The death of the 4x12

[Eric'45]

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4x12’s, and other dead dinosaurs:
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An awesome collection you have here! Is that a Leslie 125, by the looks of it?

 

[Browneyesound]

An awesome collection you have here! Is that a Leslie 125, by the looks of it?

Yes, a 125! 1963, original C12N, no amp.

 

[Browneyesound]

Awesome!

I hope you have a blast bud.

A lot of people took notice of the Leslie when they walked in while we were playing …not sure if it was because they knew what it was or because they had no idea what it was.

 

[Daddydeluxe]

Paid $400 for a 2022 1960a 300w mint condition in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Put it int he living room with a 2020 DSL100HR for $650 so under $1100 for a half stack...

 

[FrankD77]

When a popular bands uses them they are back.
Also hear a lot of stories about bands starting with laptops and modellers now finding out that a tube amp is still a different beast.

Buy a few extra when people dump them.
It might be a great investment

 

[Theresa]

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4x12’s, and other dead dinosaurs:

Wait... hold my beer!

 

[Silverdome]

The only thing better than a 4x12 is a full stack.

 

[StratoMarshall]

My 4X12's are alive and well.....so am I! No problem

 

[Garth Rocket]

It was a good run but times have changed. They sound great and look even better for 'show' but it seems the desire to lug those back breakers around anymore is fading fast. How do you all feel about the current trajectory of amps and what do you think the future has in store for us guitar nerds?

Let the pontification commence.....

I do some Rosie work for a local AC/DC tribute band who I really like. One guitar player who primarily plays rhythm uses a Marshall half stack, the other guitarist uses a Kemper modeling amp and goes directly into the PA.

There are several issues I have discussed with them about this set up. The first is, there’s a big hole in their sound in front of the lead guitar plat. His leads sound great, but on rhythm you pretty much can’t tell he’s there. The other issue is when you are plugging directly into the PA you can only sound as good as the PA will allow. Anyone that spends time reading the conversations on this forum, should realize speakers and cab quality matters. I’ve told the lead guitar player, he is far to good to be beholden to whatever PA he is playing through on a given night.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, when the usual sound guy was gone and the band had a new guy set them up. I told the lead guitarist I would let him use one of my 4x12 cabs. The result was they want me to bring it again to the gig this weekend because they thought they sounded better. Of course, I’m going to bring it, but their usual sound guy is going to be pissed.

I’m 60 and we were playing through full stack at garage parties. I feel sorry for the guys who have never felt the power

 

[Garth Rocket]

The only thing better than a 4x12 is a full stack.

Or two full stacks

 

[Up The Steen]

I do some Rosie work for a local AC/DC tribute band who I really like. One guitar player who primarily plays rhythm uses a Marshall half stack, the other guitarist uses a Kemper modeling amp and goes directly into the PA.

There are several issues I have discussed with them about this set up. The first is, there’s a big hole in their sound in front of the lead guitar plat. His leads sound great, but on rhythm you pretty much can’t tell he’s there. The other issue is when you are plugging directly into the PA you can only sound as good as the PA will allow. Anyone that spends time reading the conversations on this forum, should realize speakers and cab quality matters. I’ve told the lead guitar player, he is far to good to be beholden to whatever PA he is playing through on a given night.

Fast forward to two weeks ago, when the usual sound guy was gone and the band had a new guy set them up. I told the lead guitarist I would let him use one of my 4x12 cabs. The result was they want me to bring it again to the gig this weekend because they thought they sounded better. Of course, I’m going to bring it, but their usual sound guy is going to be pissed.

I’m 60 and we were playing through full stack at garage parties. I feel sorry for the guys who have never felt the power

An AC/DC tribute band that doesn't use a real amp?

What. The. Actual. Fuck.

 

[Garth Rocket]

An AC/DC tribute band that doesn't use a real amp?

What. The. Actual. Fuck.

Yeah, true. I’m with you on this one. I keep offering to let them play with my super leads and/or super bass rigs. They are great players, so I keep trying.

 

[Elliot Twist]

There are clubs/venues where I live that will turn you around at the door if they see you rolling in a 4x12 (see point 1 for why) I have seen it happen.

We do use Marshall DSL40CR 1X12 combos for "those" places.
Checked them with a Db meter.
LoL way louder that the 4X12 cabs were. I hope the venues are happy now.
Elliot Twist isn't a dance band or a wedding band. Most venues know that and don't mind the 4X12.

 

[Elliot Twist]

Totally agree. A 2X12 Slant with a head looks very similar to their older bigger brother. It's a good choice with many options available from the modestly priced Origin slant to the more expensive versions.

Yes a Vertical 2X12 is a good choice.
This is what we use for our rehearsal room.
Marshall DSL40CR and Marshall 1966A Vertical 2X12
Mesa Boogie Mark Five head and Meas Boogie Vertical 2X12
EVH 5150III head and Harley Benton V30 Vertical 2X12