Small Cabs, Small Gigs, Small Budget

[tigerfire]

I have a 4x10 for situations where more volume is appropriate, but when I do smaller/acoustic sets I would like to have a smaller and easier to move cabinet since the 4x10 is unnecessary. It seems like 1x12s are a good option, but the new prices on many of them seem a bit high. So, does anyone have any suggestions for best values on 1x12 or other highly portable cabs smaller than my 4x10 that would work with the HA5500 that I have?

 

[Jaco who?]

You're right, some of them are outrageous. $790 for a Aguilar SL112? It's nuts.
The GK neo112 or the Traynor TC112 would be a few to try that are almost reasonable.

 

[tigerfire]

Even in the used market the few that there are seem to be pretty pricey, with most of them going for more than I paid for my Goliath III when I bought it. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check those out.

 

[scottfeldstein]

The GK Neo 112s are very popular around here. I myself have one of the Neo 212 cabs and it kills.

 

[jnewmark]

Try the classifieds here on TB for a used cab. GK small cabs are a great value for the buck. I know what you mean by sticker shock; I recently got a quote on a boutique 210 for $1400!

 

[CL400Peavey]

There is a thread started by Duke Lejune about building a small, yet capable cab on a budget. I would go search it out.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I use a SWR Goliath JrIII for low volume applications, enough to keep up with unamplified drums no problem.

 

[lomo]

+1 to the GK Neo112. At 399 it's well-priced and very good. Otherwise look used.

 

[worxforme]

I use a GK neo 412 for larger work and GK neo 112 for small stuff.

As other have said look to the GK neo 112, 300 watts and sounds great for most every small application. I like it for all small gigs, yet there are plenty of people that play with their equipment at home more than in a band setting and can tell you all the sonic dynamics and why something isn't perfect, so opinions will very. Just know that when it comes to what you want it for it's great.

You can get one of those used for a low price and it sounds good and it is a featherweight. For the price, sound and weight you can't find a better cab for the small stuff.

 

[knumbskull]

Fender Rumble 112 is surprisingly good for very little money.

 

[Ewo]

There is a thread started by Duke Lejune about building a small, yet capable cab on a budget. I would go search it out.

Yup. Here's the title of the thread:

Low-cost DIY practice/coffeehouse tweeterless 110

 

[Lo-E]

Not my favorite 112 of all time, but not bad at all - and for just under 300 clams, it's hard to go wrong!

http://www.avatarspeakers.com/sB112.htm

These got a lot of attention here on TB for a while, but other flavors of the month seem to have taken the spotlight since.

 

[lowJPG]

Have you tried playing through the PA only?

 

[basss]

I have a GK neo112ii that I love but I think it would be overkill for small gigs - that thing get loud!

The Eden EX112 is the least expensive 12 that I wouldn't mind owning. Never tried it myself but it gets good reviews from those who have.

 

[tigerfire]

Thanks for all the quick suggestions. I don't usually run into the PA for small stuff because the only monitors for we usually use for acoustic stuff are just basic wedges for the vocalists. (Come to think of it, the PA is basically vocal only on the small ones.) Otherwise traveling light with just a decent DI would be fine by me. For right now though a small cab seems best. Right now Avatar, GK, Fender, Eden, and the Duke Lejeune DIY are the recommended contenders. Thoughts and pros/cons would be appreciated. For those who have already offered advice, thank you.

 

[bherman]

Yup. Here's the title of the thread:

Low-cost DIY practice/coffeehouse tweeterless 110

I built one of these and use it often - I did find that I needed a higher-rated driver, but still ended up with a really light cab that is fine for small gigs and practice

 

[bherman]

Might also want to look at Genz Benz Focus series - I tried one at a local store and thought it was pretty good. Not sure of national pricing, but I could have picked it up on sale for <300.

Depending on where you are, local Craigslist is good too (though you might have to wait awhile for something to come around). There's been an Aggie 112 advertised locally for $300 for some time.