4x12 vs 2x12 for pub gigs

[Dazza1004]

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

[gwEm]

I would use two ported 1x12s. My Mesa Boogie Theiles are less directional than a 4x12

[martinw]

Open backed 4x10 for me.

1x12 in smaller places. :)

[Twinfan]

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!

[Dazza1004]

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 ?

[Twinfan]

Yup  :)

[mikeluke]

Hope he does you a good deal!

:-)

[Ratrod]

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.

[Dazza1004]

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 ?

[sgmypod]

helped convert a matamp to open back(4x12) sounds great

[blue]

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?

[psy]

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.

[Dazza1004]

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.

[Twinfan]

That's exactly how my 2x12 is set up....

[psy]

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.