2x12 cabs – advise me!

[richardjmorgan]

I'm beginning to reach the conclusion that there's not a great deal of point keeping my Marshall 4x12 – due to being so big and difficult to transport, it tends to spend most of its time locked up in our practice room – and I'm thinking a 2x12 cab would be more conducive to actually being able to use my own cab a bit more often.

I'm using a Gibson V with EMGs *ducks* through a Peavey 5150 and playing chugga chugga metal/hardcore, mostly, so what would be good cabs to look at? I've read good things about Mesa 2x12s but the price tag's a bit out of my reach. I initially thought the Laney GS212 looked like a bargain, but a cursory nose around on the internet would seem to indicate that the speakers used in it aren't very highly regarded. Other than those two, I've been thinking about Orange, Framus, Blackstar and Matamp (although I can't seem to find much indicating how much the latter might cost) but speakers and cabs are not something I really know a great deal about.

So, can anyone offer me any helpful pointers?

[Pete24v]

My Matamp cab was about £350 with V30s. They can pretty much make it however you want it, they are a very full sounding cab with removable back panels which give you closed, semi/half open options.

[hamfist]

I have two laney GS212ie's and, yes, the speakers are not great (nor are they too terrible either).

But, considering that the cab only costs £190 in the first place, you can get a pretty well made cab and buy the exact set of speakers you want for £300.

You'd probably be able to sell the 70/80's that came in it on ebay too, to make back some more money.

For me, the great things about the GS212ie is that it's pretty light, the handles are superb and that together makes it a very portable 2x12 - not something the Orange 2x12 (for example) can be accused of !
  The cab also has a depth of almost 14", which gives it a bigger, fuller sound than most (usually considerably shallower) 2x12 cabs. They even make greenbacks sound deep and full !

 The tolexing and general fit and finish on the Laney cabs is not the best around, but where it matters in the woodwork, they are very solid and, of course, completely plywood constructed.

[indysmith]

What about this? Bargain!
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17015.0

[richardjmorgan]

Cheers for the tips so far, guys!

So are there speakers I should be considering other than Vintage 30s? That seems to be what's in more or less every 212 I've looked at (other than the Laney).

Also, are either of these worth thinking about?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/framus_fr212_cb.htm

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_g212_vintage.htm

[shobet]

What about a Marshall 1922? I've got a couple lying around doing nothing. If you're interested PM me.

[hamfist]

What about this? Bargain!
http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=17015.0

On paper, Adam's 2x12 sounds like a good buy. Although I've not seen pics of it at all.

BTW - steer away from Marshall 1922's (sorry Shobet  :oops:) - Possibly the worst 2x12 cab ever constructed. Horrible boxy tone, beamy, just yuk.

Richard, if you're choosing your own speakers, then I would strongly recommend G12K-100's, which are great for the sort of stuff you play, and have good power handling ability.

[MrBump]

I have the Framus 2x12 - got rid of a Marshall 4x12 in favour of it, and I'm very happy.  Much less rugged than the Marshall, but a superb sound.

[richardjmorgan]

Much less rugged than the Marshall…

Less rugged to the point that it's likely to be a problem chucking it in the back of a VW Polo and humping it back and forth to various shows?

[MrBump]

That's hard to say.

It's certainly not flimsy.

It survived my dragging it a couple of flights of stairs for the London BKP meet, and a couple of the guys there commented on how good it sounded.

The wood certainly isn't as thick as my Marshall was, but it's definitely sturdy.

Mark.

[the prince of shred]

I have the Framus 2x12 - got rid of a Marshall 4x12 in favour of it, and I'm very happy.  Much less rugged than the Marshall, but a superb sound.

i too have a framus 2x12 that i bought off a forumite....
very happy with it so far :D mines got g12k-100's in (not fully broken in yet but sounding great!!!!!!!!, even tho i dont have a proper head to run it with.... yet! ;) )
n as far as ruggedness goes its pretty damn sturdy tbh, just not quite as brickshiteehousy as marshalls (but they sound f**kin awfull) thats the 1936's (hated that one .....)

jake

[d1dsj]

Marshalls look more sturdy because of the batons they put around the front to make them look beefy.... they are still 3/4" ply which is probably 18mm now just like the Framus. At least the Framus is Baltic birch ply the same as Mesa cabs... so I doubt you'll have any worries!

[hamfist]

My understanding with the Framus 2x12's was that it was the delicate tolex that was the issue, not the woodwork in any way.

[the prince of shred]

My understanding with the Framus 2x12's was that it was the delicate tolex that was the issue, not the woodwork in any way.

maybe so hamfist, i wouldnt know as i havnt abused it yet  :P
but if its tolex then is that really i problem? i dnt think so...

[juansolo]

Personally, I'm so happy with the 1x12 Martin made for me, I'd not go to anyone else for a cab these days. Sounds awesome, well made and great value, drop him a PM.