2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
- Thread starter lex666
- Start date
3
34029324079
Guest
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I hated my open back combo because I play hard rock and metal. there is no bottom end!
I think the closed back roadster combo looks cool but Iwould not want it. too much vibration - weird sounds and damage can result. but it is a good idea! with a head and cab you can switch up things easily btwn speakers and other heads.
I hated my open back combo because I play hard rock and metal. there is no bottom end!
I think the closed back roadster combo looks cool but Iwould not want it. too much vibration - weird sounds and damage can result. but it is a good idea! with a head and cab you can switch up things easily btwn speakers and other heads.
Kosh Naranek
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I like having a 2-12 cab, and having 2 different heads I can use it with to get more tones. In fact, I'm continually tempted to buy another head or two for more tonal options!
I like having a 2-12 cab, and having 2 different heads I can use it with to get more tones. In fact, I'm continually tempted to buy another head or two for more tonal options!
Virtual Kevorkian
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
Combo's generally = open back, which for me, = t3h suckage.
I also really like the ability to have my head/cab in separate places, esp. for recording.
Combo's generally = open back, which for me, = t3h suckage.
I also really like the ability to have my head/cab in separate places, esp. for recording.
lex666
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
^^^
that's part of my dilemma.
I've been toying with that idea too. I could use any head if I go with cabs, but getting a combo is somewhat cheaper than buying a head and a cab. Might be a worthwhile investment tho... how knows...?
^^^
that's part of my dilemma.
I've been toying with that idea too. I could use any head if I go with cabs, but getting a combo is somewhat cheaper than buying a head and a cab. Might be a worthwhile investment tho... how knows...?
barbarianbrute
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
oh man the jvm combo is the best sounding combo i've ever heard. i have a jvm head on a 2X12 cab and it sounds almost the same as the combo except the the combo seems to breath a little better. the combo, obviously, is easier to port around. it even has the side handles.
i only paid 1,400 for the jvm head, but i couldn't get the combo beause it was 1,900. i would have prefered it though.
oh man the jvm combo is the best sounding combo i've ever heard. i have a jvm head on a 2X12 cab and it sounds almost the same as the combo except the the combo seems to breath a little better. the combo, obviously, is easier to port around. it even has the side handles.
i only paid 1,400 for the jvm head, but i couldn't get the combo beause it was 1,900. i would have prefered it though.
lex666
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
May I ask where you got such a good deal on the JVM head?
I'm leaning towards the 2x12 cab idea. That might allow me to add a different head for different tones later on without the expense of buying abother combo...
May I ask where you got such a good deal on the JVM head?
I'm leaning towards the 2x12 cab idea. That might allow me to add a different head for different tones later on without the expense of buying abother combo...
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I'd always pick the separate gear.
More practical when you go somewhere where there is a cabinet anyway. More practical if you don't like the speakers or open/close back. Mos importantly, you can switch between a cabinet with 2x Celestion Vintage 30 and 2x EV 12L.
I'd always pick the separate gear.
More practical when you go somewhere where there is a cabinet anyway. More practical if you don't like the speakers or open/close back. Mos importantly, you can switch between a cabinet with 2x Celestion Vintage 30 and 2x EV 12L.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
With the Roadster, I would get a 112 version, and a matching 112 extension cab. You'll appreciate the lighter weight of the 112 when you just want to go to a practice or a jam. The addition of the 112 extension makes for a formidable little "quarter stack" that still has a very small stage footprint--great for those tiny little clubs. I do this with my Mark III and Mark IV Mesa EVM combos, and use a 112 Theile cab underneath them. I like the sound of the open-back combo combined with the punch and projection of the Theile cab.
Even if you do opt for the 212 version of the Roadster or the JVM, you can similarly add a matching 212--for those times when you DO want overkill!!! LOL!
Good luck!
Bill
With the Roadster, I would get a 112 version, and a matching 112 extension cab. You'll appreciate the lighter weight of the 112 when you just want to go to a practice or a jam. The addition of the 112 extension makes for a formidable little "quarter stack" that still has a very small stage footprint--great for those tiny little clubs. I do this with my Mark III and Mark IV Mesa EVM combos, and use a 112 Theile cab underneath them. I like the sound of the open-back combo combined with the punch and projection of the Theile cab.
Even if you do opt for the 212 version of the Roadster or the JVM, you can similarly add a matching 212--for those times when you DO want overkill!!! LOL!
Good luck!
