What do you value in a cab?

[kelsound]

1). Weight.
--While I enjoy a cab that isn't too heavy, usually, getting accurate reproduction of low frequencies is going to require heft. Well designed ergonomics can make a heavy cab easier to move. I use a moving dolly and it has been a wonderful investment.

2). Looks.
--Not super important, but I don't want something too crazy and distracting. My current go to cab is covered in black truck bed liner using a salt-n-pepper grill cloth (homemade based on a BFM cab).

3). Travel.
Casters, Yes or No?
-- I didn't build casters into my cab, but I use a moving dolly. My cab isn't as heavy as it's size would have you believe.

4). Complaints.
--My current cab is horn loaded. While this is great for efficiency, it is louder in the room than on stage.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?
--Hard to say. I couldn't find what I wanted at a price I could afford, so I built my own and will start another design of my own soon.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?
--I built my own. I bought Omni 12 plans from BFM, made a few changes to make it more specific to ERB playing, matched a neo B&C driver (not an arbitrary choice, it's T/S parameters were within the design requirements) that had better efficiency and a lower frequency response than the recommended Eminence, and offset the tweeter to the side using a 90x90 horn for a more even soundstage. I also used stronger glue and a banana jack (completely air tight and easier to impedance match). My next design will be a honeycomb layout of 8 6.5" drivers in a small, ported (30.87Hz tuned) enclosure with a 45 degree kickback bass. Parts come in later this week, time to work on this project to be determined. I ordered parts for 2.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.
--The BFM based build is a 3 way FRFR which works well with my pre-amp that includes cab sim. I generally prefer punchy (which is why my own design is based on 6.5 inch drivers) with very good low extension (why I'm using 16 of them between 2 cabs).

8). Lowwwww B
--This is a big deal to me. I don't expect it to ring out like an A-220, but if it's too weak or sounds like a fart, that cab is a no-go. I play 5 and 6 strings and want my cab to be up for whatever note I play. My current cab can hit a low B, but it fully propagates out in the room (not where I stand). I know that multiples of 6.5s will not hit a Low B easily, but I'm hoping to get it up to a usable level with the honeycomb design which allows the drivers to couple more efficiently. Mathematically, they (all together) will move as much air as a typical 15" driver per grouping of 8. Time will tell, but it looks good on paper at least.

dBChad, Dude sounds like some awesome cabs you are onto there.
The multiple 6.5's might couple on the low frequencies and be a nice surprise for you! And you'll get nice tight control. Kind of the Phil Jones idea, and some Bose subwoofers, and others as well....
I bet it will work well!

 

[kelsound]

You missed one: the brand name badge on the front to let everyone know how cool you are, and what expensive awesome gear you play. Play quietly and carry a big stick, that’s my motto.

Haaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!
Bass players are wayyyy funnier than all other musicians!

 

[Charlzm]

1). Weight.

• My current main cab (a Mesa PH 1000) weighs 137 lbs. It has wheels (not proper casters: it's a tilt-back roller). If I am going to play a show that really, really matters, I might bring this one.
• My #2 cab is part of a 2X10 combo amp that weighs about 80 pounds and has 4 heavy duty casters. This has been my main workhorse
• The last couple of shows I have played have included a backline, so I took only a multi-fx/preamp pedal

2). Looks.

• I prefer a grill that actually provides protection for the speakers, so... metal.

3). Travel.

• Own vehicle.

4). Complaints.

• Nope.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?

• I like the idea of new, lighter-weight cabs and would love to check them out more.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?

• All of the above.

7). What sound do you prefer:

• I like a full range sound with more mid and high presence. Boomy, muddy lows are right out.

8). Lowwwww B

• My main basses are fivers, so count me in on this one.

 

[MrLenny1]

Tone and power then weight.

 

[dspellman]

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers?
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out?

Light weight. My F112 weighs 34 lbs, the BX1500 amp weighs 10. I could stand a 15/6/1 at 50 lbs, and I *am* paying more for neo drivers. ​

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?

I'm good with the metal grills.​

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?

Own vehicle, and it's small. ​

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?

Nope.​

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?

I don't buy from traditional manufacturers. Barefaced and Greenboy are doing a good job.​

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?

I found the fEARfuls here. Read online reviews and then found someone who had a 15/6/1 near me. ​

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.

Full range, whatever that is. I can pull mids back if I want to with the amp.​

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?

