What comes first -- speaker or cabinet?

[thejumpcat]

I'm buying (another) Morgan MP200 head. I see that Joe Morgan does not make either this head or the 4x10 bass cabinet anymore.
I'd like to get a cabinet made to match the head's tolex (assuming I can buy some of that off Joe, too).
I've had a lot of cabinets over the years -- 1x15; 2x10; 4x10; 2x12 -- and I think I prefer the sound of a 2x12.
This particular head will do 2, 4 or 8 ohms.
So the question is, does one select the particular speakers first and then have a cabinet designed to fit those, or vice versa?
I'm 6'6", so a vertical 2x12 or at least one with the speakers offset so that it's higher, would be great. Ideally, the cabinet width would match the width of the head. So, does that just leave the cabinet depth and height as the variables?
Sorry, I'm not real hip to this science. I did recently do the Ampeg B100R modification that AstroSonic suggested (replacing the 15" with a 10") and really like the resulting sound.
Thanks!

 

[BurningSkies]

Cabinets are always designed AROUND particular speakers...if done right.

 

[Bmorefoozler]

Pick a speaker you like, design the cabinet around the particular driver.
10's, 12's and 15's don't really each have their own sound, different speakers in different boxes sound differently.
That said, 2 off the shelf 8 ohm 12' drivers would make a nice box for under that head.
However, depending ow wide the head is, 2 15" drivers might fit that width with better dimensions in the other directions for a bass cab. Being too shallow front to back can certainly be an issue for a cab that occupies the correct internal volume.

I would think that Don Oatman at Low Down Sound would be a good source if you don't wish to do all of the work yourself. He might even be able to track down the correct tolex and would almost certainly use provided tolex for the project if you were to source it.

If you plan to DIY and would like assistance, the guys that can do so would need the width of the head, some specific cabs who's tone you would like to emulate and your budget.

 

[carl h.]

Do a check on Greenboy. It's at least worth a read before you commit to anything.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

Do a check on Greenboy. It's at least worth a read before you commit to anything.

Take a look at their fEARful 12/12/6, or perhaps a pair of the 12/6.
http://greenboy.us/cabs/
The fEARful line has free plans.
Forum for help during the build.

Or if you want one built for you, the FEARLESS F212 has been getting great reviews, that one available from builders only.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[thejumpcat]

I'll check with Don at LDS. I own two of his used 15" cabs. I wouldn't know what speakers two start it with.

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Choose what requirements as far as sound and volume are, pick a cabinet and speaker together to match that. Starting anywhere else that the sound is doing it wrong.

 

[fdeck]

Choose what requirements as far as sound and volume are, pick a cabinet and speaker together to match that. Starting anywhere else that the sound is doing it wrong.

This describes my approach. Within the limitations of my knowledge and abilities, I try to translate my sound and volume requirements into technical requirements, while also considering factors such as portability and cost. Then I try to find a driver / box combination that meets those requirements on paper. Many of my ideas die on the drawing board, before I arrive at one that's worth building.

 

[AstroSonic]

I'm buying (another) Morgan MP200 head. I see that Joe Morgan does not make either this head or the 4x10 bass cabinet anymore.
I'd like to get a cabinet made to match the head's tolex (assuming I can buy some of that off Joe, too).
I've had a lot of cabinets over the years -- 1x15; 2x10; 4x10; 2x12 -- and I think I prefer the sound of a 2x12.
This particular head will do 2, 4 or 8 ohms.
So the question is, does one select the particular speakers first and then have a cabinet designed to fit those, or vice versa?
I'm 6'6", so a vertical 2x12 or at least one with the speakers offset so that it's higher, would be great. Ideally, the cabinet width would match the width of the head. So, does that just leave the cabinet depth and height as the variables?
Sorry, I'm not real hip to this science. I did recently do the Ampeg B100R modification that AstroSonic suggested (replacing the 15" with a 10") and really like the resulting sound.
Thanks!

A person can learn something new everyday. I had to look up Morgan. Looks like a great amp.

Based on the width of the head, you'll need a cab width of 24 inches. Beyond that, you'll need to select a pair of drivers that will deliver the tone and spl you are looking for. Reasonablly useful siggestions for drivers , cab volume and tuning can be made if we know something about the tone you prefer and if you will be pushing the amp into overdrive or maintaining a clean tone, etc.

Since the head has 4 and 8 ohm taps, going with a pair of 8 ohm drivers makes good sense since they can be wired in parallel for a 4 ohm load, and because there are many more 8 ohm drivers to choose from.

I am glad to hear that you are pleased with the B100R/Faital mod. I really love the resulting tone, so it gets played a lot more, and the improved clarity has helped me improve my playing.