Question:
I have a 50 watt JCM Head (EL-34’s) and a model 1936 cabinet. 2X12. When playing in clubs people complain that those who are sitting in direct line of my cabinet hear it too loud while those to one side do not hear it loud enough. I am considering making a new back that will be mostly open. Thus an open back cabinet. I have 75 watt Celestions that I like and I do not want to change the speakers. After 15 years of use they are broken in nicely. Will it have a big effect in my sound? Will it cut down on volume? Will it be less directional? Thanks for any help you can offer. Pt
Response:
Try blocking off one speaker. I have a piece of plywood that I cut that fits into the front of my VibroWorld built 1936 2×12 cabinet. I fits about as tight as I could make it, and blocks half the front off. This is a pic of the cabinet when I had it set on end, and there’s an extra piece of plywood in there. I forget why. But it demonstrates pretty much what I mean: http://amplifyer.home.comcast.net/VibroWorldCelestion2-2-04.jpg If you don’t want to lose the dimensional nature of the sound of the two speakers, adding Weber Beam Blockers would take some edge off the Celestions. Putting something in front of the centers of the speakers would do the same basic thing. On my cabinet, I think that the center of each speaker is 8" from the edge of the cabinet. Hanging something like a heavy towel over a speaker does a lot. I found that hanging the arm of a sweatshirt over the center on a speaker reduces the beamy nature of the speaker, more than you’d think. I think Scott Colborn uses some sort of frame system, and I’m not sure how he works that, but maybe he’ll explain. Pete – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I have a 50 watt JCM Head (EL-34’s) and a model 1936 cabinet. >2X12. >When playing in clubs people complain that those who are sitting in >direct line of my cabinet hear it too loud while those to one side do >not hear it loud enough. >I am considering making a new back that will be mostly open. >Thus an open back cabinet. >I have 75 watt Celestions that I like and I do not want to change the >speakers. >After 15 years of use they are broken in nicely. >Will it have a big effect in my sound? >Will it cut down on volume? >Will it be less directional? >Thanks for any help you can offer. >Pt
– Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
>Try blocking off one speaker. I have a piece of plywood that I cut >that fits into the front of my VibroWorld built 1936 2×12 cabinet. I >fits about as tight as I could make it, and blocks half the front off. >This is a pic of the cabinet when I had it set on end, and there’s an >extra piece of plywood in there. I forget why. But it demonstrates >pretty much what I mean: >http://amplifyer.home.comcast.net/VibroWorldCelestion2-2-04.jpg
Thanks. I don’t quite understand what blocking half of the cabinet does. I may give it a try. It is easier than making a new back. Beautiful Telecaster by the way. What is that thing that looks like a small pickup on an angle between the other pickups? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->If you don’t want to lose the dimensional nature of the sound of the >two speakers, adding Weber Beam Blockers would take some edge off the >Celestions. Putting something in front of the centers of the speakers >would do the same basic thing. On my cabinet, I think that the center >of each speaker is 8" from the edge of the cabinet. >Hanging something like a heavy towel over a speaker does a lot. I >found that hanging the arm of a sweatshirt over the center on a >speaker reduces the beamy nature of the speaker, more than you’d >think. >I think Scott Colborn uses some sort of frame system, and I’m not sure >how he works that, but maybe he’ll explain. >Pete
Thanks. I seem to recall reading something about Scott doing something to his cabinet a year or so ago. Pt
Response:
>>Try blocking off one speaker. I have a piece of plywood that I cut >that fits into the front of my VibroWorld built 1936 2×12 cabinet. I >fits about as tight as I could make it, and blocks half the front off. >This is a pic of the cabinet when I had it set on end, and there’s an >extra piece of plywood in there. I forget why. But it demonstrates >pretty much what I mean: >http://amplifyer.home.comcast.net/VibroWorldCelestion2-2-04.jpg >Thanks. >I don’t quite understand what blocking half of the cabinet does.
It cuts back how efficient the cabinet is by a whole lot. You would still have one very beamy Celestion pointing at the crowd. I find it easier to use the cabinet in small spaces. I tend swap speakers once in a while, so it’s great for blocking off the new speaker while it breaks in too. >I may give it a try. >It is easier than making a new back.
Try just blocking off one side with whatever you have sitting around to see if it works for you before committing a piece of plywood to the idea. If it doesn’t work, you’ll probably be able to tell pretty quick. I find that if I sit down in a chair while playing that it’s much harder on my ears. Most of the time, I like to stand up and play, so the speakers are aimed way below my ears with a 2×12 cabinet. But when I sit down I’m more at the level your audience would be at, only closer. Try sitting down some time. That’s what’s hitting them. Once in a while, someone quotes Frank Zappa as saying something like "I don’t care what amp you use, as long as it’s pointed at your own head". I’m sure that that’s paraphrased. If you can find a way to not aim the cabinet at the audience, that might solve the problem instantly. >Beautiful Telecaster by the way.
Thanks. It looks good in pictures. It’s a Jap built Fender RI, that I stuffed humbuckers in. I feel guilty about that sometimes, but it slowly evolved into what it is now. It’s probably my most vicious sounding guitar, which makes it kind of fun sometimes. >What is that thing that looks like a small pickup on an angle between >the other pickups?
