Speaker Configurations - 4x10 as opposed to 2x12

Danny-B

Alrighty, the day has finally come. I'm trading in my JC 120 for a Laney Lionheart. ?

I have two choices - a 4x10 combo, or a head with matching 2x12 cab. Now I'm familiar with a 2x12 sound with the JC, and I quite like the fullness. What differences are there between a 4x10 and 2x12 speaker set? The 10's are Jenson P10R's, while the cab has Celestion G-12H's.

AlanRatcliffe

You actually can't compare in this case because there are too many variables - different cabs, different types of speaker. Plus other variables/unknowns: open/closed back cabs for instance. First prize is to try both and see which you prefer.

Given everything else being the same and comparing speaker sizes in a range, a 4 X 10 will have a faster, snappier attack and a tighter bass while the 2 X 12 will have looser lows and sweeter highs.

However in this case, you're also looking at different speakers - The Jensens are classic Fender speakers (think tweed Bassman), while the Celestions are classic Marshall speakers.

Gearhead

Alan did not mention the back ache issue as discussed before. The combo is going to be a heavy one to lug around, I presume...

Danny-B

Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
Given everything else being the same and comparing speaker sizes in a range, a 4 X 10 will have a faster, snappier attack and a tighter bass while the 2 X 12 will have looser lows and sweeter highs.

I have a preference for a loose, almost wooly sound. Seeing that a 2x12 is, as you say, looser, I get the feeling I will prefer it. But who knows, I love Dan Patlanskys tone, and he plays through a 4x10, admittedly his amp is a Dr Z... ☹

Gearhead wrote: Alan did not mention the back ache issue as discussed before. The combo is going to be a heavy one to lug around, I presume...

Indeed. The nice thing about the JC was the addition of casters. Easier to haul around. Also, a benefit for me in getting the head and cab is that I will be able to use other heads.

AlanRatcliffe

Somehow, I missed the combo/head thing otherwise I would have told you straight out, get the head and cab. Not only can you use different heads with the cabs, but you can use different cabs with the head to suit different gigs and get more tonal variety.

Plus Gearhead is right - the weight of a 4 X 10 combo is oppressive. Much easier to pack, transport and carry a head and cab.

Sebastian

Ah danny you're manning up and getting a lionheart! Good man ?

Now that i've had mine for a week now and gigged with it at zacks with two other guitarists, rhythm and a mouth organ, i can give a bit of advice

Firstly, as regards your original question, i talked to john paul chamier who works at glenwood village. When i was there, i tried out his personal 2x12 lionheart cabinet and head, and there was the corresponding 4x10 combo. I discussed the differences with him, and he said he'd had the same debate with dan a few days before. Between the both of them they'd sat for hours trying the two amps head to head until they came up with a unified decision. They both preferred the 2x12

The celestion g12h greenback is a SUPER speaker. Hendrix, page and eric johnson all used them exclusively and its what i want. I didn't get the matching laney cab as i couldn't justify 12 grand for two speakers in a wooden box. I got the marshall 1936 with 2 celestion gt-75's. Think malmsteen.

When i get the money i'll swap the speakers out for EV's (think bonamassa or SRV), as the gt-75's are very rounded, warm speakers, and i've had issues cutting through mixes. I need to sort that out, as i have a class A amp, warm speakers, warm overdrive and a mahogany guitar with warm alnico 2 pickups. I never thought about this, my ears just chose each individually ? ?

Danny, the 2x12 is the way to go

Danny-B

Cheers for the reply Seb ?

I'm pretty set on the head and cab now, mainly because of the different uses I can put it to, be it using two different heads or using different cabs. The ease of transportation is also a bonus. And I've always wanted a stack -albeit a small stack ?.

Danny-B

It's done!

Went into Music Connection today and took the JC along. Bit of a hassle as I'm visiting my aunt and uncle, and had to bring the big amp along from Durban. The journey home ain't gonna be comfy...

Anyways, I played both the amps one after the other for a good span of time, each at the same volume and eq settings. The 4x10 was a slightly 'bigger' sound (I assume thats because of double the amount of speakers?) but the 2x12 sounded much sweeter to my ears. I could get the combo as a straight swop, but I payed over and above the trade in price of my JC and got the head and cab. So stoked! Sounds so good...

At the same time I also traded in my Tube Zone, and got a Blue Boy Deluxe.

All in all, this trip to Joburg has been mighty fruitful ?