Why are 4x12s necessary for guitar amplification?

[rob2966]

maybe he should look into a powerbrake? (i think that's what they're called) I believe they basically sink away some of the power after the head but before the speakers, that way you can crank up the volume on the head to get "the tone" but get less volume at the cab. I've never used one, but I've heard they are quite useful for guitarists.

That's the way to do it, the most common one I believe is the THD Hotplate, works amazingly well. My guitar player often uses a Hotplate with great results. If you have an older Marshall Plexi, it becomes a necessity .

Later
Rob

 

[BillyRay]

Compensation for a small penis ? Personally, I'll take an angry 1x12 spitting out rage and fury due to abuse over a quiet 4x12 any day.

I've yet to see a situation where more than a 40 watts tube amp and a 2x12 are warranted for guitar. Even outdoors this is usually enough (since you'll have a PA).

 

[bassman1185]

i say - big rig ALL venues.

let's go two guitarists with full stacks, plus a bass player with two stacks of his own.

Now we're talking.

A man after my own heart.

 

[cheezewiz]

The guitarist in my band uses either a 1-12, or two 1-12's, depending on the venue.

 

[amos]

A lot of guys can't really afford a "small venue" rig and a "large venue" rig. Both of the guitarists in my band use half-stacks. Granted, they could both probably survive with 2x12s, and I could make due with one 4x10, but we play rock and roll. Where's the fun in only having "enough" when you could easily have "Way more than necessary"?

I definitely see your point, as I enjoy tend to always enjoy "way more than necessary" when I'm on stage.