Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

[Nightburst]

Just wondering what you guys think of this idea I'm having.
I have a 4x12 jcm800 Marshall cabinet with 2 V30's and 2 G12h100 in an x pattern and it's great, full range of sound. I also upgraded the wires, jack plug and the back panel so the only difference it has between the higher end stuff is the thinner birch ply it's made of. So far so good...
However sometimes a good deal pops up, Bogner 2x12's are supposed to be really good and then I'll have a matching cab for my Ecstasy. I think I can do a staight trade on this deal. Should I get it? It's tempting! Only catch is that the Bogner cab has been modded for stereo operation wich I have no desire for but can be easily restored to stock operation.
Opinons please!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

I would. These days there's hardly any use for a 4x12. A 2x12 is much for versatile across multiple size venues. Ever since I sold my 4x12 (wasn't a Marshall though) and got an Avatar with 2 x Celestion Classic Lead 80's, I don't miss the 4x12 at all.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Yeah, I probably would as well. I've got an OS2X12 that's been at my last two gigs. Even though there is an Uberkab an a 1960B cab sitting at home. The OS2X12 has nearly the "girthy" tone of the 1960B, but it's a bit lighter and easier to haul around. Cuts through the mix VERY well. If I had to choose between the Marshall and OS2X12, I'd pick the Bogner for sure. If I had to choose one of the three to keep and get rid of the other two... the Uber would stay. It's just a complete monster-toned beast.

 

[SteveAlysis]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Do it... the marshalls go pretty cheap these days so, if you end up missing it you can always buy another

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

For me it would all be about the sound. I would want to play through the bogner before hand. I would have a hard time doing the swap without an ear test first. What good would it do you to swap a cab you dig for one that you dont?

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Good points but the question in my head is: Will I be able to use the Ecstasy (which is 120 Watts?) in normal operation at high volumes? I mean the amp does have a 1/2 power switch but I prefer the increased headroom in full operation. Will that stress the speakers on the long run or may I assume that the os2x12 is made to withstand that kind of punishment?

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Good points but the question in my head is: Will I be able to use the Ecstasy (which is 120 Watts?) in normal operation at high volumes? I mean the amp does have a 1/2 power switch but I prefer the increased headroom in full operation. Will that stress the speakers on the long run or may I assume that the os2x12 is made to withstand that kind of punishment?

I wouldn't run a 120 watt amp into a cabinet rated for 120 watts. Tube amps usually put out more than what they're rated for.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Good points but the question in my head is: Will I be able to use the Ecstasy (which is 120 Watts?) in normal operation at high volumes? I mean the amp does have a 1/2 power switch but I prefer the increased headroom in full operation. Will that stress the speakers on the long run or may I assume that the os2x12 is made to withstand that kind of punishment?

I used my XTC Classic at full-power, new style last Sat night into the OS2X12. I was running the volume past noon (maybe around 1:00 or so) and had the bass dimed (I wasn't mic'd, so I had to do that to get the fullness I wanted outdoors). Anyways... I started-out at half-power, but just wasn't satisfied with my headroom at all. Full power made the difference.

I do concur with what Agileguy said though... it's not a "best practice" deal to run a tube amp into a cab rated at the same output. Luckily, everything went fine for me.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Good points but the question in my head is: Will I be able to use the Ecstasy (which is 120 Watts?) in normal operation at high volumes? I mean the amp does have a 1/2 power switch but I prefer the increased headroom in full operation. Will that stress the speakers on the long run or may I assume that the os2x12 is made to withstand that kind of punishment?

It's no ideal, but as long as your not pushing the amp. I would recommend upgrading the speakers to something higher wattage maybe EVM 12L's.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

No, are you crazy??

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

your cab is an 800 cab, which is probably better than the newer marshall cabs... but like others have said, try with your ears. While a 4x12 is overkill, they look way cooler! Everytime I show up with my 2x12 people think we are doing blues or country haha.

Just keep both... yup... there ya go.

 

[devastone]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Unless you are continuously diming the volume on the amp, you should be fine running into the 2-12 cab.

The original Marshall cabs were loaded with 4 - 25W Celestions, how many 100W Superlead heads have been run through one of those cabinets? And those were often ran really loud so the were putting out ~140W.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

TOO LOUD DUUUUDE! heh I would, to increase the longevity of my hearingz. it would look cooler and be easier to haul and use at practice too. but the 412 looks awesome and sounds great for the big outdoor gigs (which will have mics at any rate)

 

[Warheart]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

your cab is an 800 cab, which is probably better than the newer marshall cabs... but like others have said, try with your ears. While a 4x12 is overkill, they look way cooler! Everytime I show up with my 2x12 people think we are doing blues or country haha.

Just keep both... yup... there ya go.

Better in what way?

 

[Kostas]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Nothing sounds like a 4x12

Test your cab next to a Bogner 4x12 and if you prefer the Bogner save money and sell your cab.

Do not sell your cab. Especially if you like the sound.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Anyone tried a Bogner os2x12 cab? I've read many great things about them but I have no idea where I could test one out with my own amp.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

No, are you crazy??

I have both and if forced to choose between them I would choose the OS2X12. The last two gigs I did just with the Bogner cab (one was country/rock and the other was rock/metal). It's a very versatile cab, and it's very thick-sounding for a 2X12.

And in case the look/"wow" factor is of any concern to anyone... it's hard to beat the look of a Marshall 4X12 (or ten) on stage, but Bogners certainly look bad-a$$ on stage too.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

Anyone tried a Bogner os2x12 cab? I've read many great things about them but I have no idea where I could test one out with my own amp.

They're great cabs. I've had two of them. Loaded with the stock V30s they can go from very clean, tight spanky tones ala a Fender Twin Reverb, to full, chunky, thick Marshall 4X12 tones. My 1960B straight cab probably has more girth and bass in it (albeit at the expense of being flubby and farty at times). The OS2X12 compares very favorably to the Marshall 1960A slant cab. In fact, I sold my 1960A after I got the first OS2X12.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

I much prefer 4x12'' cabs to 2x12'' cabs (bigger expansion of sound), but as far as build quality and tone, if you've got a newer style Marshall cab you're going to be floored by the Bogner.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Trade my Marshall 4x12 for a Bogner 2x12?

My rig is pretty much the XTC on the Bogner OS212. It's the only way to tame the volume - pushing less air.

But I love how it sounds with a Bogner 412 overall.