Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

[some_dude]

Historically, unless it's a bigger name act I've always considered a guitarist using a full stack somewhere between being pretentious and posing.

Lately though I don't know. I've gigged a few times now using a 3/4 stack (2x12 combo on a 4x12 cab) and I have to tell you that the reaction wasn't what I expected.

What I did expect was people who thought like me giving me a hard time for being a pretentious poseur.

What I got was people who genuinely thought it was cool. Far cooler than the gigs where I last showed up with just the 2x12 combo. What other guitarists think aside, I think the crowd really likes the looks of a stack. I guess that when it comes to rock and roll there's something to be said about showing up with lots of speakers.

Now that I've sold the combo and I'm back to using a head and a half stack my wife (believe it or not) wants me to buy another cab. She says the half stack looks goofy and that I should add another 2x12 to make it "look right".

Now, I'm not big into the whole image thing, but who am I to argue with a woman who wants me to buy another piece of gear?

Anyway, what's your thoughts on the whole stack vs half-stack vs combo thing?

 

[d1dsj]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

Man that's wierd, I got an old Orange 4 x 12 and a Custom built 4 x10 which is now used for special gigs... or when there is not much room. Today, infact right now, I'm looking at an Orange 2 x 12 to go on top of my 4 x 12 'coz I think it would add to the sound as well as looking friggin cool!!!!!! Go for it bud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[EveryMn]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I don't really care. It's a matter of need.

If I'm playing my living room, a 15wx12" combo will do fine.
If I'm plaing a smaller venue like a House of Blues, a 50w head and a 4x12 will do fine.
If I'm playing a large arena or stadium, I'll gladly take my 100w and pair of 4x12s.

 

[Smilemon]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

One of my fav local bands, plays a Groove Tubes Combo amp, plugged into his halfstack. 5 speakers. It looks pretty damn cool.

 

[34029324079]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

i wonder if it is easy to match up 2 different cabs; especially a 2x12 and a 4x12 - if one overpowers the other it wouldnt make any difference sonically. for pure aesthetics ya, an orange full stack is the shiznit!

 

[Dr.Mavashi]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

Well its really depends on the style of tunes you are into. If you are into Mark Knopfler type of staff you really dont need a half stack for the most part. But if you are in moder Euro-Power Metal with another guitarist and a kebordist and you can't have anything less than a wall of metal than a half stack might not be enough. I was just thinking the other day if this project that I am involved is reall gonna take off we will prabobly need two half stacks each. I am more into two half stacks than one full stack.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I personally don't like using combos, or even a 2x12- I've been using a head and 4x12 for the last 20 years or so. When I have used combos or a 2x12 cab it's just... lacking. It's not a matter of volume- it's the fullness and depth and sound dispersal that just work so much better for me. I'm sure that if I had gotten used to a 2x12 cab or even an open backed combo- I'd possibly have a different "vision" of what my guitar sound would be.

So, to get to the premise of "more than a half-stack..."

For a short period of time I used my 2x12 and my 4x12- but only in rehearsals- I never used it like that for a show. A long time ago my band always played on the same bill with this other band- sometimes the guitar player from that band and I would combine rigs so we'd be running a full stack. Sometimes it was the cabs stacked (he had a straight front Marshall, mine's angled) sometimes it was side by side. It never impressed me enough to get another 4x12. And it sure wasn't enough to make me want to haul another 4x12 to play rockstar.

If I'm plaing a smaller venue like a House of Blues, a 50w head and a 4x12 will do fine.

I don't know how the other franchises are, but the House Of Blues in Chicago doesn't quite qualify as a "smaller venue" to me.

 

[BG00]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

When I play live, I run a 3/4 stack as well. My 2x12 on my 4x12 with my laney head. I love it because the two cabs excel in different areas. Ironically my 2x12 has a more dynamic low end than my 4x12, and the 4x12 screams much better on the highs.

