2009

• Additional Combos
Choosing an Amp Designer Cabinet
Cabinets have a huge impact on the character of a guitar sound (see Amp Designer
Cabinet Reference Table). While certain amplifier and cabinet pairings have been popular
for decades, departing from them is an effective way to create fresh-sounding tones. For
example, most players automatically associate British heads with 4 x 12" cabinets.
Amp Designer allows you to drive a small speaker with a powerful head, or to pair a tiny
amp with a 4 x 12" cabinet.
There’s nothing wrong with trying random combinations. But if you consider the variables
that determine a cabinet’s sound, you’ll be able to make educated guesses about
non-traditional amplifier and cabinet combinations. Some factors to consider:
Combos or Stacks
Combo amps include both an amplifier and speakers in a single enclosure. These usually
have an open back, so the sound resonates in multiple directions. The resulting sound is
“open”—with bright, airy highs and a general feeling of spaciousness. Amplifier “stacks”
consist of an amplifier head, with the speakers in a separate cabinet. These cabinets
generally have a closed back, and project the sound forward in a tight, focused “beam.”
They tend to sound more powerful than open-back cabinets, and typically have a tighter
low-end response at the expense of some high-end transparency.
Old or New Speakers
Amp Designer models that are based on vintage cabinets capture the character of aged
speakers. These may be a bit looser and duller-sounding than new speakers, but many
players prefer them for their smoothness and musicality. Sounds based on new cabinets
tend to have more snap and bite.
Large Speakers or Small Speakers
A larger speaker doesn’t guarantee a larger sound. In fact, the most popular bass guitar
cabinet of all time uses only small 8" speakers. Don’t be surprised if you get a deeper,
richer tone from a 10" speaker than from a large 4 x 12" cabinet. Try several sizes and
choose the one that works best for your music.
Single Speakers or Multiple Speakers
Guitarists sometimes use cabinets with multiple speakers, and not only for the larger
sound they tend to provide. Phase cancellations occur between the speakers, adding
texture and interest to the tone. Much of the “classic rock” sound, for example, has to do
with the tonal peaks and dips caused by this interaction between the speakers in a 4 x 12"
cabinet.
21Chapter 1 Amps and Pedals