2x12 Cabinets - Open back or Closed back?

stormin · January 7th, 2005, 09:03 AM

Hey all,

I need to buy a 2x12 cabinet for a new head 50w that I bought. I was originally going to get a closed back marshall 1936 (2x12), but on a whim I plugged the head into my Vintage-30 loaded BF twin, and it sounded pretty damn good. It was much fuller than I thought it would be.

What is the current concensus on the open versus closed debate? I'm now totally confused on which way to go. Also, what are your favourite 2x12 cabs?

Thanks for the help,

...Stormin!

Sarge · January 7th, 2005, 10:16 AM

I have a limited edition 300 watt Peavey 212MS with Scorpion Ultra's with a removable back panel to allow open or closed operation. This gives me the option to go either way. As far as preferance, I like the closed position for more projection when it's up againt the wall. If I use it more towards the center of a room it sounds better with the back off which allows the sound to "bounce off the walls" and give it a "bigger" sound.

Marky D. · January 7th, 2005, 02:49 PM

I've been thinking about that too. The 2x12 open back w/ a Vintage 30 and G12H30 seems like a good combination.

http://avatarspeakers.com/

I like how open back cabs are airy and open (while sacrificing some bass response)..

Good luck!

Dana · January 7th, 2005, 03:37 PM

My closed back marshall 1936 (2x12) with Celesitan Greenbacks sounds amazing with my Dr. Z Carmen Ghia head. TONE!! :D

trag-o-caster · January 7th, 2005, 07:44 PM

Generally, I'd say that I'd stick with an open back cab. I like the sound coming from all around. Also, closed back cabs can sound kinda flubby to me. A friend of mine has the Fender Tonemaster closed back cab, with 2 V30's. It sounds cool, but somewhat bass heavy.

I just recently took delivery of a Steelsound open back cab with 2x12" Eminence Legend V12's. It sounds great, but it's STILL a bit bass heavy to my ear. Running a Deluxe Reverb into it sounds GREAT though!

January 7th, 2005, 09:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
stormin TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 44	2x12 Cabinets - Open back or Closed back? Hey all, I need to buy a 2x12 cabinet for a new head 50w that I bought. I was originally going to get a closed back marshall 1936 (2x12), but on a whim I plugged the head into my Vintage-30 loaded BF twin, and it sounded pretty damn good. It was much fuller than I thought it would be. What is the current concensus on the open versus closed debate? I'm now totally confused on which way to go. Also, what are your favourite 2x12 cabs? Thanks for the help, ...Stormin! __________________ '68 Stratocaster, '93 Telecaster (US 52ri) Bogner Shiva EL-34 NR

January 7th, 2005, 10:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Open vs closed debate. I have a limited edition 300 watt Peavey 212MS with Scorpion Ultra's with a removable back panel to allow open or closed operation. This gives me the option to go either way. As far as preferance, I like the closed position for more projection when it's up againt the wall. If I use it more towards the center of a room it sounds better with the back off which allows the sound to "bounce off the walls" and give it a "bigger" sound.

January 7th, 2005, 02:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Marky D. Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN Age: 48 Posts: 314	Avatar Speakers I've been thinking about that too. The 2x12 open back w/ a Vintage 30 and G12H30 seems like a good combination. http://avatarspeakers.com/ I like how open back cabs are airy and open (while sacrificing some bass response).. Good luck!

January 7th, 2005, 03:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,696 8 Photos	My closed back marshall 1936 (2x12) with Celesitan Greenbacks sounds amazing with my Dr. Z Carmen Ghia head. TONE!! :D __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

January 7th, 2005, 07:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
trag-o-caster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Flushing, Michigan Posts: 4,631	Generally, I'd say that I'd stick with an open back cab. I like the sound coming from all around. Also, closed back cabs can sound kinda flubby to me. A friend of mine has the Fender Tonemaster closed back cab, with 2 V30's. It sounds cool, but somewhat bass heavy. I just recently took delivery of a Steelsound open back cab with 2x12" Eminence Legend V12's. It sounds great, but it's STILL a bit bass heavy to my ear. Running a Deluxe Reverb into it sounds GREAT though! __________________ Timothy Jon Lamb