Speakers for me Bassman

[Azaril0000]

Hi all,

I've been using my JCM 800's, 1936 Cab for a while since I got my BF Bassman, but I've wanted to buy a separate cab for it.

I've found some cab makers here (namely Zilla cabs in the UK), that do a somewhat replica of the old fender piggyback cabs.

2 questions:

Is 4x10 significantly louder than 2x12? For a Bassman (BF) what configuration would you guys recommend (mainly for home use).

If 2x12, what are the best speakers that would go with the Bassman? I'm trying to get that classic warm clear vintage fender sound, that we've come to love from the classic super reverbs, twin reverbs, 59 Bassmans, etc.

Thanks!

[slowpokerhino]

I'd go 2x12 (I have a Twin and a Super Reverb and prefer the 12" speakers, in fact, have considered converting the Super to a 2x12).
For speakers (and the sound you're going for) I'd recommend Weber 12F150s.

[JakeM]

Zilla are a good company, I spoke to them for a few days by email when I had some questions and they were very helpful

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by Azaril0000

Is 4x10 significantly louder than 2x12? For a Bassman (BF) what configuration would you guys recommend (mainly for home use).

!

it depends on the speakers. 4 x 10" with inefficient speakers will not be near as loud as a 2x12" with efficient speakers. 10" speakers IME lack a certain something in the low end that might be helpful if you like focused, unobtrusive tone. Me personally I prefer 12"s...

My good friend Paco Rojas with my main amp and matching cab loaded with 2 Weber alnico 12" speakers. Kind of JTM45 clone...



For your amp and home usage, why don't you try a single 12" cab? VHT sells a 1 x12" cab that looks pretty neat for little money. Domestic life makes a big impact on cab choice, really.

[PapaSquash]

I use a 2x12 homebuilt cab with blue-label Fender "special design" Eminence speakers under a Bassman.

Loud. They came out of an early 80's twin

[Hardrock]

I'm running my '63 Blonde 6G6-B through a tweed Mojo built 4x10 cab with 4 Jensen P10R's (recent, not vintage). Good grief, the tones are great. I would really like a 2x12 box for a more British flavor, and slightly more bottom end. But I've been really happy with this setup. I think the change in volume from 4x10 to 2x12 is negligable, despite how it's percieved in person and mine is pretty much home use only. I think something similar to this may get you what you're looking for, but as others have said, the Weber's may be a better speaker than the Jensen's. Hope this helps a little.

[Azaril0000]

Keep the replies coming!

[rorycalhoun]

Originally Posted by slowpokerhino

I'd go 2x12 (I have a Twin and a Super Reverb and prefer the 12" speakers, in fact, have considered converting the Super to a 2x12).
For speakers (and the sound you're going for) I'd recommend Weber 12F150s.

Ditto. A pair of Weber 12s will make you very happy with that amp.

[SteveGangi]

I'm using an original 2x12 1960's Bandmaster/Bassman cab with the original Jensen C12N speakers.

[hipofutura]

PM Splattle101. He has quite a bit of experience with this. Here's one of this threads on the topic.

10" AlNiCo Speakers?

[Azaril0000]

I was looking at the C12N's but isn't the new C12N's supposed to be a bit too bright? I often use both standard tone and turn on the brightness switch on (it just offers some glassiness which i find pleasant if I turn the treble down a lot). I also worry if it'll also mess up the distortion. I use a Zendrive, Marshall Guv'norm or a MXR GT-OD, will it make it too thin and ice trebley?

Weber speaks don't seem to be sold widely in the UK, and the 12F150's or Blue dog's seem quite expensive, £110-130 a pop, and I need 2!

I seem to have settled on 2x12 so more suggestions ideas appreciated!

[slowpokerhino]

Well, the other guitarist in my band uses a 66 Bassman head through a vintage Marshall cab loaded with Rola era G12-80s (now called Classic Lead 80s).
It sounds great but is rediculously loud (he gets his OD from the amp instead of pedals) and pretty bright. You could use a pair in a 2x12 and I think it would sound pretty good. Classic Lead 80s can be found relatively cheap from time to time on eBay.

[Azaril0000]

Ok, seems after some looking around and from the responses I've "somewhat" narrowed my selection from all speakers to a few. I don't mind using combinations of speakers on a 2x12 for the most optimal fender vintage sound for cleans and overdrive (No ear aching ice picky sounds). These are the most acquirable and within my price range. Unfortunately the Webers though cheap, are hard to buy here or expensive!

Jensen C12N and/or C12K and/or P12Q

Eminence Red white blues and/or Cannabis Rex (although i am wearing this alone takes away that "sparkle" and/or Swamp Thang.

Celestian Vintage 30's or G12H30 (greenbacks?). Although I was told this is more voiced in a British style such as Marshally, which I don't really want, I guess?

Thanks!

[slowpokerhino]

I would not go for the Jensens. I have a pair of originals (in my 66 Twin) and have had the reissues and I don't care for the reissues. Very ice picky. Not really like the old Jensens.
As far as Celestions, I've read that the G12-65s work very well for Fender Amps. A cheaper alternative would be the Warehouse ET65s.

Here is one with a Bassman head that's been converted to a 1x12 combo:

YouTube - WGS ET65 vs. Vintage Fane 12" speaker

YouTube - WGS ET65 vs. Vintage Fane 12" speaker

[Tuya Customs]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

10" speakers IME lack a certain something in the low end that might be helpful if you like focused, unobtrusive tone. Me personally I prefer 12"s...

I disagree. It all depends on the speaker, I've heard some FAT sounding 10's as well as some thin 12's

Now the 4x10 vs 2x12 depends on your situation. If you're playing in a band a 4x10 cab will cut through better, and typically it will be louder and will project better. If not then you may be better off with a 2x12.

[5F6-A]

Originally Posted by 5F6-A

it depends on the speakers. 4 x 10" with inefficient speakers will not be near as loud as a 2x12" with efficient speakers. 10" speakers IME lack a certain something in the low end that might be helpful if you like focused, unobtrusive tone. Me personally I prefer 12"s...

My good friend Paco Rojas with my main amp and matching cab loaded with 2 Weber alnico 12" speakers. Kind of JTM45 clone...



For your amp and home usage, why don't you try a single 12" cab? VHT sells a 1 x12" cab that looks pretty neat for little money. Domestic life makes a big impact on cab choice, really.

details of the back

[Azaril0000]

bump

[dubcut]

4x10 vs 2x12 as far as volume level, are relatively close. As far as getting a good bass sound I prefer 2x12 or a single 15 or 18. I know it isn't @traditional@, but it's what I like.

Doubling the amount of speakers can add as much as 3 db. But when you double the amount of speakers, you divide the power between them -cutting wattage in half can have 3-4 db loss. Then you figure in your cone surface area, and are losing another few 10ths.

If a 2x12 isn't loud enough try ported, or a larger sealed enclosure, the port is an instant 3-6 decibels depending on tuning, and the larger a sealed enclosure is the more excursion you get out of the woofer, until you reach a QTC around 0.6.

And the sound you're going for- pick a speaker, any speaker. Shoot me the thiele small parameters, or the model number and I can give you specs for the correct cab size to get whatever sound you want.

[SteveGangi]

Originally Posted by slowpokerhino

I would not go for the Jensens. I have a pair of originals (in my 66 Twin) and have had the reissues and I don't care for the reissues. Very ice picky. Not really like the old Jensens.

Interesting. I guess if I ever do get around to making a second cab, I will look at some Eminence or Warehouse then.

[Azaril0000]

Last bump! Please, any more feedback appreciated before I buy!