closed back vs. open backed cabinets

[shreder75]

what are your thoughts?

I run my AT-100 through my vetta 2x12 extension cabinet...it's got 'custom celestions' that were designed to go along with the vetta combo...and it's open backed

I was at guitar center today and I playing the same b-52 I have through the b-52 4x12 cabinet...and it did sound alot different...alot tighter on the low end...

anywho, I'm thinkin' about getting rid of my vetta 2x12, which is open backed and getting the b-52 2x12 closed backed that comes loaded with celestion custom (or is it vintage??) 30's in it..in the meantime I'm going to experiment closing the back of my vetta 2x12 just to see if I'm happy with that result...

thoughts?

 

[RW James]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

Here is some information on that subject from Celestion

What is the difference between open and closed-back cabinets?

The closed-back type of cabinet has much more bass presence and a tighter feel. The sound is more directional, however, and can feel slower or less free and open. For this reason I would usually choose a large magnet speaker (eg Vintage 30) in a closed back cabinet as it is less bass-heavy. The effect of the large magnet outweighs the effect of the cabinet.

I have heard people say that the Vintage 30 ONLY works in open cabs, and others say it ONLY works in closed so ultimately it's all down to personal taste, your tone and style, and how you set your amp controls.

The site is http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/features/drdecibel/index.asp

Rick

 

[shreder75]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

hmm..interesting reading..I don't mind it being more directional...it's either going to be miced up or go direct...so that's not a big deal...I like the tighter feel though..

thanks!

 

[Guitar Toad]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I almost posted the exact same question, shreder75. I'm glad you beat me to it!
yes that was a good read. I think I'll go ahead and leave mine open to keep the low end and mids that the open design is friendly for. But I may experiment by duct taping a piece of cardboard over the back and see how it compares.

 

[shreder75]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I almost posted the exact same question, shreder75. I'm glad you beat me to it!
yes that was a good read. I think I'll go ahead and leave mine open to keep the low end and mids that the open design is friendly for. But I may experiment by duct taping a piece of cardboard over the back and see how it compares.

no problem =D

yeah, that sounds like what I'm going to try doing....I just can't beleive the difference in the sound...

if I don't like my existing cab after closing it off, I'll eventually get the matched b-52 2x12 closed back with the vintage 30's in it....when I have some extra cash...in other words, I shouldn't hold my breath..lmao..but one of these days! maybe after a couple of paying gigs...

 

[Guitar Toad]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

Yep, one of these days, for me too shreder75!
Let us know how your closed back trial goes for you. Rock on! :headbang:

 

[shreder75]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

will do!

 

[Hellion]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I like either type of cabinets, but both require some getting used to. My closed 212 is like a lazer beam, it's that directional, and it doesn't focus for about 20 feet, so if it's sounding loud onstage, it's cutting heads off out in the audience. Open back has a more open sound to it for me and and the response is more immediate.

 

[shreder75]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I guess alot of it has to do with your style, attack, etc, etc

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I tend to like closed back cabs for gain, and open backs for midgain and clean. My 2-12 cab is pretty directional, so maybe one of these days I should use it with the back off, and if I end up liking it, I can make a plywood halfback panel for it, so there's something to screw the jack onto.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

for outdoor venues with wattage at or below 40 (a fender combo), you could have a bit of trouble with not getting enough volume. For me, closed backs are a must for outdoor stuff, unless you're running something like a Twin.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I've always used a sealed 4x12 for guitar. When I've gotten combos they don't 'hold it together' for me (in a live context). I have a 2x12 that has a panel you can take out that'll allow it to be an open back cab or a sealed cab.

 

[Jonny R]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I use a Twin (ashley, not mary-kate ) but I've got a hankering to try it plugged into a closed back cab sometime, just to see how it sounds. Could be a useful option to have around.

 

[FELIX57]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

have you heard of anyone modding theyr cab with a removable bottom panel at the back of the cab

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I use a Twin (ashley, not mary-kate ) but I've got a hankering to try it plugged into a closed back cab sometime, just to see how it sounds. Could be a useful option to have around.

Then it's a Showman.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

And the Showman was basically the guts of a Twin put into a head.

 

[Jonny R]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

I use a Twin (ashley, not mary-kate ) but I've got a hankering to try it plugged into a closed back cab sometime, just to see how it sounds. Could be a useful option to have around.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

doesnt the twin have more than enough punch to rip at large venues/stages? I mean, do you really need to use a closed back cab to focus outward that much?

From what I've heard, lew used to run his twin with a 2x15 ext cab! Sounds like a MASSIVE tone!

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

have you heard of anyone modding theyr cab with a removable bottom panel at the back of the cab

Around 3 hours before you asked the question...

I have a 2x12 that has a panel you can take out that'll allow it to be an open back cab or a sealed cab.

It's a no-name cab that the grille cloth is a plastic/nylon thing- so I'm assuming it was made in the 80's. If you split the back of the amp into thirds, the top 1/3 is the part that's removable. I'll try to get pics. (the cab is at a friend's house)

 

[Quencho092]

Re: closed back vs. open backed cabinets

showman doesnt have reverb....