Menu
Guys,
My bassplayer left me in charger of buying new speakers for the bass.
can anyone fill on on what to go for, 1x15"or 2x12"? what are the
diffenences? I've always been partial to 15", but he's got a cab that
can take 2 12's or 1 15, but not 2 15's. I looked in to 12's, and
maybe its the better option alltogether, because supposedly it gives
better spread of sound?
bassplayers of sg101, please chime in!
thanks
WR
A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
depending on how low you're talking about going, it
might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
"tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
experienced this either. I've never played through
12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
would say that larger speakers are always better for
bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
what it's like.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
The bigger radius speaker puts more emphasis on lower frequencies. Last time we
discussed this, it was figured that the longer voice coil travel was the reason.
Shorter voice coil travel is why some say that 10's give a more punchy or
tighter bass.
-Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 8:10 AM
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
depending on how low you're talking about going, it
might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
"tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
experienced this either. I've never played through
12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
would say that larger speakers are always better for
bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
what it's like.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
Get unlimited calls to
U.S./Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
MonoTone:
Two 12" speakers will have crisper "Transient" response (in
other words, they will have brighter and snappier treble
attack characteristics.)
The single 15" speaker will have a rounder, fuller more
defined bass response.
What do I play our of? SIX 12" speakers! I have a bi-amped
setup: 4x12" Fender Cabinet which handles the low end, 2X
12" Celestion speaker cab for the high end.
Some things to consider: does your bassist use a pick?
finger style? both? Is the bass "prominent" in your style?
More trad? More progressive? More treble and pick-click
needed? More fat bottom needed?
Really, there's not a TON of difference between the two
setups...
of course you guessed, I'd probably opt for the 2x12" AND
the 1x15"...my motto: "the more speakers on bass, the
better!"
good luck
-dp
--- mono_tones_1 <> wrote:
>
>
> Guys,
>
> My bassplayer left me in charger of buying new speakers
> for the bass.
>
> can anyone fill on on what to go for, 1x15"or 2x12"? what
> are the
> diffenences? I've always been partial to 15", but he's
> got a cab that
> can take 2 12's or 1 15, but not 2 15's. I looked in to
> 12's, and
> maybe its the better option alltogether, because
> supposedly it gives
> better spread of sound?
>
> bassplayers of sg101, please chime in!
>
> thanks
> WR
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> --------------------~-->
> In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers.
> At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide!
>
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today!
WR,
I use a Gallien Kruger 800RB Bi-amp. I have a 1x15" Harke, and a 4x10" harke.
The 1x15" is better for deep bass (you know, the kind you can feel in your
chest) The 10" cab is cleaner and does better with the higher end frequencies. I
prefer using both cabs with the bi-amp, but in situations where I may be limited
to one cab, I would choose the 4x10" and then max out the bass on the head. Of
course, if you are sound reinforced it doesn't matter much either way. I haven't
had much experience with 2x12" speakers for Bass, it is not a very common set
up. I would have to wonder why. Based on the info you provided, I would lean
towards a GOOD quality 15" speaker. May be the best all around? What kind of cab
are you putting the speaker into? It has been my experience that it is actually
better to buy a new cab. ie. the last time I needed to replace a 15", a
replacement speaker (black widow) cost almost as much as a whole new Harke
15"cab. I think the difference was between $50 & $100 bucks and I got the brand
new cab with warranty. Do some homework, check prices, and weigh pros and cons
before you buy anything. First and foremost, you get what you pay for. If you
buy a cheap speaker for bass, it won't sound that great, and will probably not
last very long.
Hope this helps somewhat, Good luck.
Stewd...............................
----- Original Message -----
From: mono_tones_1
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 9:45 AM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
Guys,
My bassplayer left me in charger of buying new speakers for the bass.
can anyone fill on on what to go for, 1x15"or 2x12"? what are the
diffenences? I've always been partial to 15", but he's got a cab that
can take 2 12's or 1 15, but not 2 15's. I looked in to 12's, and
maybe its the better option alltogether, because supposedly it gives
better spread of sound?
bassplayers of sg101, please chime in!
