pomod wrote:
well I think I pretty much have my sIII wired, and ready test. I just need to make up my mind on what speaker configuration - which is proving to be no small task. I was originally leaning towards a 2x12 open back which I was told would give a bit more headroom and push more air, but then there is the obvious weight. Some people say the 1x12s sound boxy, and I'm inclined to agree (although I've always loved those old fender deluxes). The 2x10s seemed like a compromise, and those Dr Zs sound sweet, but others say 2 10s are to too "pointy" and bright. What have you guys discovered works best for these 18 watters? Any pros/cons/tips/opinions you feel like sharing. I'm really having difficulty deciding.
I play a tele and a LP special with p90s if thats a factor.
I did extensive testing using Stephen's sIII and all the cabs in my studio - there are polls/clips in the clippage section if you want to check it out... the good news is there was really no bad speaker with the sIII, everything had an appeal, even though each speaker sounded a bit different. My overall favourite was my Marshall closed back 4x12 cab with G12T-75's - the speaker everyone loves to hate. Just sounded like classic rock to me so it might be worth investigating those. Greenbacks were also nice - also in a Marshall closed back 4x12. Some folks liked V30's (Mesa and Orange closed back cabs), and some folks liked the Tone Tubby's (Trinity open back 2x12)... Here are my personal biases fwiw - I always prefer 2 or 4 speakers over 1 - I like the size and the smear of multiple speakers. I don't generally like the sound of different speakers in one cab - the mix/match thing kind of dilutes the specific coolness of each speaker to me... this is a me thing though, lots of guys like to mix and match. I don't think with 12's or 10's one is inherently "better" than the other - they're just different and it really depends on what you're going for, and the specific speakers you choose. In general I find 12's to be bigger and deeper sounding, 10's to be tighter and more focused, but again it really depends on the speaker and the cab it's in. If we're talking Tone Tubby's for 12's I like the Alnicos, but don't care as much for the Ceramics. But I LOVE the Ceramic 10's!!
Is this more confusing?!!? LOL! Well, if I was you, which I'm not, but if I was, I'd try a 2x12 with G12T75's, or a 2x12 with Greenbacks first. If those aren't your cup of tea, then I'd try a 2x12 with either V30's or TTA's or a 2x10 with TTC's...
Hope this helps. You're really going to need to plug that 18W into some stuff and have a listen yourself!!
_________________
Brent Bodrug
Producer-Engineer/Songwriter
www.slyfichapel.com