Why do so many people buy stacks?

[Hamtone]

Originally Posted by lucidspoon

Exactly. I want to get a 2x12 combo at some point for bars that have good sound systems, so I don't have to lug around my DSL half stack when it isn't practical, but the last show (which was too long ago) was outside, and I had to crank my SS half stack at the time. The two times before that were at a small bar (with the same SS half stack), and there was a sound guy, but he sucked and didn't have me nearly as loud as he should have. He was one of those sound guys who wanted me on 1. If I would have had my DSL at the time, it wouldn't have been a problem.

EDIT: That being said and having gone from an SS half stack to an actual half stack, SS half / full stacks just seem pointless to me. Sure, maybe you're louder and pushing more sound, but not in the same way.

If he had YOU turn down to 1 that was to manage the stage noise and have you run through the pa. If he had you on 1 at the board, his mix sucked.

Playing loud off the stage sounds like shit

[VastHorizon]

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

Because I damn well can. That's why.

Hey, Boles. You forgot something.

[The_Sentry]

I own a Genz Benz 2x12 with port holes on the bottom...I think that's about as big as it's gonna get for me...

[gilmourjunkie]

Buying a solid state stack is a lot like hot rodding a Hyundai. Why bother? There are only tube amps my friend... everything else is future landfill. But, to answer your question, a tube combo is ok, but you tend to get a lot of noise, rattles, etc. and its very hard on the tubes. Therefore a head/cab makes more sense when you got 50-100 watts shaking everything inside. Of course in your friend's case, a stack serves no purpose other than to make himself feel better for buying a sh*tty amp. So the next time he brags about his stack, bring out a 5 watt tube amp and smoke him with it...

[Hamtone]

Originally Posted by gilmourjunkie

Buying a solid state stack is a lot like hot rodding a Hyundai. Why bother? There are only tube amps my friend... everything else is future landfill. But, to answer your question, a tube combo is ok, but you tend to get a lot of noise, rattles, etc. and its very hard on the tubes. Therefore a head/cab makes more sense when you got 50-100 watts shaking everything inside. Of course in your friend's case, a stack serves no purpose other than to make himself feel better for buying a sh*tty amp. So the next time he brags about his stack, bring out a 5 watt tube amp and smoke him with it...

Hahahahaha

I have been doing my best not to talk trash about SS, but I find it very challenging.

[zplapplap]

Originally Posted by gilmourjunkie

Buying a solid state stack is a lot like hot rodding a Hyundai. Why bother? There are only tube amps my friend... everything else is future landfill. But, to answer your question, a tube combo is ok, but you tend to get a lot of noise, rattles, etc. and its very hard on the tubes. Therefore a head/cab makes more sense when you got 50-100 watts shaking everything inside. Of course in your friend's case, a stack serves no purpose other than to make himself feel better for buying a sh*tty amp. So the next time he brags about his stack, bring out a 5 watt tube amp and smoke him with it...

Where are the PSA's warnings against trashing other people's gear?

[80's Rocker]

I got a Marshall halfstack for a few reasons. First of all stacks just look so much more awesome and bad*** then a little combo does. Second of all, I like the feeling of playing through a stack alot better then a combo. The stack is just alot more fun. Plus if I ever do want to get really loud I know that I can, nothing more fun than being home alone and cranking the Marshall!

[coldsteal2]

I have a half stack for one reason, i live in
an apartment, if i was in a house i would have
two stacks

[Liam]

Even at relatively low volumes (e.g. rehearsals) there isn't much that competes with a 4 x 12, or two of them, or for that matter I used to use two half stacks and an AC30 all going at the same time as each other. And somehow you can have it sounding quite big without hurting your ears (or anyone else's for that matter.)

I don't tend to use amplifiers at home, but out gigging I do like a 1/2 stack or two for a lot of stuff. Never had the front to use a full stack, but I guess it's no worse than using an EDS-1275. Maybe I need a 1960B...

Liam

[PINKBITS]

Originally Posted by Liam

Even at relatively low volumes (e.g. rehearsals) there isn't much that competes with a 4 x 12, or two of them, or for that matter I used to use two half stacks and an AC30 all going at the same time as each other. And somehow you can have it sounding quite big without hurting your ears (or anyone else's for that matter.)

I don't tend to use amplifiers at home, but out gigging I do like a 1/2 stack or two for a lot of stuff. Never had the front to use a full stack, but I guess it's no worse than using an EDS-1275. Maybe I need a 1960B...

Liam

[Monster]

My opinion - with modern PA systems there is little pressing need for stacks anymore. They are difficult to use in most modern playing situations. You can make valid arguments for them being sometimes useful, but they are just stupid for most of the people that own them. I have nothing against them, kinda think they're cool and "rock n roll", and own a half stack that I occasionally use myself. I just think there are lots of young players out there with these things cluttering up their rooms when they could have spent their lawnmowing money on something much more useful to them. These days much of it is "image". Thus the banks of unloaded cabs and empty headshells for some of the metal touring bands used as stage props.

As to those dissing solid state - there are some great sounds to be had there as well if you know where to look.

Just IMHO, YMMV.

[LPV]

Well 25 years ago I bought it because I was obviously going to need it when i started playing arenas

[claricSTi]

A 2x12 combo will suffice for me. We already have a PA system for our band that's in my garage so if I ever need extra I can just plug into that.


Shout out- What's up Jon1, I'm from Tulsa too, good to see another okie on the board

[Boshizzle]

I picked up a used Marshall 4x12 cab because I could get it for a good price. I play my Blackstar HT-5 through it. I swapped out the stock speakers for some that I prefer and the thing just sings to high heaven at relatively low volumes (especially just under window rattle volume) .