I have a 5 and would prefer that it sounded like a 5 and not the AM radio version of a 5. ​

 

[BasturdBlaster]

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers?
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out?
70lbs limit, no more 100pounders


2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?
Black and metal grille prefered


3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?
My own, band trailer, carpool. Casters don't matter to me


4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?
Not often if ever


5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?
Speakons no matter what


6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?
Typically buy used online


7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.
Not a tweeter fan but I do love the Bag End Coax


8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?
I don't typically play a 5 string

 

[fishdreams]

My perspective:
1) It's unavoidable around here to have to take public transportation every now and then (other than taking an Uber or hail a cab)
2) Setup times for the typical show (1 set or 2 sets) incl. pedals is like 5 mins
3) I need to be able to carry everything (in separates or on a very small cart) at once (amp, bass, pedals, cab)
4) I don't need to play loud, I need to sound transparent, clean and fullrange


1). Weight., 15-25lbs, weight and size/shape determined by the One hand needs to be able to carry it-rule

2). Looks.
As long as it is unobtrusive. Metal grills adds to the weight, so no.

3). Travel.
See above.

4). Complaints.
No.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
A truly portable full range cabinet with great low-end extension (a la ACME)

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?
TB, grapevine, bass playing friends

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full range . I can always eq out what I don't want

8). Lowwwww B
Dont do lowB, but again, full range - think piano, synth bass

 

[steve_rolfeca]

Feel free to copy paste the questions, with your answers as a reply.
I am taking a sampling to see what gigging players value most in a cab.

Ray

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
My limit depends on how loud the gig is. I like modular rigs, so I can take as much or as little gear as I need for that act and that venue.

I will pay more for Neo, but only if it sounds amazing as well as demonstrating a portability advantage, like my AudioKinesis Thunderchild 112.

I do a lot of "unplugged" sets, so I can get by with a lightweight 1x12 on a lot of dates. So most of the time, I'm looking for a one-trip setup, no dolly needed.

I am part of an aging cohort of bassists that have accumulated back and shoulder damage over the years. Plus, I finally have the disposable income to pay for quality gear if and ONLY IF it sounds just as good, while shaving a few pounds.

Given a choice between a 100lb to 150lb, 500w conventional 4*12 cab and head setup, and a 60lb, 1,000w vertical twin 1*12 stack that sounded just as good and moved the same amount of air, I would rather have the mini Rig Of Doom. Even if it costs twice as much.

Simply because of better dispersion, modular deployment, and ease of getting in and out of the venue.

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?
Sound is EVERYTHING. Don't care about looks, other than it should be unobtrusive.

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?
My own vehicle for at least 90% of my gigs.

I prefer a dolly over casters for big events. Casters would have to a.) be retractable, so the cab doesn't run away, and b.) rattle-free under all conditions.

It just seems simpler to use a dolly with nice, large wheels instead of little dinky casters that trip over every crack in the parking lot.

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?

Not since I started using full range, flat(ish) response cabs with wide, even dispersion.

Hats off to Greenboy, Alex Claber, Duke LeJeune at AudioKinesis and all the rest!

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?

I have become addicted to relatively un-voiced cabs that let the sound of the instrument be heard. Tone shaping is much easier when you're not fighting big peaks or dips.

I'm very happy with the selection of high end, high-power, lightweight, smooth and punchy boutique cabs on the market.

Not so much with regular GC stuff. Brands like Fender, Ampeg etc., need to put the past behind them and start innovating again.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab?
Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?

Lots of online research, talking to friends with similar tastes, lots of prayer, then send your money and hope for the best. Most of the stuff I like is not available in local stores.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.

Full range, no scoop and no flub in the lows and low mids. Reasonably flat response out to at least 6 or 8K, so I can use my cabs for keys and other instruments in a pinch.

Even dispersion through the crossover region is almost as important as even frequency response.

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?

I know I do!

However, "handling" the low B doesn't necessarily mean flat response down to the fundamental. Good, solid response with low THD and snappy dynamic response down to the first harmonic at typical gigging levels is more important than actually hitting the fundamental at unity or even minus 3dB.

 

[klejst]

Easy maneuverability (size and weight) and of course tone and functionally.

 

[Sparkl]

I gotta have a flat response 41 hz! The open E is my favorite note.

Unless if it is a FearFul cab, I don't know of any that can do a full low B. Even Acme is -6 db below flat. The B is a tuff one to do!

The low B response of its base frequency is almost irrelevant.

And btw, if this is a question, Barefaced can do it too. Do I care about it? Not in the slightest.

 

[bassdude51]

The low B response of its base frequency is almost irrelevant.

And btw, if this is a question, Barefaced can do it too. Do I care about it? Not in the slightest.

I've heard this sooooooo many times here on Talk Bass that it just doesn't matter if a cab can not do 31 hz @ flat response on the open B string...........our brains fill in the
fundamental or something like that. Not convinced!

