Half stack / Full stack

[ailean]

How much difference does a full stack make? I know it won't be much louder as such, how much fuller will the sound be?

I have a half stack already, but would it be worth going to a full stack? Opinions?

[Jonny]

My simple answer to you:

No.

[Denim n Leather]

The difference is VAST. Your amp will be more responsive, you will have greater coverage, and you will be moving a LOT more air.

[LazyNinja]

Not loud enough until you have 6 times one and a half stacks side by side :D



In all seriousness, if you can transport all the stuff then why not. Half stack is already louder than needed why not go the extra mile for fuller sound? In pubs and stuff the ceiling might not be high enough though. Actually, having a 4x12 on each side of the stage would be cool.

[FELINEGUITARS]

Big difference
However I prefer one cab with a head - unless the other cab is on the other side of the stage
The one cab aproach seems a bit more focussed in some ways
TWo will sound bigger and fuller I know , but I have always liked using one cab

[Jonny]

To continue with my 'No', for the house I don't think a full stack is needed, sometimes a half stack is even a no no. Sometimes you just have to give in to the restrictions that you have and accept that a half stack is better than a full stack regardless of sound I'm afraid.

[WezV]

if you have a full stack will you get the chance to play it at a decent volume without using an attenuator?

if the anwser is no then stick with half a stack.

i have just gone down from a 2x12 to a 1x12 and the difference in volume didnt seem that massive but i am aware that i am happier pushing the 1x12 harder than i ever could with the 2x12


for me it seems better to have 1 speaker working its little socks off than it does 8 speakers hardly ever doing anything

[Fikealox]

For me a smaller setup works better, too. When I had a half stack it was hard getting out of the way of the cone of ear-splitting noise, whereas my current setup sounds better from all angles. If I was gigging I'd probably just use a half stack, too, 'cause everywhere I'd gig mics through a PA and makes your cab more for your own monitoring than for the benefit of the audience.

[ailean]

Thanks for the replies guy.

Here is the reason I'm asking...

I've just bought a Diezel VH4 and 4x12 cab. The VH4 I have, the cab is awaiting construction. I already have and Orange rockerverb 50 and Orange 4x12. However, the Orange cab is 16ohm and the Diezel will be 8ohm so I can't use them as a full stack (well I can, but it won't sound right).

The VH4 is currently kicking the cr@p out of the Rockerverb, I knew it would be better, but, oh my, it's BETTER, I just wasn't expecting that much difference.

So I could sell the Rockerverb and Orange cab and get another Diszel 4x12, which gives me the full stack option, and at a later date, get another head for when Sue and I want to play together <insert dirty minded comments as required>.

That way when we want we can have a full stack, and when not we have 2 half stacks.

Am I crazy?

This of course opens up a whole can of worms about what the theoretical 'other' head would be (Eintein, Herbert, Soldano, Koch, etc..) but I have plenty of time to think about that as the VH4 rig has just eaten the gear budget for a while!

[Johnny Mac]

If you have the room go for it. Full stacks are incredible with the volume cranked!

[Alex]

Thanks for the replies guy.

Here is the reason I'm asking...

I've just bought a Diezel VH4 and 4x12 cab. The VH4 I have, the cab is awaiting construction. I already have and Orange rockerverb 50 and Orange 4x12. However, the Orange cab is 16ohm and the Diezel will be 8ohm so I can't use them as a full stack (well I can, but it won't sound right).

The VH4 is currently kicking the cr@p out of the Rockerverb, I knew it would be better, but, oh my, it's BETTER, I just wasn't expecting that much difference.

So I could sell the Rockerverb and Orange cab and get another Diszel 4x12, which gives me the full stack option, and at a later date, get another head for when Sue and I want to play together <insert dirty minded comments as required>.

That way when we want we can have a full stack, and when not we have 2 half stacks.

Am I crazy?

This of course opens up a whole can of worms about what the theoretical 'other' head would be (Eintein, Herbert, Soldano, Koch, etc..) but I have plenty of time to think about that as the VH4 rig has just eaten the gear budget for a while!

Glad you are liking the Diezel. I'd just keep the cab, the Orange cabs are pretty good.

[Jonny]

Maybe sell and buy some different speakers?

[hamfist]

If you have the room go for it.

For anyone who has seen Rich & Sue's flat that is quite amusing.

Seriously Rich, I think the idea of a full stack in your place is madness.

If, and when, yourself or Sue starts to play out in a band, AND learn to drive AND get a large car /van then, yes, I could see some (still slightly dubious) sense in it. Otherwise, there is no benefit of a full stack in your environment.
 Certainly, having another cab (ie. the Orange) as a second for another rig, if/when you and Sue "play" together does make sense.
 Personally, I'd keep the Orange cab, sell the Rockerverb, and use the money to put towards your next potential amp purchase (or even an AXE FX - that definately makes sense for your situation).  The Orange cabs are excellent, and you can always change the speakers, to taste, if you so desire, so I'd recommend that it is definately one to keep.

[morgasm]

i have a vh4 too.
i ordered a rear loaded 2x12 cab which im still waiting for. atm im using a loaned diezel front loaded 4x12, and having heard the rear loaded 2x12s, i much prefer them. dont get me wrong the 4x12 sounds fantastic but the rear loaded 2x12 just sounds richer to me. i dont think ill ever go above 2x12 but if i do i would probably be running two 2x12s. its quite satisfying having a full stack behind you but i dont see the point personally... each to their own. let us know how u get on and what you go for will be interesting for me as i have a vh4 lol
morgan

[_tom_]

Well I gigged yesterday with a small 2x12, whilst the other guitarist used a full stack. My tone was much bigger/more cutting and just overall sounded better. Then again the cabs he was using were those marshall avt ones with stock speakers whilst mines a well constructed cab with good speakers.. god knows! If that was anything to go by though, then a full stack is totally pointless and not worth the hassle when you can fill the same room with a 2x12..