the attention, and the drummer who provides the beat/time... But everywhere I've played, the audience gets more excited if the bass is strong, even though they don't know or understand it!!!
What say you?
