RE:HPs for 2x12 open-back with custom amp

1

Hi,

need a piece of advice regarding the speakers for my 2x12" open-back cabinet. It is a replica of Dumble cabinet, with the oval hole in the back.

The amp I would be using is a custom A-class 10W, with a Fenderish clean channel (based on Deluxe Reverb/Two Rock amps) and a Marshallish lead channel (based on Plexi/JCM800 amps, think Friedman Marsha).

I would mainly be playing blues, classic rock, Jimi Hendrix stuff, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 80's through 90's hard-rock (think EVH, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne...) to early thrash (Metallica...).

I was first going to go for the Green Beret/Veteran 30 combination, but got confused and would like to have a combination more suited to my amp and tastes.

After reading all posts and listinening to the multiple videos on YouTube, I am now considering:

- Reaper 55 with ET-65

- Reaper 55 with G12C

- ET-65 with G12C

- ET-65 with Reaper

What would be each combination pros and cons? What would be your pick? Other ideas ?

2

I actually like your original idea the best, for three reasons:

1. Your stated tastes.

2. The big cab w/ the oval (a very boomy cab)

3. Your low-power amp.

The GB/Vet 30 combo should nail it, whilst remaining nimble and responsive even with only 10 watts.

The ET65 & Reaper 55 would both probably be too dark for what you want.

3

Hi Vaughn.

Thanks a lot for your answer.

I am still a little afraid the Vet 30 might sound a little too modern for me...

I had actually already ordered the ET-65 and Reaper combination, after listening once again to your tes ring videos. If too dark, i would then swap the ET-65 with a Green Beret. 

Will keep you updated anyway ;)

4

Just keep it in good shape & don't solder on the lugs & you can return it if you need to :-)

Oh, & yes ... let us all know your results!!

5

My two cents: I am using the ET-65 in Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue and a Reaper HP in an Hot Rod extension cab and I love the sound of the combo. The warmth of the ET balances the slight midrange character of the Reaper and the overall effect is perfect for Hendrix and SRV when using a Strat.  I use a P-90 loaded Tele which is a bit more midrangy but comes off as very creamy with this WGS setup.

6

Hi Vaughn,

I am still waiting for my new speakers to arrive, but it seems my reseller actually ordered a Reaper HP instead of the regular Reaper... Could wou advice me whether i should tell him to change the order for a regular 30W? or is the HP worth a try in combination with the ET65 for my setup and musical tastes? Especially would a 10W valve amp be able to "move" those 2 speakers?

Thanks a lot!

7

Well ... the main difference is that the HP has a bit warmer bottom and later breakup ... at the expense of a bit of articulation.

Sooo ... I guess you ca decide for yourself! A benefit to the HP would be the ability to ALSO use the cab with amps of a higher power.

8

Hum... I am not gonna use this cab with another amp. And this setup is mainly aimed at playing at low to medium volume...

So I am just afraid i would not be able to get any breakup from the HP for those classic rock tones i am looking for. Am i wrong?

And if I was later gonna swap the ET65 for a Green Beret as previously discussed, wouldn't the HP be too dominant in the combination?

Thanks so much for your help!

9

But you confirm there is no rule with "matching" speakers of close power handling for better results? (That is the reason why the reseller ordered the HP in the first place...)

10

No ... not really.

The difference is the Reaper has a paper former, and the HP has a Kapton former.  Check out this blog:

http://wgs4.com/paper-or-plastic-great-kapton-vs-paper-voice-coil-former-question