Halfback 4x12

zodiac272 · Aug 11, 2010

I found a pair of the old Mesa halfback 4x12's in a shop that sells mostly vintage guitars and amps. They seem in good condition, but they look super dusty inside the grill... maybe sitting there long time. Are they supposed to have the EV 12L in the bottom half and black shadow-90's in the top ? They are asking $500 for both, but he will split them up, and I'm sure if I offer $200 for one he may take it. How do these sound compared to stiletto cabs? Sound like a good deal... these are about 20 lbs heavier than the recto cabs? there doesn't seem to be much space inside...they have a tight, focused sound?

what do you guys think?

thanks!
scott

Spewnz · Aug 12, 2010

the half back can have ev's, VS-12's Ms'12s or more c-90's on the bottom. as far as the sound its more room filling than a stiletto cab but its also darker sounding. i used on with my roadster and it was not a good match in my opinion. but if you have a brighter amp or have no need for high gain sounds then yes its a great deal for the set.

zodiac272 · Aug 12, 2010

Ok, thanks. I might test it out when I get my amp back. I'm starting to think that I will want a half open and half closed combination because I really like my thiele with an open back compact cab. It seems like such a good deal to pass up. I'm sure I can flip it and at least get my money back . I did read that these were pretty good for high gain stuff, but I don't think I want darker tones.
Are they really that much heavier than the newer cabs?

Thanks

Spewnz · Aug 12, 2010

when i sold mine (it didn't have evs) it was 95 pounds. The stiletto cab i purchased was 98 pounds. so no, but Ev's are like 16 pounds a piece so the do tend to make the cab heavier,Defiantly check what speakers are in it before you buy.