Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

Get yourself a Pigmobile to haul it around in.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

Neodymium speakers (something I found out about due to this forum) made a huge difference to my 2x12, so I'd guess they'd make a 4x12 a heck of a lot easier to move about. My 6u rack probably weighs far more than any cab I'm likely to use these days :-S
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

That actually doesn't look bad at all.

Except the part where the cab gets carried up wasn't included lol.
Plus isn't that a stilleto cab under that mesa cover?


OK, I'm just envious for having a good reason to haul it around lol.
 
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Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

You must be tall as hell if that's an oversized.

5'8".

It's a Mesa Powerhouse 4x10 (bass cab).

Biggest cab I've gotten up this way is an Orange. I don't think I could get an oversized Recto cab up that way. It's either a bear hug, two man lift, or I have to flip it upside-down and drag it up one step at a time.


My stairs are much worse than that though,,,,,narrower, steeper, rails on both sides and a left turn at the top with side banisters in the way,,,,,they reeeaaally suck!
It's the turn at the top that really kills. Old country home.

In that case I'd probably use a 1x12. I used to jam in a friend's old farmhouse basement... took my 2x12 the first time, took a 1x12 every time thereafter.

Except the part where the cab gets carried up wasn't included lol.

I turn around and walk it up backwards. Easiest way that I've found.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

5'8".

It's a Mesa Powerhouse 4x10 (bass cab).

Biggest cab I've gotten up this way is an Orange. I don't think I could get an oversized Recto cab up that way. It's either a bear hug, two man lift, or I have to flip it upside-down and drag it up one step at a time.




In that case I'd probably use a 1x12. I used to jam in a friend's old farmhouse basement... took my 2x12 the first time, took a 1x12 every time thereafter.



I turn around and walk it up backwards. Easiest way that I've found.

All good points.

I'm the same height as you and the full recto makes me look like a midget when carrying lol.

The times when I've did the stairs alone with the full recto-cab I basically stayed under it with one hand on the handle and the other on bottom (palm up of course),,,,,,,, then it's just lifting 6" at a time and sit it on the next step (cab is sideways of course) then move my feet to the next steps and repeat. Obviously one foot is always a step or two higher than the other so as to be well braced. It's "relatively" safe like that but it's a big slow pain.

Going down alone (huhuh,,huhuh) is the harder part.
The full recto is just so cumbersome,,,,,,,the weight in itself isn't that bad but their just so awkward,,,,,,,,hence the great caster system I suppose.
 
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Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I fit my oversized 4x12's in my A4 trunk, and use casters on them and my huge combo 2x12.

Some shows I will just bring one or 2 2x12's rather than a full 4x12. They are a little easier to move and make a nice tall half stack. My EVL loaded 2x12 probably weighs more than most 4x12's, and sounds bigger too.

One time I was carrying my giant combo down my stairs and I bent my phone in my pocket a bit from resting it against my leg.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

Neodymium speakers (something I found out about due to this forum) made a huge difference to my 2x12, so I'd guess they'd make a 4x12 a heck of a lot easier to move about. My 6u rack probably weighs far more than any cab I'm likely to use these days :-S

I've thought about trying those just for the weight savings. Anything out there that sounds close to a V30 while being a lot lighter?
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I've thought about trying those just for the weight savings. Anything out there that sounds close to a V30 while being a lot lighter?

Celestion has a few neos, the G12 Century Vintage looks possibly closest to a V30 frequency curve-wise, but I can't remember reviews on it, and have no personal experience. A few minutes with google suggests it's probably the neo option closest to a V30.

Eminence seems to have shelved some of the neo options I was most curious about as far as Celestion-type tones. Though they have some intriguing new models, they don't look to be in Celestion vein at all.


I wonder if anyone is doing something in vein of a neo EVM12L... Main feature of it's heavy frame was it's lack of flex, so it shouldn't be impossible to replicate it's tone and power handling in a less massive frame and magnet. A 4-8lb speaker that sounds like that would be a lot less painful than the 18.9lb EVM12L! There seem to be a bunch of JBL/Jensen neo clones, and sound reinforcement and bass drivers, but guitar options are more limited.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I have two Mesa 412 Half-Back cabs, one with C90s in the open top and EVMs in the bottom; the other one is all EVM. The all-EVM cab is a beast, and Miss Leslie (my paramour and roadie) and I together can barely lift it into my Town and Country mini-van. That one doesn't get out, LOL.

The other one is lighter, and more manageable. But the big factor is that these cabs do save a couple of pounds without the top back baffle, AND they are small 412 cabs. Smaller than a Marshall 1960A and much smaller than either Recto cab. The small size really makes a difference. And both cabs have removable wheels.

But the 212 Half-Back cab is big for a 212, nearly the same size as the 412s, so I usually take the big guy, when I need a big rig. I use a Horizontal Recto 212 V30 cab with my Mesa Maverick 212 combo, for a less powerful 412 rig. I dig this combo for the added bass of the Recto cab.

But for the past few years, I've used one of my Mesa Mark III, IV or V 112 combos with a 112 EVM Thiele cab underneath for most of my gigs and the occasional jam. The Mesas are controllable at low volume, but I'm never out-gunned if somebody wants to play volume wars.

But it all does come at a cost. Since 1970, I've driven nothing but a full-size wagon or a mini-van. And with the full PA and lights, I'm having to rent a U-Haul van or small truck. And it is a LOT of exhausting work. I'm beat after a gig, and at 66, I don't recover easily, either. It was a choice, to help my music career. But I often wish I'd owned a hot Camaro or Mustang to cruise in. :)

And thank God, I've got a supportive lady, and I've had the help of some life-long and dear friends. I'm blessed, and very thankful...there's no show without them.

Bill
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

66?! And you're still humping cabs!
Dude, I'm 50 and I hope that I can do what you do now, when I reach your age.


Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

Im not sure what Id do if I gigged. Wish I did! I guess Id have to figure out what my needs are for the gig and go from there. I really LOVE blasting thru my 4x12! My Avatar 2x12 delivers the goods too. Im 50 and Ive had 3 back surgeries, so lifting either makes me suffer.... But, whenever I move them, I do it myself. Lifting the 4x12s and loading them into the car or into my wifes pickup is a chore
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

If I am gigging with any big gear (like we are bringing the whole PA or something)., I hire someone. I'd rather pay a family member $50 to lift and set up a 4x12 than hurt myself doing it. I'm not a big guy, so doing it myself will cause some serious damage to my already-hurting back.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I went to Costco and bought their dolley that turns into a cart. Scew lifting a 4x12 all around. Casters are one thing but cracks in the pavement have broken many a caster. Besides you can haul everything at once with those cart dollies meaning your not leaving other stuff in the trunk for some punk to steal before you can get back to your vehicle and your not gunna destroy your back and then have to strap on your guitar after for several sets and then have to make several trips hauling and hoisting all your crap back into your car. I think I paid about 70 bucks and it works great. It's not sexy and macho but it is smart.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I have to say, the collapsible dolly is one of the best investments I've ever made. Mine is over 20 years old, and still works great.
 
Re: Not joking... How do you move a 4x12 cab?

I have one of the Rock 'n Roller carts, very handy.

Bill

And dave74...we're still laughing at your post!
 
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