That’s just a bobbin from a humbucker pickup, that I re-sized a bit, and stuffed into the wire route slot to keep my fingers out of it when I’m playing. I’m thinking of covering that up with Tolex, or using a piece of rosewood in that slot. The way it is now, I have to keep explaining it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->If you don’t want to lose the dimensional nature of the sound of the >two speakers, adding Weber Beam Blockers would take some edge off the >Celestions. Putting something in front of the centers of the speakers >would do the same basic thing. On my cabinet, I think that the center >of each speaker is 8" from the edge of the cabinet. >Hanging something like a heavy towel over a speaker does a lot. I >found that hanging the arm of a sweatshirt over the center on a >speaker reduces the beamy nature of the speaker, more than you’d >think. >I think Scott Colborn uses some sort of frame system, and I’m not sure >how he works that, but maybe he’ll explain. >Pete >Thanks. >I seem to recall reading something about Scott doing something to his >cabinet a year or so ago. >Pt
He might not notice this thread. You never can tell. I think he’s sort of an expert in the field of playing loud Marshalls, and not hurting the audience. I’m not. If he doesn’t speak up, you can do a search at http://groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=alt.guitar.amps and find a lot of what he’s said about it before. Pete — Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
> I have a 50 watt JCM Head (EL-34’s) and a model 1936 cabinet. > 2X12. > When playing in clubs people complain that those who are sitting in > direct line of my cabinet hear it too loud while those to one side do > not hear it loud enough. > I am considering making a new back that will be mostly open. > Thus an open back cabinet. > I have 75 watt Celestions that I like and I do not want to change the > speakers. > After 15 years of use they are broken in nicely. > Will it have a big effect in my sound?
Yes. Less bottoms, for one. If there’s a solid wall behind you (for reflections), it will be much less directional. Open back projects like "8" and closed like "V". > Will it cut down on volume?
Depends were your are. An open back loses volume on axis, but is much louder behind it 
. If there’s a wall behind you for reflections, it will disperse more widely. > Will it be less directional?
Yes, but at what cost? The tone will change. Maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t. You might be better off with a second cab, and put the two at different angles. > Thanks for any help you can offer.
Try putting the cab as far away from the edge of the stage as possible. Ideally, try a second cab next to yours at an outward angle like ^, but not that steep of an angle! Or, angle it up towards the ceiling more, and rely on the mic to the PA. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Pt
Response:
Hello Pete and Hello Pt, Thank you Pete for your kind words. I have had some experience in gigging with my `74 Marshall Super Lead half stack in small to medium clubs, so I can comment not from being an expert but from my own experience. Putting cabs and amps in the backline and aiming them at the audience is something that I rarely do anymore. I prefer sidefill – the cab aimed at the other side of the stage. I stand on the right side, to my left (in the middle) is the bass player, to his left – on the left side of the stage – is the other guitar player. The drummer is behind the bass player. I put the Super Lead half stack on my side of the stage, so that when I take about 1 – 2 steps back from the vocal mic, I’m stepping into the projection of sound from the cab. The other guitarist does the same from his side of the stage, aiming his cab at my side of the stage. The result is that we hear each other very well, we contain the stage volume so we get to play a little louder (grin….), the sound guy mics our cabs and uses the house system to play the room, and we get some volume coming off the front of stage for the audience close to the front. And no one in the audience has a cab aimed at them and hurting them. Additionally, I use a wooden frame system and acoustic pads hung from the frame. I put the frame and pads up close to the front of the grill of the 4 x 12 cab, moving it closer and farther away to suit my needs. The pads interfere with the speaker’s ability to project sound and interrupt the "beam" from the cab. The result is that within close proximity to the cab I can hear myself real well (grin…..) so I can use that volume level and sustain as part of my tool-bag for playing guitar, but as you move away from the cab the volume heard is more peripheral and not directional. The sound guys love this system and can dial in the house pretty easily, and I get my tone and sound and can contain the stage volume. The next time you take the cab out to a gig, take along a thick, old quilt. Put the cab on two chairs on your side of the stage, aimed at the other side of the stage. Take two more chairs, and move the backs of the chairs close to the front of the cab. Drape the thick, old quilt over the two chairs in front of the cab, and move the chairs and quilt closer to the cab, or farther away, depending on what you hear. You’ll find that you get to play a little louder, and the sound guy can mic your cab for the house system, and if you can get the other guitar player, etc, to also use sidefill from his side of the stage, you’ll be able to hear each other real well. Rex – the other guitar player in "The Relics," often uses his reissue AC30 on an amp stand, and aims it at me. He doesn’t block the front of the cab. I aim my 4 x 12 cab at his side of the stage, and I partially block the front of the cab (I have a little louder stage volume, so the partial blocking helps to equalize both Rex and I for stage volume. Craig the bass player gets to stand in the middle and get stereo Rex and Scott (grin…..). He wears ear protectors. Some guys who play at fairly loud stage volume will sometimes aim the cabs up in the air, or turn them around and aim them at the back wall in back of the stage. I’ve heard a story about SRV playing a large arena in Texas where he was overpowering the house system with his stage volume, so the tech put his cabs on their back aimed up in the air and that solved the problem. Cab placement on stage (knowing where the sound is going and where the cab is aimed, and what it will produce at loud stage volume) and partial blocking of the front of the cab allows me to use my half stack in a bunch of smaller to medium sized clubs. Another technique that Kent P. uses is a different value pre-amp tube in the third position pre-amp socket, using a 12AX7 in the 1st and 2nd pre-amp sockets, and a different value tube in the third socket of his Marshall – try a 12AT7, a 12AY7, etc, and see what you like. Different value tubes in that socket will affect the room volume of the amp – you may or may not like the tone and sound. Experiment and see what you think. All the best! Have fun…. