Half-stack vs 2x12 combo ?

[hall]

I recently started playing with a group of guys and am in need of a bigger amp. I quit playing a number of years before taking it back up, so I've only got a 15w practice amp myself. The other guitarist has a half-stack and I'm borrowing my brother-in-laws half-stack (he's the drummer so he doesn't need his amp at the moment).

We do have a smaller PA setup, but it's primarily for vocals. We have also hired a guy to do the PA so mic'ing whatever amp I use isn't a problem.

So, in my quest for an amp, it's been suggested by my band-mates to get a half-stack, which I'm not against, but I haven't ruled out a combo myself. They've said that without a PA, a combo amp just won't be loud enough and I agree that a 1x10" or a 1x12" probably wouldn't be. I can't imagine a 100w or 150w (solid state) with (2) 12" speakers not being plenty loud though... Worst case, I add a 2x12" cabinet later if needed and I'd have a half-stack.

Any opinions ? Am I completely wrong thinking a 2x12 would work ?

[teokiatuan]

i say it would work, you are mic-ing it, correct?

in that case you don't need a very loud amp, really.
i'd go for a 2x12 combo. stacks are troublesome to carry around too.

[hall]

No, we won't always have the instruments mic'd. There may be times where the PA is only for vocals, so the guitars, bass, and drums will be on their own. Sorry if I wasn't clear on that part.

[smooth55]

what kind of places do you play? a small tube combo with 1 12" speaker will be plenty loud. I've actually played a bar gig with an 15 watt solid state with an 8" speaker and was as loud as the other guy's 2X12, it's all about how you EQ to cut through the mix. Unless you're playing really large venues without the PA and need pristine clean at high volume, a 40-60 watt 1X12 tube combo will be sufficient. If it's between a stack and a 2X12, why not get a head with a 2X12 cab to at least split up the weight, as something like a JSX combo can be cumbersome...

[TheMusicBucket]

A nice 2x12 combo would be plenty loud.

I'd go as far as to say a nice -tube- 1x12 combo would be enough. Especially if you bought an extension cab for it. Either another 1x12 or a 2x12.

On the other hand, having a halfstack is really cool. And most of them have wheels on the bottom so moving them across flat ground isn't bad. And they're not ridiculously heavy, just bulky, get another bandmate to grab the other handle when you gotta carry it up a steep incline or stairs or w/e and its easy.

EDIT: Smooth55 has the right idea. A head with a 2x12 is a nice compromise and it really makes it easy to transport.

[shogun]

a 5 watt 112 combo is more than enough.. don't buy into the hype that u need a 150watt half stack.. its simply not true and if you are playing that loud at small gigs, the listener is not going to enjoy your tone because it will be ear piercing

[jim777]

I would say a nice 1x12 or 2x12 combo would be loud enough. If you've ever heard a Mark series 1x12 you can't tell me those aren't loud enough! However, combos do benefit from being up off the ground too, so a few milk crates or similar to put it up on will help as well. Most amps sound better on 3 or 4 than 1, and lots sound better on 6 or 7 than 3 or 4. Chances are you may not get the chance to play your half stack at 6 or 7 unless you are playing to thousands of people in a big hall. I'd trade my half stack for a good 1x12 in a minute.

[Andy43]

That's simply not true. I've seen bands using only combos and the guitars cut through better than most half-stack bands do because of the extra mids from the open-back. Granted, they don't have the bottom end thump of a half-stack, but that should be left for the bass anyways.

[hall]

Originally Posted by shogun

a 5 watt 112 combo is more than enough..

Did you mean to say "50" watt or so ? Can't say I've ever seen a 5w 1x12 combo, at least not a solid state one. I know some tube combos have pretty low wattage.

[jb4674]

Or you could get this:




and use it with the cab of your choice.

Jimmy

P.S.: That amp runs at 1/2 watt. (http://zvexamps.com/amp_view.html)

[smooth55]

There are a few 5 watt 1X12 tube combos, although most 5 watters are just heads or have a smaller 8" or 10" speaker, but I think he's right when he says that that'll be enough. Mostly, the 12" gives the bass response you need and 5 watts tube will be plenty loud practice and most small club gigs (unless you need really loud and really clean) higher wattage = higher head room not some much higher volume

[hall]

Originally Posted by smooth55

If it's between a stack and a 2X12, why not get a head with a 2X12 cab to at least split up the weight

Originally Posted by Mathias_

Smooth55 has the right idea. A head with a 2x12 is a nice compromise and it really makes it easy to transport.

Yeap, I considered that (and mentioned it in my original post) option also.

[jim777]

Originally Posted by Andy43

That's simply not true. I've seen bands ....

You gotta quote someone when you say that

[Smitty]

I'm always in favor of smaller amps. I hate 4x12s unless of course I'm playing stadiums (which doesn't happen very often ). 2x12s don't push as much air as 4x12s and are therefore slightly more transparent in the mix, which is definitely a good thing. You could use a 15W solid state combo, and as long as its miked you'll be loud enough. 2x12s are much easier to carry, obviously. I also feel there's a difference in sound, excluding my point about pushing air. Maybe it's my inner Eric Johnson shining through, I don't know.
Smitty

[shogun]

Originally Posted by hall

Did you mean to say "50" watt or so ? Can't say I've ever seen a 5w 1x12 combo, at least not a solid state one. I know some tube combos have pretty low wattage.

i only ever run my lonestar special @ 5 watts.. it is more than enough with the band.. i am talking about tube amps