Speaker Cabinet choice for Rocket ??

[dansamp]

I am looking for a 2X12 cabinet for my Rocket and I came
across a new Vox 2X12 open back cabinet with Wharfdale ceramic speakers
thinking about picking it up it is not my choice of speakers but maybe I can
upgrade them later

any opinions on this cabinet or any input on what other people are using
I would prefer the Vox look any suggestions ??

[paulster]

I've got one of those cabinets and swapped out the Wharfedales for Celestion Golds before I'd even tried the Wharfedales.

It's a great sounding cabinet and I use it predominantly with my Top Boost-esque head, which is essentially a Rocket but with Vox trannies and a Vox power supply (I built it before the Rocket schematic was finally revealed).

For what it's worth the Wharfedales are supposed to be more like G12H30s, although I've never fired them up.

Paul

[soma_hero]

My roomate has a new reissue AC30 with Wharfedales in it.

They sound lifeless.... and I've never played through Golds or Blues.

[Decko]

I have tried the the Wharfedales. Lacked personality of the Celestion Blue. You could take your rig down to the local music shop and plug in before you buy. Try the 2 X 12 with Wharfedales then try the Celestion Blues. You'lle notice a big difference!

[dansamp]

I know the blues will sound better
my plan is to use 1 blue and 1 Weber silver
or one of the scumback speakers

I am just wondering how the cabinet it self compares to say
an avatar or a swanson cabinet or Dr Z
for example

is the Vox a baltic birch made cabinet ????

[rooster]

I run the Vox cab you are considering. Mine, too, had the Wharfdales. They were probably trying to be a V30 but I think they lack the bottom somehow. Kinda fizzy to my ear and one dimensional, too. Some people do like them though so you will be able to sell them if you don't ask too much. Honestly, I couldn't get past the Chinese manufacture thing here. Yeah, the cab is Chinese, but I can look it over and see what it is - can't do that with a speaker without tearing it apart.

Like you are considering, I am running the Weber Silver Bell and the Blue, 50 watters each, (both alnico). These are a great combination and I really love the sound and response. However, I finally gave up on the stock open back arrangement and built something different. Its a rather oddly ported back that really puts some thump into the speakers while retaining the clarity. Its late but I will post a photo tomorrow to show you what I came up with.

Frankly, if I could even find another used one for a fair price I'd be all over it. The wood is Baltic birch and the cab is well braced on the sides and in the corners. Very stout overall. The back panels are 1/2" thick so kinda thin if you are considering a full back like I run. The solution was to run a series of four 1X2s evenly spaced across the back. This made for a very rigid back, something I was going for in hopes of getting the front of speaker energy out into the room. Like I said, I love this cab!

OK, pics tomorrow.

[rooster]

Oh, yeah, I am running an Express version into this cab and an AC30 that I built, as well. The cab is great for either head I think and I get plenty of compliments on the tone.

[Decko]

I have an Express and I believe that these amps were designed to be played with Celestion G12m 25 watters in a 4 X 12 cabinet. What speakers did Ken design the Rocket to be paired?

[rooster]

There's an article in an old VG mag where the columist goes to Ken's house to play a Liverpool or a Rocket - can't remember which. It was a 2 speaker something, that I seem to recall. I will try to dig that out.

One thing Ken told me one time that I don't see on this forum is what his favorite speaker of all time was. Yeah, maybe he was fickle but this one particular day he told me it was a Celestion G10M. His - without hestation - all time favorite speaker. That's what he said. For some reason I figured that demo in VG mag involved a pair of those speakers in an open back cab. Eh, I will try to find the article.

FWIW, these are the speakers that came stock in those early Marshall 18 watters and likewise, the 8/10 Marshall cab. 15 watters with paper voice coils....

[rawnster]

Just saw a 2x12 vox cab in my area for dirt cheap:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/945373130.html

[dansamp]

That is cheap ,
but alas I am in Los Angeles
the one I saw had a couple of rips in the tolex so they were
willing to take $10.00 off

it was new for $335.00 plus tax

[rooster]

Thanks for the Craigslist headsup. I live in Portland but I rarely check out Craigslist these days. Dang, that listing is old now but I did email him.

[rooster]

Hm, he traded the Voxcab for a Marshall 4/12 yesterday. But thank you for the headsup.

[rawnster]

Hm, he traded the Voxcab for a Marshall 4/12 yesterday. But thank you for the headsup.

Darn! I saw that posting there for several days. Just last week I bought a 2x12 avatar closed back cab loaded with greenbacks for $200, or I would have snagged it then.

Sorry I didn't mention it earlier.

[rooster]

OK, I pulled out all my VG mags and started combing thru them. I did learn that KF had at least two different 2/12 cabs at this house. Both with Celestions, early, one pair pre Rolas. I have yet to find the Rocket review article however....

Have you guys ever read the VG stuff? Is it in print somewhere in a book form? Priceless stuff, IMO. For example, did you know that Leslie West once, during a shootout of gtrs, plugged a LP Jr into a Liverpool and a vintage 4/12 Marshall cab and immediately said, "Terrible!" He actually hated it!!!!!!!!!!! KF spend the whole followup column trying to explain this. !!!!!! Not that he had to for my benefit, but it was an interesting read all the same.

Anyway, I am still on the hunt.