new kit amp
Posted: Thu Mar 11, 2004 9:51 am
I don't have any experience *building* cabs, but I've *listened* to quite a few. When I was shopping for guitar cabs I narrowed it down to wanting Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, so I tried all the makes that I could find that offered that speaker loaded into a 4x12. I tried the Mesa/Boogie, Marshall 1960AV and even a Peavey that had had aftermarket Vintage 30s put into it, among other boutique cabs. The cab construction made a HUGE difference, the Mesa sounded muddy to me, the Peavy just sounded like crap, and the Marshall was a very nice blend of all-around tone. As you can guess, I ended up with the Marshall.
Also I had a friend who built a 4x12 a few years ago. #1 the thing was about 175lbs -- ugh. #2 it sounded like GARBAGE. Not sure if it was the speakers, the electronics or the cab construction, but by the time he was done he'd spent something like $400 on the thing -- for that money you could get a used cab. He wasn't a dunce, either -- I think it's just a trial-and-error process.
So I think the physics of what's going on inside the cab makes a big difference. I'd hang on to the Marshall and re-speaker it if you have to. You might get less satisfaction than building it yourself but at least you know you won't be throwing good money after bad.
Also I had a friend who built a 4x12 a few years ago. #1 the thing was about 175lbs -- ugh. #2 it sounded like GARBAGE. Not sure if it was the speakers, the electronics or the cab construction, but by the time he was done he'd spent something like $400 on the thing -- for that money you could get a used cab. He wasn't a dunce, either -- I think it's just a trial-and-error process.
So I think the physics of what's going on inside the cab makes a big difference. I'd hang on to the Marshall and re-speaker it if you have to. You might get less satisfaction than building it yourself but at least you know you won't be throwing good money after bad.