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Try blocking off one speaker. I have a piece of plywood that I cut >>that fits into the front of my VibroWorld built 1936 2×12 cabinet. I >>fits about as tight as I could make it, and blocks half the front off. >>This is a pic of the cabinet when I had it set on end, and there’s an >>extra piece of plywood in there. I forget why. But it demonstrates >>pretty much what I mean: >>http://amplifyer.home.comcast.net/VibroWorldCelestion2-2-04.jpg >Thanks. >I don’t quite understand what blocking half of the cabinet does. >It cuts back how efficient the cabinet is by a whole lot. You would >still have one very beamy Celestion pointing at the crowd. I find it >easier to use the cabinet in small spaces. I tend swap speakers once >in a while, so it’s great for blocking off the new speaker while it >breaks in too. >I may give it a try. >It is easier than making a new back. >Try just blocking off one side with whatever you have sitting around >to see if it works for you before committing a piece of plywood to the >idea. If it doesn’t work, you’ll probably be able to tell pretty >quick. >I find that if I sit down in a chair while playing that it’s much >harder on my ears. Most of the time, I like to stand up and play, so >the speakers are aimed way below my ears with a 2×12 cabinet. But >when I sit down I’m more at the level your audience would be at, only >closer. Try sitting down some time. That’s what’s hitting them. >Once in a while, someone quotes Frank Zappa as saying something like >"I don’t care what amp you use, as long as it’s pointed at your own >head". I’m sure that that’s paraphrased. >If you can find a way to not aim the cabinet at the audience, that >might solve the problem instantly. >Beautiful Telecaster by the way. >Thanks. It looks good in pictures. It’s a Jap built Fender RI, that >I stuffed humbuckers in. I feel guilty about that sometimes, but it >slowly evolved into what it is now. >It’s probably my most vicious sounding guitar, which makes it kind of >fun sometimes. >What is that thing that looks like a small pickup on an angle between >the other pickups? >That’s just a bobbin from a humbucker pickup, that I re-sized a bit, >and stuffed into the wire route slot to keep my fingers out of it when >I’m playing. >I’m thinking of covering that up with Tolex, or using a piece of >rosewood in that slot. The way it is now, I have to keep explaining >it. >>If you don’t want to lose the dimensional nature of the sound of the >>two speakers, adding Weber Beam Blockers would take some edge off the >>Celestions. Putting something in front of the centers of the speakers >>would do the same basic thing. On my cabinet, I think that the center >>of each speaker is 8" from the edge of the cabinet. >>Hanging something like a heavy towel over a speaker does a lot. I >>found that hanging the arm of a sweatshirt over the center on a >>speaker reduces the beamy nature of the speaker, more than you’d >>think. >>I think Scott Colborn uses some sort of frame system, and I’m not sure >>how he works that, but maybe he’ll explain. >>Pete >Thanks. >I seem to recall reading something about Scott doing something to his >cabinet a year or so ago. >Pt >He might not notice this thread. You never can tell. I think he’s >sort of an expert in the field of playing loud Marshalls, and not >hurting the audience. I’m not. >If he doesn’t speak up, you can do a search at >http://groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=alt.guitar.amps and >find a lot of what he’s said about it before. >Pete >– >Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
Well, here’s the basic idea of what Scott has going on. He sets up the cab, usually in a sidefill situation, and puts the mike up in front of the cab. In front of that, he puts what is essentially a quilt rack with a couple of throw pillows hanging from it. It’s quite effective, and I think he’s considering marketing such a device. His is much better looking than what I described, but you get the idea. He gets the volume he wants, and it doesn’t blast anyone else. He’s quite considerate that way, you know. ~Rich See my gear at the link! http://community.webtv.net/one4rich/RichsGuitarPage
Response:
Hello Rich! Lol…..I just read through the thread and wrote a reply and then saw your articulate answer – great minds think alike (grin….). I don’t know if I’m so much considerate and thoughtful….or just wanting to get my stage volume so I can enjoy the sound and tone, and not blow people off the front of the stage with it. Having one’s cake and enjoying it too….. Are you digging that pointy guitar with the BL pickups? ……I thought so (grin…..). You ought to tell the guys in a new, separate thread what you installed and what you think. The Bill Lawrence pickups are truly remarkable – and you "know" that now! Follow your bliss, Rich. Have fun. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott Well, here’s the basic idea of what Scott has going on. He sets up the cab, usually in a sidefill situation, and puts the mike up in front of the cab. In front of that, he puts what is essentially a quilt rack with a couple of throw pillows hanging from it. It’s quite effective, and I think he’s considering marketing such a device. His is much better looking than what I described, but you get the idea. He gets the volume he wants, and it doesn’t blast anyone else. He’s quite considerate that way, you know. ~Rich See my gear at the link! http://community.webtv.net/one4rich/RichsGuitarPage
Response:
>Lol…..I just read through the thread and > wrote a reply and then saw your > articulate answer – great minds think > alike (grin….). I don’t know if I’m so > much considerate and thoughtful….or > just wanting to get my stage volume so I > can enjoy the sound and tone, and not > blow people off the front of the stage > with it. Having one’s cake and enjoying > it too…..