thanks
WR
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
Get unlimited calls to
U.S./Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I'm with Richard here too! I've been threatening the band that I'm goona get two
of those big PA cabs with 18" speakers and horns! LMAO :^)
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
depending on how low you're talking about going, it
might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
"tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
experienced this either. I've never played through
12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
would say that larger speakers are always better for
bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
what it's like.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
Get unlimited calls to
U.S./Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hey Group, a subject near and dear to my heart. Bass speakers. I
played a Tele Bass for about 6 years, during that time I always used
a 66 Bassman Head. My favorite Speaker combo was the 2x12 Fender
Cabinet, I blew speakers semi Regular, but I aquired a boatload in a
very advantageous trade so it wasn't such a big deal. I also had a
Fender 18 & 2x10 cabinet, a much newer model that just wasn't
cutting it, ( I had high hopes for the 18 & 2x10 combo as it seemed
to be the best of both worlds but it wasn't the best of any) as well
as a 2x15 JBL D140F Cabinet that really sounded sweet. There was
something about the 2x12 that just nailed the sound that I wanted at
the time. It wasn't too practical so I made the switch to the 2x15
cabinet.( also an awesome cabinet, so its all subjective. The 12s
had a bit more punch, and the 15s had a righteous bottom end) Its
all about the discovery so enjoy the ride and have fun listening
Mike G
Currently Guitarless and Looking.
Ah yes, the Tele bass. Was the Tele bass the same thing as the original
precision bass? I recall them looking similar.
-Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Gottlieb
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 3:48 PM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: bass speaker question 115 v 212
Hey Group, a subject near and dear to my heart. Bass speakers. I
played a Tele Bass for about 6 years, during that time I always used
a 66 Bassman Head. My favorite Speaker combo was the 2x12 Fender
Cabinet, I blew speakers semi Regular, but I aquired a boatload in a
very advantageous trade so it wasn't such a big deal. I also had a
Fender 18 & 2x10 cabinet, a much newer model that just wasn't
cutting it, ( I had high hopes for the 18 & 2x10 combo as it seemed
to be the best of both worlds but it wasn't the best of any) as well
as a 2x15 JBL D140F Cabinet that really sounded sweet. There was
something about the 2x12 that just nailed the sound that I wanted at
the time. It wasn't too practical so I made the switch to the 2x15
cabinet.( also an awesome cabinet, so its all subjective. The 12s
had a bit more punch, and the 15s had a righteous bottom end) Its
all about the discovery so enjoy the ride and have fun listening
Mike G
Currently Guitarless and Looking.
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You need those speakers that Marty McFly had at the beginning of "Back to the
Future".
-Marty (McTip, not McFly)
----- Original Message -----
From: Stewd Dude
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 3:34 PM
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
I'm with Richard here too! I've been threatening the band that I'm goona get
two of those big PA cabs with 18" speakers and horns! LMAO :^)
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard
To:
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
depending on how low you're talking about going, it
might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
"tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
experienced this either. I've never played through
12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
would say that larger speakers are always better for
bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
what it's like.
Richard
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
Get unlimited calls to
U.S./Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
Get unlimited calls to
U.S./Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
yes, i think i brough the shorter voice coil travel up, but in
retrospect i think i was wrong. voice coil travel is not determined
by the speaker size, but by the back and forth movement of the coil,
and there is no reason why a 10"er would have less rocking space then
a 15", of course depending on the design.
anyway, that's all 'figuring', what I needed was experience. I
noticed that the Ampeg 8x10 cab of my former bassist had more bass
then I ever heard. thanks for everyone's input, esp the bassplayers.
the choice we have to make includes a lot of factors, such as limited
funds, an existing cab, and anyway the need to fit all our gear in to
two cars etc.
I am leaning towards Eminence(s) - even tough it's not considered A+ -
mainly because their complete line is available very cheap here,
and they have an excellent website which gives very detailed
information about every model they make, which at least makes it
possible to pick the right sort of speaker. Our bassist, who will be
paying for his speakers, and will make the ulitmate choice, prefers
new over second hand, and with speakers, I can very well understand.
I'll let you know what is decided annd how it works out.
thanks guys.
WR
--- In , "Marty Tippens"
<mctippens@e...> wrote:
> The bigger radius speaker puts more emphasis on lower frequencies.
Last time we discussed this, it was figured that the longer voice
coil travel was the reason. Shorter voice coil travel is why some say
that 10's give a more punchy or tighter bass.
> -Marty
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard
> To:
> Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 8:10 AM
> Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
>
>
>
> A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
> but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
> depending on how low you're talking about going, it
> might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
> in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
> that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
> like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
> about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
> "tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
> I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
> gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
> that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
> experienced this either. I've never played through
> 12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
> would say that larger speakers are always better for
> bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
> what it's like.
