Author Topic: Marshall 4x12 vs Matamp/Orange? (Read 5565 times)

Twinfan · « **on:** December 20, 2007, 11:06:53 AM »

I have a Marshall 1960A 4x12 with two V30s and two Heritage G12H speakers which I'm pretty happy with. It's quite a bright rig, but it works well for cutting through the band mix.

Is there any benefit to upgrading the cab to a chunkier "better" one? I'd go for an empty Matamp cab if it's worth it, and these seem to be built similarly to the Orange cabs (no surprise as Matamp made the original Oranges back in the day).

Has anyone done a back-to-back with these cabs and the same speakers? What were the tonal differences?

Brow · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2007, 01:35:55 PM »

I have a 1970s Orange cab with the Original Greenbacks and McKenzie speakers in it.

I can't compare it tonally to a Marshall 1960 as like you said, it's a totally different cab with different speakers.

My Orange cab does seem alot sturdier and a bit better built than 1960A Cab's I've used in the past, but not sure how that'd affect the tone if it had the same speakers in as yours :twisted:

Alex · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2007, 05:01:55 PM »

Other cabs will definetly sound different, the question is if you'll be more happy with it.
I had the 1960 A first - and didn't like it too much. It was an old one from the JCM800 era.

I later got the 1960AV and my guess it sounds a lot like your cab. I must say other cabs sound fuller and better. I was in the fortunate position to compare it on the spot to a 1960A and a Mesa/Boogie Rectifier cab. The Mesa has a bigger and fuller-bodied sound and works great with lower-tunings (I tried my baritone gutiar with it :-) !)

The thing is, I'd still always choose the 1960AV because it just cuts through the mix so much. It also sounds very aggressive and ballsy, I always think of Schenker and Angus Young when I plug my Marshall into it.

So if you're happy with your cab I don't think you should really change that.

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2007, 05:36:57 PM »

Cheers Alex - interesting comment! The speaker change obviously makes it different to a regular 1960A. I was imagining that an Orange or Matamp with the same speakers would be a touch fuller and fatter. Not necessarily a good thing for AC/DC tones.

Maybe I'll stick with what I've got then......

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:05:42 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Cheers Alex - interesting comment! The speaker change obviously makes it different to a regular 1960A. I was imagining that an Orange or Matamp with the same speakers would be a touch fuller and fatter. Not necessarily a good thing for AC/DC tones.

Maybe I'll stick with what I've got then......

From what I've read, that seems to be the general concensus.

Also, you'll get a slightly fuller bass end just by using a straight Marshall cab rather than the angled one.

Or, If you really want to get a bigger bass end, get one of the tall bottom cabs - probably need to get one made by Matamp as Marshall don't currently make them.

:twisted:

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** December 21, 2007, 08:34:44 AM »

Cheers HTH. I quite like the extra cut and presence of my current cab, so I'll stick with it. I have plenty of bass from the JTM and Super Bass anyway, and I don't need any more.

Wow - you guys have stopped me spending cash twice now! WHat a great forum :D

Alex · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2007, 09:59:01 AM »

Quote

Wow - you guys have stopped me spending cash twice now!

;-)

Well the best thing really would be to have BOTH cabs, you know? And THAT is even worse on your wallet than selling/buying new stuff all the time.

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2007, 10:36:37 AM »

True, but I even I don't need two 4x12 cabs!

sgmypod · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2007, 10:39:49 AM »

Pardon..you don't need two are you ill?

Twinfan · « **Reply #9 on:** December 21, 2007, 11:00:00 AM »

:lol:

Fourth Feline · « **Reply #10 on:** December 21, 2007, 05:26:53 PM »

Sorry for joining this one late T.F. - but as the owner of a flat fronted Matamp 4 x 12 , tank / cab I can confirm that cut and prescence are not what comes obviously to mind when evaluating what comes out of it.

I would say leg buckling Bass and a nice warm mid presentation. I did get mine with GT12-75s already fitted , as a take it or leave it 'bargin' - so of course that makes it a very different kettle-o- fish too. It did balance my LH50R and Fenders at the time though.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the most obvious thing that a Matamp cab bestows :

- a hernia ...

The Jury say " keep the cash " !

Twinfan · « **Reply #11 on:** December 21, 2007, 06:58:11 PM »

Thanks Derek - just what the Dr ordered :D

(That's no hernia and keeping the Marshall, obviously....)

martinw · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2007, 09:36:53 AM »

You should note that Matamp cabs are available in a lighter wood to special order. (12mm rather than 15mm birch ply.)

I haven't seen a 4x12 done like this, but the 1x12 I saw was superb....significantly lighter, yet still very solid.

Twinfan · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2007, 11:40:47 AM »

Cheers matey - forgot about that. I wonder what difference it makes to the tone? I would imagine it makes it more similar to a Marshall?

martinw · « **Reply #14 on:** December 27, 2007, 12:00:15 PM »

Possibly.
There are a number of other options too...Jeff will pretty much make what you want.
There is also the Matamp Compact 4x12.

Alternatively you could have a Martamp cab. You've seen my 2x12, but I don't have a 4x12 yet, so tell me what you want, and that could be it.

(Keep the Marshall...it's fine! 8) )

Author Topic: Marshall 4x12 vs Matamp/Orange? (Read 5565 times)

Fourth Feline