Recommend best 2x12 for cleans

[gooberizer]

I play my full Trem-O-Verb stack in my metal band :twisted: , but I'm also getting into instrumental SURF 8) . I can get a decent surf tone with my Strat straight in, but I'm considering a 2x12 to maximize the clean tone and for easier portability because I just don't need a full stack for the occassional surf jams. I want to stick with Mesa of course. Any suggestions?

 

[Barry]

I play my full Trem-O-Verb stack in my metal band :twisted: , but I'm also getting into instrumental SURF 8) . I can get a decent surf tone with my Strat straight in, but I'm considering a 2x12 to maximize the clean tone and for easier portability because I just don't need a full stack for the occassional surf jams. I want to stick with Mesa of course. Any suggestions?

2x12 3/4 back

 

[MusicManJP6]

+1

 

[jab]

I've got both the Roadster 2-12 and 1-12 cabs. I can't compare them to the open backs, but they sound tremendous and are built to withstand whatever punishment you can dish out. They are "tight" sounding as the Mesa salesmen say because of the smaller cab. But I went that route because of the portability. I rehearse with the 1-12 (38 lbs) and a dual rec which is plenty loud and bright trust me. I bring both cabs to a bigger gig, or even 1 if it's just a jam. I think it's a good idea to have the smaller cab for what you're talking about.

 

[Juancito12]

The Mesa Cabs are definately well built and sound great but for a surf sound its really hard to beat P12Ns or C12Ns. I'd recommend buying a good quality speakerless cab and then filling it with either the Jensen reissues or the Weber 12F150's. The advantage of the Webers is that they offer different flavors in that speaker (warm, bright, twangy, British chimey, et al) and you can mix and match to create some great sounds. The C90 black shadows are a nice versitile speaker, great for a filthy sound, but those reissues I think would get you closer to the clean surf sound you're looking for with your Tremoverb.

 

[GeoBull]

but I'm considering a 2x12 to maximize the clean tone and for easier portability because I just don't need a full stack for the occassional surf jams. I want to stick with Mesa of course. Any suggestions?

I assumed here that you meant a 2x12 combo not just a new cabinet. If that's the case and you want to stick with Mesa (not a bad choice) then the Lone Star 'Classic' 2x12 has great cleans, good features, solid workmanship, and the hi-gain channel.

That said, I think you should also try a Dr. Z Max 38 Sr. It's an EL-84 amp (LSC is 6L6) and perhaps doesn't have QUITE the cleanroom of the LSC (but the difference is not huge). However, it has MONSTROUS tone; you would probably want the Reverb model for surf; I have the non-reverb because I wanted the simplest signal chain. An amazing amp.

then again, so is the LSC . And on features LSC wins. So if you absolutely want 6L6, obviously LSC. If you 6L6 isn't a dealbreaker requirement try them both.

 

[Barry]

I think he's after an external cab .

 

[gooberizer]

Actually I should have been specific and said 2x12 cabinet. Not to say I wouldn't absolutely love a LSC or DR. Z. In fact I would prefer doing exactly that and getting an amp dedicated for my cleans.

But the Trem-o-Verb is still a very recent purchase and if I brought another amp home...well let's just say I'd be sleeping on the couch for a long time :wink:

 

[jdurso]

Freda Live hands down

 

[ToneAddictJon]

Personally preference for me is the older half open half closed mesa 2x12 verticals with 2 EV's.

 

[Russ]

Took the words out of my mouth...

 

[sixlicks]

heart breaker.