Re: I think I might want a new cab. Suggestions?
I like the Mesa cabs. My all-time fav is the 412 Half-Back cab. I have two; one loaded with C90s in the open top and EVMs in the closed bottom. The other is all EVMs--it weighs 2.2 kilotons, but sounds AWESOME and can easily handle the full power of my 180-watt Mark III. Never gigged with it, but used the C90/EVM cab extensively. I like how the bottom delivers the projection, yet the top provides the ambience. These cabs are small for a 412.
The 212 Halfback is great, and it is a big 212. Mine has the C90 in the top and the Eminence-made Black Shadow MS-12 in a closed, ported bottom. It sounds huge and has all the benefits of the 412, at 3/4 size.
The current version is the Mesa 212 Vertical Recto with V30s. Mesa does voice the Stiletto to the V30. Not sure, but you might be able to order this cab with the open back top.
The 212 V30 Horizontal Recto is another great cab. I like to use mine under my Maverick 212 combo for a low-power halfstack. I like the Vertical a little better with a head because it puts the controls at eye-level. I've seen a guy use two of the Horizontals for a more portable, "modular" halfstack. Smart.
The Mesa 412 Recto is over-sized, but an integral part of the 'Recto" sound. The now discontinued 412 Traditional cab is smaller, and that means less bass. Closer to the 1960 cab, but still a little larger than the 412 Halfback.
When I bought my Mark V C90 combo, I knew I would want a 112 extension and opted for the Thiele-ported 112 Wide-Body Closed Back cab, and chose a V30 speaker for it. I actually like this combo better than the head and 412 Recto. I'm a big fan of the Mesa Mark III and IV combos with the 112 EVM Thiele...a concept drawn from the Halfback 412 and 212. The Road King cab carries this concept forward in a L/R configuration. Never tried one, but I'd bet I'd like it.
The Mesa cabs are durable and well-built, and I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
I have some other favorites. I always liked the Peavey MS 412 cab. Another solid choice, but you may want to experiment with speakers. (The original PV 5150 cabs are pretty good too...very Marshall-esque.) Find a good deal on one of these PV cabs, and it could be a great value.
The mid-'60s small box Fender Bassman and Bandmaster cabs are fantastic cabs. I've used them with JBL, Eminence, CTS, Celestion, Jensens, Oxfords and EVMs and they have always been great. And Tilt-Back legs! If you enjoy 15" speakers, the small 112, 115, and 215 JBL Showman cabs are also wonderful! (As is the latter big Showman 215.) But you don't wanna move that one!
And I would think think that, depending on speakers and condition, that 1936 Marshall with the flight case is not a bad deal.
Have fun and enjoy the journey. Hope you find something great.
Bill
