Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

[Reverend Timmy]

Just curious what you guys prefer,especially in a 1x12 or 2x12 setup.......

[Fragle]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

closed back.
i also prefer straight over slanted cabs

[Ace]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

Depends what kind of sound you are looking for, and especially where you are playing. I'd only go with a closed back 1X12 or 2X12 IF I were only going to be recording with it or using it JUST as a practice amp, pointing STRAIGHT AT ME(or just a slight bit off center). A closed back 1X12 or 2x12 is very directional, so for playing live they wouldn't be so hot, unless of course most of your sound is in the PA. As for 4x12's I prefer a closed back.

Another trick that I sometimes use as far as angled vs. straight is to stack two ANGLED cabs. You put on one the bottom on it's side, since most stages are elevated and the bottom cab just throws at your waist(waste), it gives you a good speaker spread across the crowd. The top 4x12 I stand upright, with the bottom two speakers facing right at me and the top two throwing at the kids dangling down from the mezanine about to jump in the pit!!

[markD]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

i prefer open back cabs ALL the way. i even cut the back of my last marshall 4x12 in half. the cabs seem louder to me that way. i HATE the sound of closed back cabs. they don't seem as efficient to my ears.....

[Robotechnology]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

I like partial open back (3/4 type) cabs the most. I think the bass response out of them and little bit of ambience from the rear is just right.

[Riscchip]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

Closed back with everything but Fender amps. Like open backs with those.

[jgcable]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

[ QUOTE ]
I like partial open back (3/4 type) cabs the most. I think the bass response out of them and little bit of ambience from the rear is just right.

[/ QUOTE ]

+1. I agree 100% with the above.
If you only can choose between open and closed:
Open for clean/blues/classic rock
Closed for hard rock/ metal and heavier.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

john you should look at the mesa road king cabs. (tuned 3/4 back)

i think they would be perfect for you.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

oh, this was for timmy. sorry

a tuned partially open back would most likely suit you best for a 1x12 application.

[lerxstcat]

Re: Open back cabinet or closed back ?.............

I like a 1x12 open back combo driving a closed 1x12 extension cab as well, for most versatility. For metal closed back 4x12 cabs are the best for punchy bass response.