 

[doveman]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

For what it's worth, I go by the sound of it over the looks.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I've been toying with the idea of a full stack, just for extra girth in the sound. I don't really know what difference it will make though.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I personally don't like using combos, or even a 2x12- I've been using a head and 4x12 for the last 20 years or so. When I have used combos or a 2x12 cab it's just... lacking. It's not a matter of volume- it's the fullness and depth and sound dispersal that just work so much better for me. I'm sure that if I had gotten used to a 2x12 cab or even an open backed combo- I'd possibly have a different "vision" of what my guitar sound would be.

Ditto. I've been using a head/412 ever since I was 15. That's the sound I want behind me.

I own a 4-12 and 2-12, just so I have an appropriate amount of sound for the venue. There's been times in my life when 2 4-12's side by side or stacked looked appropriate though. Big outdoor stages, The Key Club, House of Blues, The Hollywood Paladium, The Roxy Theatre.

All the guys claiming a 30W 1-12 is all that's necessary are playing on a 8 foot stage at the KOA Campground, performing for blue-hairs! :bigok: :9: :butkick: :laughing:

 

[Fresno Bob]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I think it would also depend on the band situation. If you're a second guitarist, I think a half stack would be fine (especially if the other guitarist is using a similar setup). Not only is this considerate, but it sure makes it easier loading in/out for those out of town gigs.

But if you're the lone guitarist, then a full stack would definately get the point across.

 

[xicodelico]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I'll love my half stack! jcm2000 & 1960a

 

[saladin]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I prefer combo's for clean sounds and cabs for distortion. I use my Carvin combo with a closed back extension cab and I get the best of both worlds. I don't care what it looks like, it sounds great.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

damn you guys!!!

I just traded in my blues junior for a head and I was gonna go with a 2x12 cab. now y'all got me thinking about a 4x12. I don't want to spend that kinda money right now.

and trust me, it's the sound, not the aesthetics

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

I totally AGREE! People like half stacks and think it looks cool.

As far as sound hmmmm who knows? You'd be shocked at the tones you can get out of an open back 2x12.

On the flip side, certain venues, in LA the Hotel Cafe comes to mind, will flip out if you come with a Marshall or a half stack. They are into quieter groups and combos. They get scared you will crank and blow the walls off as so many do. Then I play with funky acts that prefer combos, so you do have people who like smaller rigs for that "authentic" funky look.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

The last show I played with my half stack, the sound guy kept telling me to turn down. I got so fed up 2 songs in that I kicked over the speaker mic and cranked her up.:butkick: It sux being the opening band at a gig. You always end up being the sound test rat.

 

[kurtster]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

use what ya got, and play your best.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

The last show I played with my half stack, the sound guy kept telling me to turn down. I got so fed up 2 songs in that I kicked over the speaker mic and cranked her up.:butkick: It sux being the opening band at a gig. You always end up being the sound test rat.

HELL YEAH!

punk ****ing rock

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Full stacks, half stacks, combos, ect...

In a small room an open back cab will ofton get a better sound. The strong directional aspec of a closed back 4x12 can be a problem in some venues. I know a guitarist that usually uses two tweed bassmans, mainly because he gets a more surround sound effect in the typical venues he finds hinself playing. He preffers the looks and the sound of a 1/2 stack or a stack, but only uses them outdoors or in large rooms, that and the fact that his gear along with everybody elses has to fit in the van.
However, he told me that a single combo didn't cut it sound wise, so he always uses two.

It's not so much a question of volume, as much as it is just getting a full sound in a particular room. I don't find a 4x12 much louder than a open back 2x12 or 4x10 combo. Two combos will almost always be louder than closed back cabs.

It's a matter of using what works best for the situation, but that includes looks.

I always hope to be able to use a 1/2 stack, as I like the sound and especially the looks better. The presentation is important. People like the looks of stacks, piggy backs, and so forth... Most Dinky little combos don't have the look.