Yup! It’s funny, I copied the part of the message I was responding to, but completely forgot to put it in there. It must be because I was really excited last night. I’ll tell you why in just a minute… >Are you digging that pointy guitar with > the BL pickups? ……I thought so > (grin…..). You ought to tell the guys in a > new, separate thread what you installed > and what you think. The Bill Lawrence > pickups are truly remarkable – and you > "know" that now!
I’m digging that "pointy" guitar so much that I’ve caught PGF…Pointy Guitar Fever. I bought a Gibson Explorer from Ebay last night, hence my excitement Imagine my surprise when Keri actually said "okay, go for it" when I was showing it to her. The other guitarist in my band is interested in my LP, and now I can let him have it. That weighed on her decision to approve…I’m getting rid of something and not just adding. I’ll bet I could buy another amp if I was willing to give up my rack… I can’t do it! I love my rack rig! I don’t know if I’ll like it better than the Kramer…that will depend on those Gibson pickups, I think. Bill Lawrence has set a pretty high standard for them to meet. LOL >Follow your bliss, Rich. Have fun. >Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott
Am I ever! See ya soon, Scott! ~Rich See my gear at the link! http://community.webtv.net/one4rich/RichsGuitarPage
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hello Pete and Hello Pt, >Thank you Pete for your kind words. I have had some experience in gigging >with my `74 Marshall Super Lead half stack in small to medium clubs, so I >can comment not from being an expert but from my own experience. >Putting cabs and amps in the backline and aiming them at the audience is >something that I rarely do anymore. I prefer sidefill – the cab aimed at >the other side of the stage. I stand on the right side, to my left (in the >middle) is the bass player, to his left – on the left side of the stage – is >the other guitar player. The drummer is behind the bass player. >I put the Super Lead half stack on my side of the stage, so that when I take >about 1 – 2 steps back from the vocal mic, I’m stepping into the projection >of sound from the cab. The other guitarist does the same from his side of >the stage, aiming his cab at my side of the stage. The result is that we >hear each other very well, we contain the stage volume so we get to play a >little louder (grin….), the sound guy mics our cabs and uses the house >system to play the room, and we get some volume coming off the front of >stage for the audience close to the front. And no one in the audience has a >cab aimed at them and hurting them.
I just realized last night, that I no longer have things arranged like they were when I was getting the best use out of my cabinet. The way the cabinet worked the best was when it was behind me. The way it is now, it’s pointing at my right side, and I’m fighting it. Even with the plywood sheet idea, but it does tame the problem. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Additionally, I use a wooden frame system and acoustic pads hung from the >frame. I put the frame and pads up close to the front of the grill of the 4 >x 12 cab, moving it closer and farther away to suit my needs. The pads >interfere with the speaker’s ability to project sound and interrupt the >"beam" from the cab. The result is that within close proximity to the cab I >can hear myself real well (grin…..) so I can use that volume level and >sustain as part of my tool-bag for playing guitar, but as you move away from >the cab the volume heard is more peripheral and not directional. The sound >guys love this system and can dial in the house pretty easily, and I get my >tone and sound and can contain the stage volume. >The next time you take the cab out to a gig, take along a thick, old quilt. >Put the cab on two chairs on your side of the stage, aimed at the other side >of the stage. Take two more chairs, and move the backs of the chairs close >to the front of the cab. Drape the thick, old quilt over the two chairs in >front of the cab, and move the chairs and quilt closer to the cab, or >farther away, depending on what you hear. You’ll find that you get to play >a little louder, and the sound guy can mic your cab for the house system, >and if you can get the other guitar player, etc, to also use sidefill from >his side of the stage, you’ll be able to hear each other real well.
I think I’m going to rearrange things, so that my cabinet is behind me, as previously mentioned, and I want to try your frame idea some time. I just noticed some very heavy edge protecting material that I’ve been saving that came packed around a furnace my brother installed a while back. It’s been sitting here, waiting for me to decide what to do with it. It might be perfect for a frame for home use, but it wouldn’t be roadworthy. Just to test the frame thing, it might be perfect. >Rex – the other guitar player in "The Relics," often uses his reissue AC30 >on an amp stand, and aims it at me. He doesn’t block the front of the cab. >I aim my 4 x 12 cab at his side of the stage, and I partially block the >front of the cab (I have a little louder stage volume, so the partial >blocking helps to equalize both Rex and I for stage volume. Craig the bass >player gets to stand in the middle and get stereo Rex and Scott (grin…..). >He wears ear protectors.