>
> Richard
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
>
>
>
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived
messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
> Get unlimited calls to
>
> U.S./Canada
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
>
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Well yeah, I imagine a 10" speaker could be designed to have as long a throw as
a 15" but I think in practice, they aren't. I mean all figuring aside, the sound
of Twin 15" has more bottom than the Twin 2x12" even though the latter has more
cone surface. The 8x10 Ampeg SVT has a big enclosed cabinet and the cabinet
itself is contributing to the depth in sound. But you're right, this gets into
an infinite regress of 'figuring" as we've seen, complete with formulas.
The last time I compared bass cabinets, actually bass combo amps, was a year
ago. I just paired 'em up at the store trying to determine which one would crap
out first. I actually decided on one that I didn't think had the best tone, but
had the best power handling. It was the SWR Workman 15 (single 15 speaker). It
had a decent tone and could handle loud volumes better than the GK 2 x10 config
and either a Hartke or Ampeg single 15. If your guy is able to compare cabinets
at a store, that's a good way to go.
-Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: mono_tones_1
To:
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 3:09 AM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: bass speaker question 115 v 212
yes, i think i brough the shorter voice coil travel up, but in
retrospect i think i was wrong. voice coil travel is not determined
by the speaker size, but by the back and forth movement of the coil,
and there is no reason why a 10"er would have less rocking space then
a 15", of course depending on the design.
anyway, that's all 'figuring', what I needed was experience. I
noticed that the Ampeg 8x10 cab of my former bassist had more bass
then I ever heard. thanks for everyone's input, esp the bassplayers.
the choice we have to make includes a lot of factors, such as limited
funds, an existing cab, and anyway the need to fit all our gear in to
two cars etc.
I am leaning towards Eminence(s) - even tough it's not considered A+ -
mainly because their complete line is available very cheap here,
and they have an excellent website which gives very detailed
information about every model they make, which at least makes it
possible to pick the right sort of speaker. Our bassist, who will be
paying for his speakers, and will make the ulitmate choice, prefers
new over second hand, and with speakers, I can very well understand.
I'll let you know what is decided annd how it works out.
thanks guys.
WR
--- In , "Marty Tippens"
<mctippens@e...> wrote:
> The bigger radius speaker puts more emphasis on lower frequencies.
Last time we discussed this, it was figured that the longer voice
coil travel was the reason. Shorter voice coil travel is why some say
that 10's give a more punchy or tighter bass.
> -Marty
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Richard
> To:
> Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 8:10 AM
> Subject: Re: [SurfGuitar101] bass speaker question 115 v 212
>
>
>
> A pair of 12 inch speakers will actually move more air
> but won't quite reach the lower frequencies...however,
> depending on how low you're talking about going, it
> might not matter. I've got a 2x10 cabinet that I use
> in conjunction with a 1x15, and I can honestly say
> that when comparing the two indepently, the 10's sound
> like a waste of time for bass. People always talk
> about using a greater number of 10's to achieve a
> "tighter" sound, but in my opinion, bass is bass and
> I've never had a complaint with the definition I've
> gotten from a single 15" speaker. Some people say
> that bigger speakers are "farty" too, but I've never
> experienced this either. I've never played through
> 12's on anything, but from what little I've seen I
> would say that larger speakers are always better for
> bass. I kinda want to try a big 18 incher just to see
> what it's like.
>
> Richard
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free!
>
>
>
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived
messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
>
> Get unlimited calls to
>
> U.S./Canada
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
>
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I'd definitely consider a 2x12 bass cab over a single 15. Back
before I had a "real" bass rig I had to throw something together
cheap to play a big outdoor church festival gig. Wound up using the
speaker parameters to design a sealed box around two Carvin PS-12B's,
which I believe are made by Eminence. Amazingly good results. With
an ancient solid state Kustom head it had plenty of guts for a big
outdoor show. Nice big sound. And it survived several years where
the bass player for the big-name headliner tried his best to blow it
up with the amp on "ten". Still works fine today. So, I can vouch
for those Carvins.
If you're interested, I can give you the dimensions that worked for
the Carvins--- you just have to get somewhat close to the same volume
in cubic feet.
Rob Woolsey
Detonators
--- In , "mono_tones_1" <rockverb@h...>
wrote:
>
> Guys,
>
> My bassplayer left me in charger of buying new speakers for the
bass.
>
> can anyone fill on on what to go for, 1x15"or 2x12"? what are the
> diffenences? I've always been partial to 15", but he's got a cab
that
> can take 2 12's or 1 15, but not 2 15's. I looked in to 12's, and
> maybe its the better option alltogether, because supposedly it
gives
> better spread of sound?
>
> bassplayers of sg101, please chime in!
>
> thanks
> WR
