Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Dazza1004 on November 11, 2009, 08:47:16 AM

Title: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Dazza1004 on November 11, 2009, 08:47:16 AM
I’ve got an Orange 2x12 which although I like, it’s pretty directional, I can’t help thinking I would be better off with an open back 2x12 for the standard rock tunes / pub gig.

I was looking at the Bogner oversized open back 2x12 but they don’t seem to be much smaller than a 4x12. On one hand I think a 4x12 will be overkill for the pub and may still be directional, on the other hand I’ve had one so not sure if it would be a better option (although I think moving it around would get old, quick).

I've got a 5150III head but looking to change for a Bogner XTC soon.

Cheers
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: gwEm on November 11, 2009, 08:50:49 AM
I would use two ported 1x12s. My Mesa Boogie Theiles are less directional than a 4x12
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: martinw on November 11, 2009, 09:38:23 AM
Open backed 4x10 for me.

1x12 in smaller places. :)
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Twinfan on November 11, 2009, 09:38:51 AM
I use both with different bands, so here's my take:

AC/DC tribute - I'm Angus and need the spread, punch and cut of a 4x12.  I need to be the loudest guitar at all times, so a half stack is by far my preferred option.  I've gigged with a 2x12 and got away with it, but the 4x12 is SO much better for oomph and projection.

Rock covers - it's a two guitar setup with shared lead and rhythm parts.  Balance is important, as is keeping the overall volume manageable.  I wouldn't use anything bigger than a 2x12.  Martin (from MJW amps) is the other guitarist and he uses a 4x10 or occasionally a 1x12.

As a side note, my 2x12 is semi-open back and works fantastically well in all situations and has plenty of low end etc......

EDIT:  Spooky crossed post!
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Dazza1004 on November 11, 2009, 09:48:51 AM

As a side note, my 2x12 is semi-open back and works fantastically well in all situations and has plenty of low end etc......


Is it an MJW ?
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Twinfan on November 11, 2009, 09:57:45 AM
Yup  :)
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: mikeluke on November 11, 2009, 11:01:23 AM
Hope he does you a good deal!

:-)
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Ratrod on November 11, 2009, 11:46:56 AM
I use a '67 Bandmaster cab. 2X12 'ventilated' closed back with Jensen C12N's. It's wide and shallow.

One of the best cabs ever made IMO.

A 4X12 is often overkill.
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Dazza1004 on November 11, 2009, 01:07:21 PM
I suppose if I get a bit of wood the same dimensions as the back panel of my Orange I could cut a hole in it and have an interchangeable open / closed 2x12

anyone ever try something similar ?
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: sgmypod on November 11, 2009, 01:29:37 PM
helped convert a matamp to open back(4x12) sounds great
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: blue on November 11, 2009, 01:34:03 PM
my Vintage Modern is closed back, but i would have thought just unscrewing the back panel would basically make it open.  can i take it from the above posts about conversion that this would not be an entirely good idea?
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: psy on November 11, 2009, 01:49:38 PM
I suppose if I get a bit of wood the same dimensions as the back panel of my Orange I could cut a hole in it and have an interchangeable open / closed 2x12

anyone ever try something similar ?

I've got a Zilla 2x12" cab that's interchangeable open/closed (because I wasn't sure what I wanted when I ordered it).  Quite handy, the back is made up from three parts with the connections on the top part.  That leaves me the option to remove the middle & bottom part.  I currently have the middle section removed as I find the sound fills the room better than it was closed.
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Dazza1004 on November 11, 2009, 01:51:54 PM
I suppose if I get a bit of wood the same dimensions as the back panel of my Orange I could cut a hole in it and have an interchangeable open / closed 2x12

anyone ever try something similar ?

I've got a Zilla 2x12" cab that's interchangeable open/closed (because I wasn't sure what I wanted when I ordered it).  Quite handy, the back is made up from three parts with the connections on the top part.  That leaves me the option to remove the middle & bottom part.  I currently have the middle section removed as I find the sound fills the room better than it was closed.

That's the sort of thing I was thinking of, I don't want the back to be completely open, just a couple of inches in the middle to help spread the sound around.
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: Twinfan on November 11, 2009, 02:15:58 PM
That's exactly how my 2x12 is set up....
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: psy on November 11, 2009, 02:41:19 PM
Yeah, it's the best of both worlds.  I'd go for it.. and if you don't like it you can just close the gap.
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: shaman on November 11, 2009, 03:21:44 PM
I would use two ported 1x12s. My Mesa Boogie Theiles are less directional than a 4x12
I agree...two thieles for me,too!!!
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: HTH AMPS on November 11, 2009, 06:23:43 PM
I'm having the same problem with my 4x12 - its SO directional that it's spitting the sound out past me, ideally need to be a few metres in-front of the amp.  Gonna mess with opening up the back on it so the drummer gets the spill out the back.
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: murraymurray on November 11, 2009, 08:28:02 PM
Ive got a combination of all of the above  8)
Old school Mesa 4x12 which is basically a closed back 2x12 at the bottom loaded with evl's and an openback 2x12 at the top loaded with blackshadows
Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: jpfamps on November 12, 2009, 10:38:40 PM
When I'm playing guitar I either use a 2x12 open-backed or 4x10 opened back combo.

Ideally I mic the amp for a better spread in the mix (although we don't always do this), however for the type of music I play I don't drive the amp hard and play fairly clean.

The only environment were I play classic pub rock music I actually play bass, although I usually do the sound mixing too.

Here we use  2x12 open backed and 1x12 open back combos close miced.

I suspect most of the rockers here would be horrified by the brands of gear we use for this, but (although I say so myself) the results are very good, although we are helped by the fact our guitar player is exceptionally good....


Title: Re: 4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs
Post by: d1dsj on November 13, 2009, 10:56:21 AM
I tried a ported back on my Orange 4 x 12 loaded with G12h30's... didn't work for me. It just lost all the punch and low end that made the cab sound great in the first place. Still have the panel (bare 18mm ply) if anyone wants to try it? Pm me if you do.