I’d like to see Rex play some time. >Some guys who play at fairly loud stage volume will sometimes aim the cabs >up in the air, or turn them around and aim them at the back wall in back of >the stage. I’ve heard a story about SRV playing a large arena in Texas >where he was overpowering the house system with his stage volume, so the >tech put his cabs on their back aimed up in the air and that solved the >problem.
A few people noted how Springstein (they’re saying "bruce") had his cabinets aimed straight up when he appeared on TV a few times before his last tour. I’ve never tried that. The time I saw him on TV (the Today Show?) he was outdoors though. And he had them pointing up, but of course there was no ceiling overhead to reflect the sound back down. But I think in that situation, they pretty much wanted most of his sound to vanish into thin air. >Cab placement on stage (knowing where the sound is going and where the cab >is aimed, and what it will produce at loud stage volume) and partial >blocking of the front of the cab allows me to use my half stack in a bunch >of smaller to medium sized clubs. Another technique that Kent P. uses is a >different value pre-amp tube in the third position pre-amp socket, using a >12AX7 in the 1st and 2nd pre-amp sockets, and a different value tube in the >third socket of his Marshall – try a 12AT7, a 12AY7, etc, and see what you >like. Different value tubes in that socket will affect the room volume of >the amp – you may or may not like the tone and sound. Experiment and see >what you think. >All the best! Have fun…. >Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott
I had put a Mullard 12AT7 in the first slot of my JTM45, and Mark asked me why I put it there. I said, well…. because it’s the only Mullard I have, and I hit it with an OD pedal anyhow, so I don’t need all that much gain in the first slot. He told me that it’d be better in the PI slot, because it would hit the output tubes harder than a 12AX7 does. So there’s this looming question about gain vs. current output on the phase inverter tube. I wonder if the second preamp tube in a Marshall would be a better one to use a lower gain preamp tube in when trying to lower the amp’s volume level. Pete — Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
Thanks for your help gentlemen. I will try all of the things you mentioned. Tilting the cabinet up seems interesting. I wonder how it will sound bounced off the ceiling. Pt
Response:
Hello Rich, Congrats on the Explorer purchase. What color? Rex has one and he seems to always sound pretty decent with it. Great that you have a supportive partner who appreciates your music and it’s value to your life (and hers). When your children see Dad being fulfilled through his creativity and Dad taking care of himself and having fun, it is a powerful thing for them as well, and good behavior to model. If you get the stuff you like from your rack – rock on. I continue to believe that there is a Super Lead half stack in your future (grin…..). It’s hard to give up a Les Paul. But it’s not going far. I understand the reasoning behind ‘one in the door, one out the door.’ I’m down to my basic three – Tele, Strat and Les Paul Classic. I figure if I can’t do it with one of those, I’m done dealing. I’m still working with the concept of standing upright, chewing gum "and" playing guitar, so I always see room for improvement in my technique and playing (grin…). However, having played your Kramer with the Bill Lawrence pickups and that great Floyd Rose system……if the funds were available…….anyway it was fun to play that one. Keep me posted on your upcoming gigs. Thanks again for helping "The Relics" at the Gary Allan concert! All the best. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott >Lol…..I just read through the thread and > wrote a reply and then saw your > articulate answer – great minds think > alike (grin….). I don’t know if I’m so > much considerate and thoughtful….or > just wanting to get my stage volume so I > can enjoy the sound and tone, and not > blow people off the front of the stage > with it. Having one’s cake and enjoying > it too…..
Yup! It’s funny, I copied the part of the message I was responding to, but completely forgot to put it in there. It must be because I was really excited last night. I’ll tell you why in just a minute… >Are you digging that pointy guitar with > the BL pickups? ……I thought so > (grin…..). You ought to tell the guys in a > new, separate thread what you installed > and what you think. The Bill Lawrence > pickups are truly remarkable – and you > "know" that now!