Bill
barbarianbrute
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
i happen to do a lot of business at this local guitar store, so i'm getting real good deals now. i always use the same people every time i go in, so they have some degree of loyalty to me.
i tell you this, the same thing works for guitar center. go in and ask directly "what's the best you can do on the jvm head?" that's how you get a good deal. i know that sounds too simple to be true, but all too often people don't bother asking "is that the best you can do?" also, if you deal with an assistant manager they have access to better prices. don't ask the regular salespeople.
i happen to do a lot of business at this local guitar store, so i'm getting real good deals now. i always use the same people every time i go in, so they have some degree of loyalty to me.
i tell you this, the same thing works for guitar center. go in and ask directly "what's the best you can do on the jvm head?" that's how you get a good deal. i know that sounds too simple to be true, but all too often people don't bother asking "is that the best you can do?" also, if you deal with an assistant manager they have access to better prices. don't ask the regular salespeople.
aleclee
Major General GAS
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I'm all about heads + cabs. First off, you can mix and match. It's easier on the back to schlep around and generally easier to fit in the car as well.
drew_half_empty
Looking for Real Life
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
have you looked at avatar?
that may save you some bucks on the cab
have you looked at avatar?
that may save you some bucks on the cab
Pushpin&Poetry
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
My vote: head and cab
My vote: head and cab
Sludgenutz
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
"Heads" isolate the vibration generated by the speaker, from the vacuum tubes, better than a typical combo. Blasting the guts of vacuum tubes (especially expensive vintage/NOS types) with sound, because they are intentionally built into the same cab as the speaker makes no sense.
Considering the fact that today's tubes are considered looser "junk" from the start...a seperate head is also a benefit.
Deciding on the flavor of a sealed back cab is really satisfying, once the flavor of the tone is honestly pondered. Even small amps can be put together @ 50 watts max:
"Heads" isolate the vibration generated by the speaker, from the vacuum tubes, better than a typical combo. Blasting the guts of vacuum tubes (especially expensive vintage/NOS types) with sound, because they are intentionally built into the same cab as the speaker makes no sense.
Considering the fact that today's tubes are considered looser "junk" from the start...a seperate head is also a benefit.
Deciding on the flavor of a sealed back cab is really satisfying, once the flavor of the tone is honestly pondered. Even small amps can be put together @ 50 watts max:
Last edited:
rainsong86
Member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I've had problems with almost every closed-back combo tube or hybrid tube amp.. it's just not a good idea.. this is why they're mostly open back or they at least have a port in the back like the roadsters.. anyways I feel it's always better to have them separate.. this way you divide the weight (as well as isolating the head from vibration).. this is especially important for amps with all-tube reverb
I've had problems with almost every closed-back combo tube or hybrid tube amp.. it's just not a good idea.. this is why they're mostly open back or they at least have a port in the back like the roadsters.. anyways I feel it's always better to have them separate.. this way you divide the weight (as well as isolating the head from vibration).. this is especially important for amps with all-tube reverb
FAC
New member
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
I totally hear you on these generalizations...but I'll add that my Victoria 20112 (Fender Tweed Deluxe based) just does not sound the same when I use it as a "head" and run it into another cabinet versus using its internal speaker. There must be some undefinable sympathetic vibration-thing going on with the tubes and the cabinet as they rattle away. If you really cared about your tubes you would not be cranking them up all the way, anyway.
You're definitely making some good generalizations but there's always an exception.
I totally hear you on these generalizations...but I'll add that my Victoria 20112 (Fender Tweed Deluxe based) just does not sound the same when I use it as a "head" and run it into another cabinet versus using its internal speaker. There must be some undefinable sympathetic vibration-thing going on with the tubes and the cabinet as they rattle away. If you really cared about your tubes you would not be cranking them up all the way, anyway.
You're definitely making some good generalizations but there's always an exception.
S
Skarekrough
Guest
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
Given the option I would go with a combo.
But then again, I buy amps mostly to gig out with. Having it in two peices means an extra trip out to the car to get something. I do tend to prefer smaller amps and just micing them up if need be. But what i have found from playing bars is that rarely do you need the sort of horsepower that most amps offer. It's very easy to get way too loud very quickly.
Given the option I would go with a combo.
But then again, I buy amps mostly to gig out with. Having it in two peices means an extra trip out to the car to get something. I do tend to prefer smaller amps and just micing them up if need be. But what i have found from playing bars is that rarely do you need the sort of horsepower that most amps offer. It's very easy to get way too loud very quickly.
Re: 2x12 combo OR head and 2x12 cab?
Agreed. More overall versatility plus i prefer the tighter sound those rigs generally seem to offer.
Agreed. More overall versatility plus i prefer the tighter sound those rigs generally seem to offer.
