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Build a cabinet for my MM head?

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Phil Andrews (phil_andrews)
Username: phil_andrews

Registered: 03-2007
Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 05:01 pm:   

Now that my HD-130 head is almost restored, I'm going to need a real cabinet for it. (I'm plugging into the back of a combo now). Rather than just buy one, I'm thinking about building a matching open-back cab that's the same width and look as the head. Weber Cali ceramic speakers seem to a fan favorite. The question is: 2x10, 2x12, or 1x15?

I already know how these combinations tend to sound in general, but not specifically with a MM amp. Those of you with different speaker configurations, how would you describe what my project might sound like? (Playing mostly clean, with a few pedals, a Tele, and a 335.)
Doug Miers (doug_m)
Username: doug_m

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - 06:02 pm:   

I have a MM combo with a single 12. The good folks at Mojo built me (to MM specs) a closed back cabinet to go with it. Both cabinets have EVMs. My experience is that the closed back cab is brighter and more direct sounding than the open back cab. They work very nicely together but I have to adjust my tone controls when I use both. On the whole, 12s are beamier than 10s, 15s are warm and fat sounding but can also be bright--in a different way. Usually you'll see jazz players and pedal steel players use 15s. I have a Fender BF Vibrolux (2x10) with Weber Michigan speakers (very similar to your Cali speakers)and love it; also a BF Twin with Jensen (old) Vibranto speakers. The 10s are brighter and cover a room nicely but the 12s fill the room so much better and at the same time are oh so intimate sounding. A single 15 can be bright and full but will "sound" in the same range as your bass players amp. If I were you, I'd try to borrow some cabinets from your friendly neighborhood music store and see what works best for you in the style of music you intend to play.