I’m digging that "pointy" guitar so much that I’ve caught PGF…Pointy Guitar Fever. I bought a Gibson Explorer from Ebay last night, hence my excitement Imagine my surprise when Keri actually said "okay, go for it" when I was showing it to her. The other guitarist in my band is interested in my LP, and now I can let him have it. That weighed on her decision to approve…I’m getting rid of something and not just adding. I’ll bet I could buy another amp if I was willing to give up my rack… I can’t do it! I love my rack rig! I don’t know if I’ll like it better than the Kramer…that will depend on those Gibson pickups, I think. Bill Lawrence has set a pretty high standard for them to meet. LOL >Follow your bliss, Rich. Have fun. >Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott
Am I ever! See ya soon, Scott! ~Rich See my gear at the link! http://community.webtv.net/one4rich/RichsGuitarPage
Response:
Hello Pete, You’ve got enough spare good tubes to try a lot of combinations in that JTM 45. Grab a log book and write down the tubes, combinations of pre-amp tubes, etc, and through listening come up with a set of pre-amp tubes that you find are the best for what you do. If you have a handy interior wall, try putting some of that packing material against the wall, and put your 2 x 12 cab around 6 inches from it – facing the material. See what you think. Move the cab closer or farther away and find the right combination of distance from that material and your cab, and the gain and volume you’re using from your overdrive pedal and amp. I’ve been "beta testing" my wooden frame and acoustical pads now for years. I have a seamstress friend who came over today and got one of my original pads so she can make a pattern and measure it, and I’ll give some thought to having some made along with a frame that either is bolted and glued together and ready for use, or, a kit that I can put together that the end user can then bolt and glue and construct from the parts. After I have a chance to see what the cost is, I’ll consider marketing this baffle system and selling some. I know that it works, I know what it does and how it allows the player to get more volume on stage while changing the way the cab is heard in the room by affecting the way the cab projects sound, and by partially blocking the front of the cab the overall room volume is lowered. Everyone else is trying to make the guitar rig more efficient – I’m going the other way and having success in affecting the speakers and how they project sound and making what comes out into the room less efficient. It’s an interesting thing to stand on stage near my Marshall 4 x 12 cab and hear what it’s doing, and then walk away and stand 25 – 50 feet away and listen from that vantage point. I’ll have to come up with a cool logo that I can silk-screen onto the black acoustical pads that will be highly visible and something that people can have fun with. I’ve thought of a cartoon picture of someone yellling "Let `er rip." Or a huge buffalo partially sitting on a half stack. Or maybe something just plain and simple like bold type that reads "Turn it up." When do you get your JTM 45 back from Mark at Victoria Amps? Any word yet on his go-through? And what are you using in the meantime? All the best, Pete. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello Pete and Hello Pt, >Thank you Pete for your kind words. I have had some experience in gigging >with my `74 Marshall Super Lead half stack in small to medium clubs, so I >can comment not from being an expert but from my own experience. >Putting cabs and amps in the backline and aiming them at the audience is >something that I rarely do anymore. I prefer sidefill – the cab aimed at >the other side of the stage. I stand on the right side, to my left (in the >middle) is the bass player, to his left – on the left side of the stage – is >the other guitar player. The drummer is behind the bass player. >I put the Super Lead half stack on my side of the stage, so that when I take >about 1 – 2 steps back from the vocal mic, I’m stepping into the projection >of sound from the cab. The other guitarist does the same from his side of >the stage, aiming his cab at my side of the stage. The result is that we >hear each other very well, we contain the stage volume so we get to play a >little louder (grin….), the sound guy mics our cabs and uses the house >system to play the room, and we get some volume coming off the front of >stage for the audience close to the front. And no one in the audience has a >cab aimed at them and hurting them. >I just realized last night, that I no longer have things arranged like >they were when I was getting the best use out of my cabinet. The way >the cabinet worked the best was when it was behind me. The way it is >now, it’s pointing at my right side, and I’m fighting it. >Even with the plywood sheet idea, but it does tame the problem. >Additionally, I use a wooden frame system and acoustic pads hung from the >frame. I put the frame and pads up close to the front of the grill of the 4 >x 12 cab, moving it closer and farther away to suit my needs. The pads >interfere with the speaker’s ability to project sound and interrupt the >"beam" from the cab. The result is that within close proximity to the cab I >can hear myself real well (grin…..) so I can use that volume level and >sustain as part of my tool-bag for playing guitar, but as you move away from >the cab the volume heard is more peripheral and not directional. The sound >guys love this system and can dial in the house pretty easily, and I get my >tone and sound and can contain the stage volume. >The next time you take the cab out to a gig, take along a thick, old quilt. >Put the cab on two chairs on your side of the stage, aimed at the other side >of the stage. Take two more chairs, and move the backs of the chairs close >to the front of the cab. Drape the thick, old quilt over the two chairs in >front of the cab, and move the chairs and quilt closer to the cab, or >farther away, depending on what you hear. You’ll find that you get to play >a little louder, and the sound guy can mic your cab for the house system, >and if you can get the other guitar player, etc, to also use sidefill from >his side of the stage, you’ll be able to hear each other real well. >I think I’m going to rearrange things, so that my cabinet is behind >me, as previously mentioned, and I want to try your frame idea some >time. >I just noticed some very heavy edge protecting material that I’ve been >saving that came packed around a furnace my brother installed a while >back. It’s been sitting here, waiting for me to decide what to do >with it. It might be perfect for a frame for home use, but it >wouldn’t be roadworthy. Just to test the frame thing, it might be >perfect. >Rex – the other guitar player in "The Relics," often uses his reissue AC30 >on an amp stand, and aims it at me. He doesn’t block the front of the cab. >I aim my 4 x 12 cab at his side of the stage, and I partially block the >front of the cab (I have a little louder stage volume, so the partial >blocking helps to equalize both Rex and I for stage volume. Craig the bass >player gets to stand in the middle and get stereo Rex and Scott (grin…..). >He wears ear protectors. >I’d like to see Rex play some time. >Some guys who play at fairly loud stage volume will sometimes aim the cabs >up in the air, or turn them around and aim them at the back wall in back of >the stage. I’ve heard a story about SRV playing a large arena in Texas >where he was overpowering the house system with his stage volume, so the >tech put his cabs on their back aimed up in the air and that solved the >problem. >A few people noted how Springstein (they’re saying "bruce") had his >cabinets aimed straight up when he appeared on TV a few times before >his last tour. I’ve never tried that. The time I saw him on TV (the >Today Show?) he was outdoors though. And he had them pointing up, but >of course there was no ceiling overhead to reflect the sound back >down. >But I think in that situation, they pretty much wanted most of his >sound to vanish into thin air. >Cab placement on stage (knowing where the sound is going and where the cab >is aimed, and what it will produce at loud stage volume) and partial >blocking of the front of the cab allows me to use my half stack in a bunch >of smaller to medium sized clubs. Another technique that Kent P. uses is a >different value pre-amp tube in the third position pre-amp socket, using a >12AX7 in the 1st and 2nd pre-amp sockets, and a different value tube in the >third socket of his Marshall – try a 12AT7, a 12AY7, etc, and see what you >like. Different value tubes in that socket will affect the room volume of >the amp – you may or may not like the tone and sound. Experiment and see >what you think. >All the best! Have fun…. >Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott >I had put a Mullard 12AT7 in the first slot of my JTM45, and Mark >asked me why I put it there. I said, well…. because it’s the only >Mullard I have, and I hit it with an OD pedal anyhow, so I don’t need >all that much gain in the first slot. He told me that it’d be better >in the PI slot, because it would hit the output tubes harder than a >12AX7 does. >So there’s this looming question about gain vs. current output on the >phase inverter tube. I wonder if the second preamp tube in a Marshall >would be a better one to use a lower gain preamp tube in when trying >to lower the amp’s volume level. >Pete >– >Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hello Pete, >You’ve got enough spare good tubes to try a lot of combinations in that JTM >45. Grab a log book and write down the tubes, combinations of pre-amp >tubes, etc, and through listening come up with a set of pre-amp tubes that >you find are the best for what you do. >If you have a handy interior wall, try putting some of that packing material >against the wall, and put your 2 x 12 cab around 6 inches from it – facing >the material. See what you think. Move the cab closer or farther away and >find the right combination of distance from that material and your cab, and >the gain and volume you’re using from your overdrive pedal and amp. >I’ve been "beta testing" my wooden frame and acoustical pads now for years. >I have a seamstress friend who came over today and got one of my original >pads so she can make a pattern and measure it, and I’ll give some thought to >having some made along with a frame that either is bolted and glued together >and ready for use, or, a kit that I can put together that the end user can >then bolt and glue and construct from the parts. >After I have a chance to see what the cost is, I’ll consider marketing this >baffle system and selling some. I know that it works, I know what it does >and how it allows the player to get more volume on stage while changing the >way the cab is heard in the room by affecting the way the cab projects >sound, and by partially blocking the front of the cab the overall room >volume is lowered. >Everyone else is trying to make the guitar rig more efficient – I’m going >the other way and having success in affecting the speakers and how they >project sound and making what comes out into the room less efficient. It’s >an interesting thing to stand on stage near my Marshall 4 x 12 cab and hear >what it’s doing, and then walk away and stand 25 – 50 feet away and listen >from that vantage point. >I’ll have to come up with a cool logo that I can silk-screen onto the black >acoustical pads that will be highly visible and something that people can >have fun with. I’ve thought of a cartoon picture of someone yellling "Let >`er rip." Or a huge buffalo partially sitting on a half stack. Or maybe >something just plain and simple like bold type that reads "Turn it up." >When do you get your JTM 45 back from Mark at Victoria Amps? Any word yet >on his go-through? And what are you using in the meantime? >All the best, Pete. >Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott
Hopefully, it’ll be done soon. He said they probably wouldn’t get to it for about a week, and a week would have been last Thursday. I might have to call today. There were a few other amps to work on first. I’m using my SF Bassman head at the moment, and I’ve been having trouble with my sound a lot lately. Even after rearranging things yesterday. I haven’t decided what the problem is. I think I might set the 2×12 cabinet aside though, and go back to using the 4×10. Pete — Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
>Hopefully, it’ll be done soon. He said they probably wouldn’t get to >it for about a week, and a week would have been last Thursday. I >might have to call today. There were a few other amps to work on >first. >I’m using my SF Bassman head at the moment, and I’ve been having >trouble with my sound a lot lately. Even after rearranging things >yesterday. I haven’t decided what the problem is. I think I might >set the 2×12 cabinet aside though, and go back to using the 4×10. >Pete
