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Vintage Cabs: Do's & Don'ts

mastertemps

mastertemps

Guest
Jan 19, 2015
13
3
37
Springfield, MO
#1
Hey TB!

Well I wasn't planning on buying a new cab, buuuut...... I picked up this vintage cab (Ampeg B42X model) along with an Ampeg B2-R head- paid $250 for both the head and cab. Sounds AMAZING and I think it has the tone I've been searching for a long time.

Here's what I know (or at least I think I know):
-It's super old, late 60's/early 70's. Still has all of the original speakers, components, etc.
-Speakers: 4x12s
-8 ohms

And this is what I DON'T know:
-Is this a guitar cab or bass cab? Not sure, but either way it sounds great with my head and P-bass.
-Anybody have any ideas on power handling for an old school cab like this? Would the B2-R be a good
match for this cab? (I also have an SVT 3-Pro head). This thing can get loud for sure, but the last thing I
want to do is blow any speakers. I'm a little paranoid about this because I had to replace two speakers in
my Mesa cab this summer and it wasn't too pleasant... that's what happens when you let a clueless local
metal band borrow your gear...

Never used this cab live yet, just at home. I have a church conference coming up that I'm playing at and want to learn as much as I can about this cab so I can use it properly. Any info would be super helpful!

Thanks!

IMG_9080.jpg
 
#3
You could pull a speaker out and see which model it is - or if they're even still original. Old speakers could be shot with dried out glue (?) and might not take the punishment of newer speakers. I'd inspect the speakers first before putting any volume through it. Otherwise, at lower volume levels, have fun with it! If it does blow the speakers at low volume, then they were likely on their way out anyways. And if you bought them as a pair, its likely the cab has already been used for bass.
 
#4
The B42X Jupiter was a 55w guitar head/cab "piggyback" rig with a 412. In those days, it would have come with either CTS speakers or Altec 417B's. Was built to be a guitar cab, but like most of their cabs, probably could pull double duty as a bass cab, although power handling would be quite low compared to modern stuff. Mind you, I'm only guessing here, but comparable cabs in those days could handle like 120-150w.
 
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#5
ashtray said:
You could pull a speaker out and see which model it is - or if they're even still original. Old speakers could be shot with dried out glue (?) and might not take the punishment of newer speakers. I'd inspect the speakers first before putting any volume through it. Otherwise, at lower volume levels, have fun with it! If it does blow the speakers at low volume, then they were likely on their way out anyways. And if you bought them as a pair, its likely the cab has already been used for bass.
Click to expand...
My thoughts exactly, even though it wouldn't hurt to inspect the speakers. I know this head/cab combo has had at least two previous owners before me, both bass players as well.
 
#6
JimmyM said:
The B42X Jupiter was a 55w guitar head/cab "piggyback" rig with a 412. In those days, it would have come with either CTS speakers or Altec 417B's. Was built to be a guitar cab, but like most of their cabs, probably could pull double duty as a bass cab, although power handling would be quite low compared to modern stuff. Mind you, I'm only guessing here, but comparable cabs in those days could handle like 120-150w.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Jimmy! As much as I love my 3-Pro head, would the B-2R be the better match for this cab since it's rated at 200w at 8 ohms? I think the 3-Pro puts out 275-300w at 8 ohms.
 
#7
mastertemps said:
Thanks, Jimmy! As much as I love my 3-Pro head, would the B-2R be the better match for this cab since it's rated at 200w at 8 ohms? I think the 3-Pro puts out 275-300w at 8 ohms.
Click to expand...
Absolutely not! The 3 Pro blows away the B2R! Just use common sense, your ears, and the volume knob, and don't try to make it take more power than it's capable. HINT: if it sounds like it's going to explode, it will.
 
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#9
I've been under the impression that the B2R and the SVT3Pro have the exact same power section, earlier versions of each were at 350 watts (@4ohms) while the newer versions of each got bumped up to 450 watts. Obviously the SVT3 has the far better and preferred pre-amp.
 
#10
BasturdBlaster said:
I've been under the impression that the B2R and the SVT3Pro have the exact same power section, earlier versions of each were at 350 watts (@4ohms) while the newer versions of each got bumped up to 450 watts. Obviously the SVT3 has the far better and preferred pre-amp.
Click to expand...
No, they don't have the same power amp. The 3 Pro has a tube driver section in the power amp, so it wins.
 
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#13
hertmntpizza97 said:
Does this have the whiteish/gray Altecs? Had one like it once w/ those. Pulled 'em an put a pair in a bluesbreaker (gtr combo). Fresh as winter!
Click to expand...
I'm honestly not sure! I think I've mentioned this on every thread I've posted, but I'm not very "tech savvy" when it comes to maintenance/repair/etc. Might get a buddy to come inspect it for me, so I'll find out then!
 
#17
Seeing as you have 12" speakers - possibly guitar speakers - you might want to see exactly what you have. Some vintage speakers can sell for $100-200 a piece. If you have some valuable speakers you could sell them off and buy a nice bass cabinet. If you don't have valuable speakers, you can crank it up till they blow! :D
 

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