For me, it's like saying my car can not do 200 MPH (321.869 KPH) but it can do 175 MPH (281.635) and my imagination can complete the deficit.

I want perfection!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

 

[Sparkl]

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit? ----- NO
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers? ---- Absolutely not.
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out? ------- I can load things myself.

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other? --------------- I don't care, I do prefer cloth grill though, the standard metal grill is cool for micing since you can position your mic much more precisely, but then the cloth grill can soften up the high end a bit.

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No? ------------ Own vehicle, casters yes.

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud? ----- No. Because I always bring enough power and speakers to the gig, I usually tend to refuse backlining offers with single 12s or similar stuff.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available? ------- I wouldn't change cabinets. I would change people. It's not all about super low extensions and PA-like voicings. I would change cab dimensions though, so that loading in and out would be easier.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other? -------- I only did a blind purchase once and it didn't go well for me. I tend to try out the stuff first. Either by gigging backline, trying my friends stuff or just going to a bass meet or something.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz. -------------------- I like nice and smooth extension upwards to 20khz but dislike harshness in the hi mids (2khz+). Especially the 3khz and 5khz range is really important to me. I prefer a smooth mid forward voiced cab with nice thickness in the 60ish hz - 250hz area without sounding really boxy. It also must handle tuning down these frequencies when requested. As far as low end goes, my fav by far is a sealed type of cab, so anything below 50hz is something that I dislike. Non focused, endless pillow of lows that kind of work in an outside gig but causes many problems when gigging indoors (bad acoustics mostly). Also, extending too low kills the snappiness and responsivness of the low end which is the main reason why I dislike ported cabs. I like meaty and responsive bass and I have found my personal haven with sealed cabs.

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)? --------------------- I need a cab that can handle low B and for this, a sealed cab that goes to 50hz is more than enough. People can't hear 30hz, and for providing the feel of that push, a PA will do the job perfectly, while I tend to rely more on upper harmonic content when low strings are in question.

 

[mrjim123]

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit? Yep. I'm 68. I like single driver cabs around 30 lbs. or less.
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers? Yes.
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out? Only sometimes.

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other? Black metal grills. I hate tweed, cloth, etc.

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0 My car.
Casters, Yes or No? Not necessary. If I want to roll it I use my cart.

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud? Only get complaints about not being heard when I start playing and realize I forgot to unmute my amp.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available? I'd like to see lighter weight materials used - composites, etc.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other? TB, online reviews are good, but if possible you really have to hear it.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz? Yep. Good round bottom without boominess. I play nickel strings and don't slap, so I don't need the high freq sizzle (I'd just dial it out if present).

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)? Only needs to "handle" low E. I used to think a cab should be flat down to a low E but have since learned that is not true after learning about psycho-acoustics. You can "hear" a low E even with NO output below, say, 50 Hz; the harmonics inform your hearing as to the true fundamental frequency.

Edit: I WAS going to be a smartarse and answer to thread title question with "A speaker".

 

[fdeck]

Note: DIY'er here, I design and build my own cabs. Also, I play almost exclusively jazz.

1). Weight. Preferably below 20 pounds, my lightest is 12. I do pay more for neo drivers. No dolly, too cumbersome going over curbs, up and down stairs, etc., especially when I'm also managing my upright.

2). Looks. Black. I prefer gear that doesn't call attention to itself.

3). Travel. Own vehicle, no casters.

4). Complaints. Nope, I get compliments.

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today? More accurate design and test data.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Design and build my own.

7). What sound do you prefer: Full range, I can adjust with EQ if needed, but my speakers don't go up to 10 kHz.

8). Lowwwww B: Nope.

 

[Sparkl]

I've heard this sooooooo many times here on Talk Bass that it just doesn't matter if a cab can not do 31 hz @ flat response on the open B string...........our brains fill in the
fundamental or something like that. Not convinced!

For me, it's like saying my car can not do 200 MPH (321.869 KPH) but it can do 175 MPH (281.635) and my imagination can complete the deficit.

I want perfection!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Thing is, such low extension kills the perfection (for me). Your bass creates a lot of mud down there. Most of the time it will just sound like a pillowy sustained "boom" which has no real definition or clarity, it just adds to the depth of the sound but is something that will mostly get eaten while gigging with PA support or you will simply end up being eaten by the kick drum down there. There is a reason why a vast majority of studio technicians cut bass at least at anything below 50-60hz. It depends on the music style though, so these are questions that require a subjective answer and cannot be answered in an objective fashion. While someone likes this type of a cab/sound/voicing, another one dislikes it. Both are correct, up to the listener to decide for himself.