It should get to the bench in a couple days. So hopefully, I’ll have it back before this weekend. About your earlier suggestion of facing the speaker towards a wall, and maybe covering it with packing material; I was thinking about that a bit today, and started designing (in my head) a shallow cubical out of plywood, and that could be just wide enough to fit a 2×12 or 4×12 into, and be covered with mattress padding to absorb sound. Then it occurred to me, that while that would probably be effective, it’s probably a bit over-designed. But I do have most of a 4×8 1/4" sheet of luan plywood. And I could probably use a 48"x48" square of it, and cover it with mattress pad material, and set that up at any wall I pointed a cabinet at. That probably has some possibilities, but I don’t know if it’ll muffle my sound too much. I suppose that might depend on how close it is to the padding. It’d probably need some EQ correction. Pete — Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a 50 watt JCM Head (EL-34’s) and a model 1936 cabinet. > 2X12. > When playing in clubs people complain that those who are sitting in > direct line of my cabinet hear it too loud while those to one side do > not hear it loud enough. > I am considering making a new back that will be mostly open. > Thus an open back cabinet. > I have 75 watt Celestions that I like and I do not want to change the > speakers. > After 15 years of use they are broken in nicely. > Will it have a big effect in my sound? > Will it cut down on volume? > Will it be less directional? > Thanks for any help you can offer. > Pt
you need to put a mike in front of it and put a small feed in the p.a. not too loud.. georgio — spammers suck!!! remover the *no spam* part in my email for reply
Response:
Hello Pete, I hope you are happy with that JTM 45 when you get it back. It has looked like from your prior posts that it’s a good amp for you, so I hope you continue to enjoy it. Years ago I was invited to a radio station to do some live music on the air with my band at that time. I took a Crate Vintage 30 combo and my Les Paul, and proceeded to kind of "build" an enclosure of cushions, quilts, and stuff around the combo so I could play at volume in this small outer room adjoining the air studio and not blow everyone out of the building. Worked pretty well. I have a very small practice amp that I sometimes put on the couch, facing the back of the couch, and adjusting the distance between the small combo and the back couch cushion, I can crank it up some and still keep the room volume down. Experiment and find the combination of amp or cab placement, distance from the sound absorbing material, etc, and see what you think. I’ve been really enjoying my old Tele – having that re-fretted was a good thing – it’s a joy to play now and the string bending is fun like it should be. When funds allow, I’ll do my Strat as well. Let me know what you experience with your JTM 45. All the best, Pete. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hopefully, it’ll be done soon. He said they probably wouldn’t get to >it for about a week, and a week would have been last Thursday. I >might have to call today. There were a few other amps to work on >first. >I’m using my SF Bassman head at the moment, and I’ve been having >trouble with my sound a lot lately. Even after rearranging things >yesterday. I haven’t decided what the problem is. I think I might >set the 2×12 cabinet aside though, and go back to using the 4×10. >Pete >It should get to the bench in a couple days. So hopefully, I’ll have >it back before this weekend. >About your earlier suggestion of facing the speaker towards a wall, >and maybe covering it with packing material; I was thinking about that >a bit today, and started designing (in my head) a shallow cubical out >of plywood, and that could be just wide enough to fit a 2×12 or 4×12 >into, and be covered with mattress padding to absorb sound. >Then it occurred to me, that while that would probably be effective, >it’s probably a bit over-designed. >But I do have most of a 4×8 1/4" sheet of luan plywood. And I could >probably use a 48"x48" square of it, and cover it with mattress pad >material, and set that up at any wall I pointed a cabinet at. >That probably has some possibilities, but I don’t know if it’ll muffle >my sound too much. I suppose that might depend on how close it is to >the padding. It’d probably need some EQ correction. >Pete >– >Now you know why I used the qualifier "practically" –Bender
Response:
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Which is your favorite holiday? : > a) Halloween : > b) Christmas : > c) New Year’s : > d) Valentine’s Day : > e) Thanksgiving : > : > 9) If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be? : > a) Paris : > b) Spain : > c) Las Vegas : > d) Hawaii : > e) Hollywood : > : > 10) Of the following, who would you rather spend time with? : > a) Someone who is smart : > b) Someone with good looks : > c) Someone who is a party animal : > d) Someone who has fun all the time : > e) Someone who is very emotional : > : > Now total up your points and find your character below: : > 1.) a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 : > 2.) a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 : > 3.) a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 : > 4.) a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 : > 5.) a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 : > 6.) a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 : > 7.) a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 : > 8.) a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 : > 9.) a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 : > 10.) a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 : > : > (10-17 points) You are TAZ: : > You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may : > take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in : control : > of your own life. People don’t always see things your way, but that doesn’t : mean : > that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild : spirit : > can lead to hurting yourself and others. : > : > (18-26 points) You are Bugs Bunny: : > You are fun, friendly, and popular. You are a real crowd pleaser. You have : > probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the : > values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are important to : you, : > but only after you have fun. Don’t let the people you please influence you to : > stray. : > : > (27-34 points) You are Tweety: : > You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes : > the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own : feelings : > hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep : > clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free. : > : > (35-42 points) You are Peppe Le Pew: (without the smell) You are a lover. : > Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious : > about all commitments. A family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and : > never forget a Birthday. Don’t let your passion for romance get confused with : > the real thing. : > : > (43-50 points) You are Speedy Gonzales: : > You are smart, a real thinker.Every situation is approached with a plan. You : are : > very healthy in mind and body. You teach strong family values. Keep your feet : > planted in them, but don’t overlook a bad situation when it does happen. : > : 
