Open or Closed Cabinets? Preference?

[Tucson Thump]

I've always known open cabinets from combos and closed cabinets from using heads (old Fenders).

However all of you have expanded my horizons, or at least made me recognize my lack of knowledge.

Please enlighten me as to the reasons for your preferences.

 

[Rider1260]

30+ years of Mesa MKII combo now with the heads and cabs that I have, going closed back its so much easier to get them to sound the same in any given space for me

 

[WEDGE]

I like the thump of a closed back for heavy tones.

 

[HANGAR18]

I like the thump of a closed back for heavy tones.

...and better projection.

 

[László]

Depends on the amp, and the sound you’re going for. I have no preference for either (and there’s a third category, ported cabs), but amps are often voiced for a particular design. Come to think of it, I have all three on hand.

A good example is the HXDA (and many Marshalls). They sound great with a closed back cab, and less great with an open back cab to me, although Duane Allman was said to open up the backs of his Marshall cabs and use them with EV speakers.

The DG definitely sounds better to me with an open or ported back cab than a closed back cab, and best with the cab designed for it. Same holds true for most amps I’ve had over the years.

Often amps are marketed with matching cabs and particular speakers. In the case of reputable amp companies, in most cases I’ve found it’s best to use the type of cab (open, closed or ported) that the amp is developed with.

 

[Ste76]

Depends on the amp, and the sound you’re going for.

I absolutely agree. My Marshall head sounds better with its matching 4x12 1960 Vintage closed back. My Two Rock was amazing with its 2x12 open back cab with Scumback speakers. The Two Rock with open back had a 3D sound that filled the room.

 

[elvis]

As a rule the closed back have more thump and the open back have more air and more bass. Pairing speakers with cabinets then becomes an art.

I love the recto 2x12 vertical.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I always loved my old Mesa cab that was half and half.

I hate that I sold it.

 

[Tucson Thump]

I always loved my old Mesa cab that was half and half.

I hate that I sold it.

They still make them?

 

[goat-n-gitter]

I always loved my old Mesa cab that was half and half.

I hate that I sold it.

I've still got mine that I bought new in 1990. I upgraded the amp that sits on it from a .50 caliber+ to a MKV, but the cab still rocks.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

They still make them?

I don’t think so....?

 

[Tucson Thump]

I don’t think so....?

Was the one you had constructed like the 1x2 wide body cabinets they make, with the upper half open and the back on the bottom half or was the second speaker actually sealed?

EDIT: just found this. Homemade or is this what you were talking about?

https://reverb.com/item/15463174-mesa-boogie-road-king-black

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Was the one you had constructed like the 1x2 wide body cabinets they make, with the upper half open and the back on the bottom half or was the second speaker actually sealed?

4x12 with the bottom two speakers sealed

 

[veinbuster]

All I know is that it’s easier to hide stuff in an open cab.

 

[]-[@n$0Ma☩!©]

I like the tone of an open back cab and the punch and tight low end of the closed back. So, I run one of each.

 

[Huggy Love]

I built my cab with a removable panel so I could do both. After doing a bit of testing and evaluating I found I like the closed back for improv & leads and open back for chords and rhythm work. Not that I'm going to remove or replace the panel mid set but I can cater to the gig so if I'm backing up a singer I can go open and if it's a jam session that I want to punch thru the mix, the closed back works better.

I find it makes a big difference too, especially in cutting thru the mix with heavy handed drummers and volume greedy bass players.

 

[elvis]

I really liked the Royal Atlantic 2x12 cab. It was ported so it had some punch and some air.

 

[László]

I really liked the Royal Atlantic 2x12 cab. It was ported so it had some punch and some air.

The DG cab is ported and exhibits those same characteristics. I had a ported Two Rock cab when I played TRs that did the same thing.

 

[elvis]

The DG cab is ported and exhibits those same characteristics. I had a ported Two Rock cab when I played TRs that did the same thing.

Just took a look. Very cool! And better-looking too.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Like a well, this is a deep subject...