In my experience I have found that frequencies in the 50-250hz area are the ones responsible for bass thickness, meat and depth. Anything below and it starts to mess up with the drum kick extension, which kills the mix for me. With a sealed cab, any band I plug in (from reggae to rock to jazz) it just works, everything flat and you sit just right in the mix, can hear all drums, guitars, brass, and still hear myself with a defined, clear, projected bass tone.

Saying all that, I understand your needs

Just my 50 cents though

 

[Biggbass]

Comfortable seats, extra leg room, and working door locks

 

[Hundred proof]

I prefer a cab with NO crossover and more often than not fifteen inch speakers

 

[kjp360]

Thanks for asking. This comes at a time when I am thinking about selling all of my bass amp/cab gear and building a new rig from scratch in order to downsize substantially (and to find the tone I hear in my head). Cab choices definitely figure in the decisions I will have to make by Oct 1. I will probably ask for help/opinions in a thread here at some point along the way. In the meantime, here are my replies:

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers?
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out?
50lbs max, under 40 would be amazing.
I would pay more for neo if the cab sounds great and is extra light...assuming I can afford it.
I have used a dolly in the past but would prefer not to have to bring one. Once in a blue moon I get some weird gig (usually outdoors) where the parking is to 'he-double hockey sticks and gone' where I wish I had one especially if there is a PA involved in the gear schlep.

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?
I will consider anything but rat fur. I have already done my time...stupid cat...
I prefer the look of grille cloth but a metal grille is much more practical in my view. When there is a pair of cabs they can be put in the trunk facing each other so no issue, but with one cab I always worry about punching grille cloth with something.

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?
My Jeep or my wife's little car. I only have one occasional gig that I have recently taken the bus to, mostly because there is rarely free parking anywhere close. There is a capable but dated little combo there and it is only a tiny bar so good enough. It has been a very long time since I schleped amps on a city bus lol. As a tall guy, casters only help when dealing with tall cabs, bending over to push is rarely preferred to lifting.

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?
No but I have definitely heard the mud myself when using unfamiliar backline or rehearsal gear. I am getting better at dialing in something I like on most rigs but there are still a few out there that boggle my mind (especially the way some amps deal with mid control...or worse yet don't do anything when you change it lol).

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?
There is sure enough lots out there already but there are some not as readily available features/specs/qualities that I have at least some interest in such as; vertical stacking, tilt back cabs, angled up baffles, and sealed cabs.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?
It is L&M here in Canada in place of GC but similar in terms of selection (better customer focus though). There is still one mom and pop shop near me that I use for guitar supplies but they have a very modest bass gear selection. Unfortunately, there is no magic place to go hear 'all the cabs' The best I have been able to do is see two cabs I had interest in at any one location. Between stock levels (is there a trade war going on or something?) and lines carried it is no small feat to comparatively audition stuff. TB and yootube will likely help me narrow down choices when the time comes, even more so if I decide to go for used gear.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.
Is vintage hifi a thing? I want to sound vintage but better would be my best description. I like a little zingy high end from time to time (especially in my trio project) but I dislike the sound of some if not most tweeters I have heard (or the crossovers employed perhaps). In all fairness I have not used a modern 'high end' or boutique cab that employed a tweeter. This can be a bit of a dichotomy for me with some rigs playing in that trio. I do like to feel the lows at least a bit but on a loud stage too much low end can really make it hard for me to reliably discern pitch (esp. on a hollow stage). I am considering a HPF (built in the amp or pedal) with my next rig to see if that might help in those situations...or all the time perhaps.

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?
I only play 4 stringers so no low B issue for me. D is as low as I go and don't imagine that will change. I don't get caught up in spec numbers too much anyhow. It matters how it sounds and performs not how it specs out in the end. If there was an independent and unbiased testing lab that spec'd all equipment I might give stats more weight than that. That said, I like to be reasonably conservative with power ratings as I hate to be the guy that blows up the gear.

 

[kelsound]

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers?
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out?

Light weight. My F112 weighs 34 lbs, the BX1500 amp weighs 10. I could stand a 15/6/1 at 50 lbs, and I *am* paying more for neo drivers. ​

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?

I'm good with the metal grills.​

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?

Own vehicle, and it's small. ​

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?

Nope.​

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?

I don't buy from traditional manufacturers. Barefaced and Greenboy are doing a good job.​

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?

I found the fEARfuls here. Read online reviews and then found someone who had a 15/6/1 near me. ​

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.

Full range, whatever that is. I can pull mids back if I want to with the amp.​

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?

