Using two cabs - one open & one closed

[kevinhifi]

I'm considering losing my heavy 2x12 cabinet and going with a two 1x12 approach. That way I can grab one and go for smaller gigs with my 22 caliber amp (yes, the Electro Harmonix tiny SS thing, I'm lovin' it!) or use both with my Fender head for the bigger louder stuff.

I thinking about having one closed back and the other open back. Anyone else done this combo and liked or disliked it? Shouldn't be too different from the sound of running an open back combo with a closed back extension cab, right? I've actually never done this, so I don't know what kind of sound to expect. I will likely be loading each 1x12 with a Weber 1265.

[Gnarlly]

I have a Marshall 4104 (JCM 800 2204 2x12 open back combo) that I sometimes use on top of a Marshall 1936 2x12 closed back cab. They make a cool stack. You get the open, airy sound from the open back cab, with some thump from the closed back cab. As long as your speakers are all in the same ballpark, efficiency-wise, you will get a nice blend of sounds. I say go for it.

[bilbal]

Go for it. I think you have a great idea in mind. I have a single EVM 12L in my Mystik Speaker Cabinets box that is my main use. I'm trying to get my nephew in law to start the 2x12 build but after reading this I may just go ahead and have him build me (2) more 1x12s. The ease of portability is where it's at for me. Thinking back to lugging 4x12s around when I was younger hurts my back :)

[kevinhifi]

Thanks for the responses.

Yeah, portability is definitely what I'm after. I have a Nerby (look him up...new cab maker) 1x12 that is big enough for my head to sit on top, but it's really light. Sounds great too. Having two of these light-weight cabs seems easier than the big, bulky, heavy Dr. Z 2x12, and the flexibility of just using one when I want is icing on the cake.

[neville5000]

I have a 1x12 65 London and every now and then I take a Fender 1x12 closed back cab. I really like running them together. Good stuff.

[blackba]

Using an opened back 112 combo with a closed back 112 cab is something I have done a number of times. It works well and there is no reason why it wouldn't work with 2 112 cabs. I like the airiness of the opened back and the thump of the closed back....

[kevinhifi]

Cool. I think I'm gonna do it. If you're in Chicago and looking for a Dr. Z 2x12...keep an eye on the emporium...

[borisson]

That is exactly what im going to use with my new Mesa Mark V head.
Widebody 1x12 front ported closed back + Widebody 1x12 open back, i ve ordered the cabs today.
Im using the roadking box 2x12 half open half closed at the moment, its quite heavy to move around but the concept of the two different halfs is great and i want to keep that.
With two 1x12 i will have flexible mini stack. I hope it will sound good.

[Kelsey]

I love running my Bad Cat Cub IIR 1x12 combo in tandem with a '65 Tremolux closed back 2x10 cab (with replacement speakers for an 8 ohm load). They really blend together nicely.

[kevinhifi]

You guys have convinced me. I already sent a PM so someone in the emporium looking to buy a 2x12 in my part of the country, and I just picked up another Nerby 1x12.

Thanks! My aging back thanks you too.

[DigitalHater]

I think it's a great idea. I think you should also use 2 different speakers, I'm a big fan of the mix n' match.

[bilbal]

The idea of using different speakers is a good one as well. I have the EVM in my Mystik, the next two will have a 1265 in one and a Governor in the other. One will be open and the other will be a convertible 3/4.

[brewbaker]

I'm thinking of doing exactly the same thing, thus my post today in amps and cabs looking for a source for the cabinet. I want to get a closed back 1x12 to use with my beefed up Champ which is in a combo cab (open back) with a Celestion Blue. I have a Hellatone G12H sitting around so I though it would sound good in a closed back to add some tight low end thump.

I'd like to get the cabinet to match the amp which is blond with wheaI cloth. a lot of the cab builders I've seen only do black unless it's special order which gets protracted and more expensive. If anyone knows where I can get one please let me know.

[kevinhifi]

I tried out my new configuration last night. I think it sounds great. Thanks again to all who posted. My Bassman head kicks out a lot of low end, and the combo of closed and open cabs tames the thump and lets me dial up more low for a richer sound. I used to have to keep the bass control almost all the way down. The airiness of the one open cab is a nice touch too.

So here's another question for you all. When I'm gigging, which of the two would you recommend the sound person to mic? I would think the closed one to get a more focused sound.

[papa taco]

bumping this thread. Considering a closed back 1x12 to put under my Hayseed 15 1x12 combo. Seems like a cool idea as I like the thump of a closed back cab and it puts the combo closer to my ears.

[trap]

i sometimes use my ported hermida 112 with an avatar 112 oval back. sounds great!

[guitarman3001]

I'm currently doing the same thing. I just bought a pair of mesa 1x12 cabs with convertible backs. I left one close and opened the other one. Gives me a lot of options.

For a gig last weekend I ran a 1x12 combo amp with an open back and used the closed back mesa next to it. It sounded great. I'm waiting for a weber zmatcher to come in and when it does, I'm going to try a 30 watt head with both cabs as a little ministack and see how that sounds.