Question; general diffs re: open vs closed vs ported speaker

Pete28 · September 1st, 2003, 09:25 PM

All things like cabinet dimensions, materials, speaker models, amp and guitar being equal, what are the general things that could be said about the three different types of cabinets, sonic flavor-wise? I have played through all at one time or another, but have never had the opportunity to do a side by side by side. I'm about to launch a cabinet project, and any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks, one and all.

buglecorps · September 1st, 2003, 09:51 PM

The closed cab will usualy give you more bottom..depending on the amp and speakers...perhaps a lot more bottom! Think of classic UK stacks.. I've never played a ported cab, although I'm sure they exist.. mostly sealed combos seem to be ported to give a bit more bottom to small speakers, this is often a toss up. I have played numerous combos with both ported, and open cabs, and had good, and poor bass from both types .I have a old 1X8 Ampeg combo with a slit port in the back..popular in '70s combo bass amps..this is a guitar amp but..it's an Ampeg..so..... Real nice sound and you can store the cord in it! but a friend has a SF V Champ that has WAY more bass punch. Open combos tend to disperse the sound, and are a bit more balanced in response..large open cabs are rare (the JMT Offset RI had a semi open cab if I remeber right...) Never played one, but might be a nice balance between the two extremes..

Some speakers seem better in closed cabs..many folks myself included.. find the Celestion Vintage 30 to be a bit weak in open cabs(even though it was designed for open combos....) Celestion has serveral speakers that they feel are better in one or the other..you might check your makers web site for guidance..

September 1st, 2003, 09:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pete28 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Palisades, New York Posts: 8	Question; general diffs re: open vs closed vs ported speaker All things like cabinet dimensions, materials, speaker models, amp and guitar being equal, what are the general things that could be said about the three different types of cabinets, sonic flavor-wise? I have played through all at one time or another, but have never had the opportunity to do a side by side by side. I'm about to launch a cabinet project, and any feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks, one and all.

September 1st, 2003, 09:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
buglecorps Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Suburban Twang Town Posts: 753	Neither is better than the other..but The closed cab will usualy give you more bottom..depending on the amp and speakers...perhaps a lot more bottom! Think of classic UK stacks.. I've never played a ported cab, although I'm sure they exist.. mostly sealed combos seem to be ported to give a bit more bottom to small speakers, this is often a toss up. I have played numerous combos with both ported, and open cabs, and had good, and poor bass from both types .I have a old 1X8 Ampeg combo with a slit port in the back..popular in '70s combo bass amps..this is a guitar amp but..it's an Ampeg..so..... Real nice sound and you can store the cord in it! but a friend has a SF V Champ that has WAY more bass punch. Open combos tend to disperse the sound, and are a bit more balanced in response..large open cabs are rare (the JMT Offset RI had a semi open cab if I remeber right...) Never played one, but might be a nice balance between the two extremes.. Some speakers seem better in closed cabs..many folks myself included.. find the Celestion Vintage 30 to be a bit weak in open cabs(even though it was designed for open combos....) Celestion has serveral speakers that they feel are better in one or the other..you might check your makers web site for guidance.. __________________ Loud is Good...