I have a 5 and would prefer that it sounded like a 5 and not the AM radio version of a 5. ​

"The AM radio version of a five". Love it!!!!

 

[kelsound]

Thanks for asking. This comes at a time when I am thinking about selling all of my bass amp/cab gear and building a new rig from scratch in order to downsize substantially (and to find the tone I hear in my head). Cab choices definitely figure in the decisions I will have to make by Oct 1. I will probably ask for help/opinions in a thread here at some point along the way. In the meantime, here are my replies:

1). Weight.
Do you have a limit?
Will you pay more for neo drivers in the same cab than if it had ceramic drivers?
Do you already use a dolly for every load-in/out?
50lbs max, under 40 would be amazing.
I would pay more for neo if the cab sounds great and is extra light...assuming I can afford it.
I have used a dolly in the past but would prefer not to have to bring one. Once in a blue moon I get some weird gig (usually outdoors) where the parking is to 'he-double hockey sticks and gone' where I wish I had one especially if there is a PA involved in the gear schlep.

2). Looks.
Do you prefer typical black and metal grills, or a more old school tweed with cloth grill look (assuming performance is the same)? Other?
I will consider anything but rat fur. I have already done my time...stupid cat...
I prefer the look of grille cloth but a metal grille is much more practical in my view. When there is a pair of cabs they can be put in the trunk facing each other so no issue, but with one cab I always worry about punching grille cloth with something.

3). Travel.
Do you use your own vehicle, or public transportation? Or a horse?? :0
Casters, Yes or No?
My Jeep or my wife's little car. I only have one occasional gig that I have recently taken the bus to, mostly because there is rarely free parking anywhere close. There is a capable but dated little combo there and it is only a tiny bar so good enough. It has been a very long time since I schleped amps on a city bus lol. As a tall guy, casters only help when dealing with tall cabs, bending over to push is rarely preferred to lifting.

4). Complaints.
Do you ever get complaints from band mates that say they can't hear the bass, or the bass sounds like mud?
No but I have definitely heard the mud myself when using unfamiliar backline or rehearsal gear. I am getting better at dialing in something I like on most rigs but there are still a few out there that boggle my mind (especially the way some amps deal with mid control...or worse yet don't do anything when you change it lol).

5). What is the biggest thing you would change with all the cabinets available today?
Or are you happy with what is available?
There is sure enough lots out there already but there are some not as readily available features/specs/qualities that I have at least some interest in such as; vertical stacking, tilt back cabs, angled up baffles, and sealed cabs.

6). With mom & pop shops drying-up, and GeetarCenters having very limited brands, how do you find a good cab? Travel to far away store? Advice from friends? Online reviews? YouTube reviews? Other?
It is L&M here in Canada in place of GC but similar in terms of selection (better customer focus though). There is still one mom and pop shop near me that I use for guitar supplies but they have a very modest bass gear selection. Unfortunately, there is no magic place to go hear 'all the cabs' The best I have been able to do is see two cabs I had interest in at any one location. Between stock levels (is there a trade war going on or something?) and lines carried it is no small feat to comparatively audition stuff. TB and yootube will likely help me narrow down choices when the time comes, even more so if I decide to go for used gear.

7). What sound do you prefer:
Full mid-range and good lows....not worried about that zingy high-end to 10kHz?
Or full dynamic range maybe with mid pulled back a little? highs extend to 10kHz.
Is vintage hifi a thing? I want to sound vintage but better would be my best description. I like a little zingy high end from time to time (especially in my trio project) but I dislike the sound of some if not most tweeters I have heard (or the crossovers employed perhaps). In all fairness I have not used a modern 'high end' or boutique cab that employed a tweeter. This can be a bit of a dichotomy for me with some rigs playing in that trio. I do like to feel the lows at least a bit but on a loud stage too much low end can really make it hard for me to reliably discern pitch (esp. on a hollow stage). I am considering a HPF (built in the amp or pedal) with my next rig to see if that might help in those situations...or all the time perhaps.

8). Lowwwww B
How many need a cab that handles the low B (like actually is strong below 40Hz)?
I only play 4 stringers so no low B issue for me. D is as low as I go and don't imagine that will change. I don't get caught up in spec numbers too much anyhow. It matters how it sounds and performs not how it specs out in the end. If there was an independent and unbiased testing lab that spec'd all equipment I might give stats more weight than that. That said, I like to be reasonably conservative with power ratings as I hate to be the guy that blows up the gear.

I totally hear what you are saying about the tweeters. This is a tough one too because they are so much more efficient than the woofers. You can pad them down.... but still the highs are being 'launched' at us in an unfriendly manner. No doubt!