I have become a convert to the head/cab configuration because of the speaker thing. I have found that speakers make a huge difference in the tone of an amp. Finding the speakers that sound best to my ears and then playing an amp through them that I like is the ideal approach.

For gigging out, a nice portable combo is best for me (Fender DRRI), but just noodling around, I really like the 4x12 option.

[jon1]

Originally Posted by Monster

I just think there are lots of young players out there with these things cluttering up their rooms when they could have spent their lawnmowing money on something much more useful to them. These days much of it is "image".
Just IMHO, YMMV.

This is a much better description of my original point. I have no problem with people buying half/full stacks if they are bought for the right purpose. However, I just dont like it when people buy one for looks and the right to say, "Hey, I have a marshall full stack that is better than your...".

[Belzeebub]

Like Dice said a few posts back, it usually comes down to penis envy. Especially when we are talking about musicians who don't gig at all. Sound quality will usually have little to do with the rationale for picking up a stack. Its all about "Look at my rig! I have a FULL MARSHALL STACK! Look how cool I am! Since I now have a stack, I am now in the league of musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Page."

[dubyatf]

Originally Posted by PINKBITS

[/B]

Correct, I would love a 10 inch dick

Oh wait, I think I know what you mean.

[bufbills]

it just feels good!

[PINKBITS]

Originally Posted by dubyatf

Oh wait, I think I know what you mean.

Cheeky bastard, but nicely done.

[brianugly]

Originally Posted by jon1

I have seen many people around here (tulsa, ok) buying half/full stacks and saying that they're the best purely because of their size. My friend has a solid state Marshall full stack. To me this sounds like overkill. My Marshall AVT100 combo is barely useable in my house without someone getting mad at me. However, this amp is perfect for small or medium sized gigs. I think it is the same mindset that people have, where more watts in an amp makes it automatically better. Why could any non-touring musician need to have such a large amp?

Because of This is spinal tap...

[Shithead]

YouTube - Spinal Tap - These Go Up To 11

YouTube - Spinal Tap - These Go Up To 11

[PINKBITS]

Originally Posted by Shithead

YouTube - Spinal Tap - These Go Up To 11

[axepilot]

Originally Posted by jon1

I have seen many people around here (tulsa, ok) buying half/full stacks and saying that they're the best purely because of their size. My friend has a solid state Marshall full stack. To me this sounds like overkill. My Marshall AVT100 combo is barely useable in my house without someone getting mad at me. However, this amp is perfect for small or medium sized gigs. I think it is the same mindset that people have, where more watts in an amp makes it automatically better. Why could any non-touring musician need to have such a large amp?

A half stack in the right situation is beautiful. A full stack is just the mark of a rookie or wannabe in any gig situation...................and they would be laughed off of the stage by any soundman................

[Benguitar]

Okay, Here's a BS answer..

"I'm 6'3'' and I don't want to bend over while I'm playing to adjust crap..."

Honestly, I don't really know why.. Maybe it is a "penis-size-thing" but ever since I first picked up a guitar it was like every kids goal "Someday I want to get a Marshall halfstack"

*Obviously, I sided with Mesa for other reasons*

But, Halfstacks have been and continue to be an "icon" in rock n roll.

Hell, I went to see Hannah Montana back in early 2008 and her guitarist had a Marshall 4x12 with a Eppiphone head. *I have yet to really understand why he used that combo to this day*

For the most part today, It IS just a "Go big or go home" thing, Seeing that with the wonderful invention of the PA System, You can hookup a fricking 4 Watt amp and blow someone's head clean off.

Although, Some people seem to like the "Higher Wattage Amp Sound" (I am one of these people)

I don't have any problem with 15, 18, 20 watt amps, But I personally like the sound of 120 Watts at a reasonable level more than something that is lower wattage and being cranked. *shrugs*

What that has todo with halfstacks, I don't really know... Although, I haven't seen many Tiny Terrors or Night Trains on the top of a full stack..

[45WinMag]

I have a half-stack because I want whatever Hannah Montana's guitarist plays.

Actually I have one simply because I've always wanted one. I wouldn't know what Hannah Monatana's guitarist plays, the restraining order keeps me at least 100 feet away from any Hannah Montana event. Maybe I should buy whatever the Jonas Brothers play instead.

[Hamtone]

When I had my peavey ultra and 4 12 I liked the sound of closed back cabs.

[jodymauk]

Oh,,,,,,, Also because I hate my neighbors.......

[gilmourjunkie]

I am fond of a head and a 2X12 cab like this...

[opalburn]

nothing like the sound of a 4x12 cab... pushes more air, and usually have more bottom end.. i just prefer the sound of a half stack to a combo.. not saying i don't want a smaller(2x12) cab or a combo.. i would love to have one... but the 4x12 is what i was able to get at the time, so thats what i got... really helpful if you play a lot of shows that don't mic all the instruments.. and besides, mine is a stereo cab, so its like i have 2 different 2x12 cabs if i'm running two heads...

if i happened to be in a band where i was the only guitarist, i would want a second 4x12 cab, and have a cab on both sides of the stage to thicken the live sound up... but other than that, i don't think i would want another 4x12 cab...

and its just plain rock n' roll... if you don't want one, thats all good and well... but don't hate on us that have them....

[Hamtone]

Originally Posted by gilmourjunkie

I am fond of a head and a 2X12 cab like this...

Is that the 50+?