speaker cabs --- what are the factors in tone?

[Eskimo_Joe]

It seems like there are a number of factors that contribute to a speaker cab's tone:

- speakers
- open or closed back
- size / shape
- materials

The ultimate question I'm trying to answer is whether it is worth experimenting with speakers (keeping the cab constant), or do you have to completely change cabs? I know it's an ambiguous, "it depends" type question. Just looking for feedback / experiences. Thanks!

[DocRock]

For me, I think I'd first determine the configuration of the cab itself. Then I'd see which speakers I liked best with my head, holding the cab constant. I suspect there are better ways to do this if you're one of the lucky ones free of financial constraints, i.e., like simply buying one of everything ever made and then narrowing it down to what works best for you.

But in the real world, I think it makes sense to first decide what you want: 1x12, 2x10, 2x12, 4x10, 4x12, 1x15, etc..... Then think about application and overall sonic footprint. Open-back design for ambience, blossom, upper harmonic detail -- often compromising some low end response, punch, cutting through, etc. Closed-back design for presence, power, low end, punch -- often compromising some detail and ambience due to the directionality and focus you'll now have. Depending on your playing situation and your personal preference, one design may work better for you than the other.

Once you've decided on your configuration, then you can start swapping speakers, etc.

This is how I would do it, anyway ... as always, YMMV.

[Eskimo_Joe]

Here's my situation. There is something I don't like about the tone I'm getting with the MP CS-40 and matching 2x12 cab. I took the head to a local shop and played it through another cab to try to diagnose if my issue was with the amp itself or the cab. The head sounded much better through a /13 2x12 cab than it does through the MP cab. So this leaves me asking, what is it about my cab that is causing what I don't like (stiffness, sharpness, lack of warmth compared to my Victoria)? My guess is it one of two things: the speakers or the fact it is closed back. So basically, should I experiment with different speakers?

[mfolet]

It sounds more like you need to break in the speakers.I went thru two new out of the box EVH 5150 III heads and bottoms ,only to have them sound nothing like the demo they had (which was rented a few times).I took the used demo bottom and there was the sound.It's weird.

[Eskimo_Joe]

It sounds more like you need to break in the speakers.I went thru two new out of the box EVH 5150 III heads and bottoms ,only to have them sound nothing like the demo they had (which was rented a few times).I took the used demo bottom and there was the sound.It's weird.

I agree they probably need more breaking in, but the /13 cab was brand new (i.e. speakers not broken in) and it sounded clearly much better.

[nichcope]

Sounds like the right job for some vintage pre Rola Celestions!

[Eskimo_Joe]

Sounds like the right job for some vintage pre Rola Celestions!

That would be amazing, but how do you find them and how much are they????

[huckleboogie]

Code: Select all

nichcope wrote:
Sounds like the right job for some vintage pre Rola Celestions! 


That would be amazing, but how do you find them and how much are they???? 

-------
if Youre lookin for that sound (pre rola celestions), i can strongly recommend scumback speakers from southbay amp works....You should definitely check his stuff out!!

[Eskimo_Joe]

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nichcope wrote:
Sounds like the right job for some vintage pre Rola Celestions! 


That would be amazing, but how do you find them and how much are they???? 

-------
if Youre lookin for that sound (pre rola celestions), i can strongly recommend scumback speakers from southbay amp works....You should definitely check his stuff out!!

thanks for the recommendation. I think I remember hearing that the Scumbacks come broken in, is that true?

[huckleboogie]

yes, it's true! they come broken in.
i heard some top players consider those to be the best "pre rola" style speakers. all i can say is i'm very happy with mine, plus Jim Seavall is a great guy to deal with!