Half- vs Full-Stack

[Techdeth]

? I think i agree. At least to the other stuff you mentioned.

I meant resonance lol

 

[rsm]

How would you describe the general difference Half- vs Fullstack?

tough to say without trying the same amp, into two vs one cab, with one to two of the same cabs and speakers. I haven't done this because I don't need to, because it doesn't matter to me.

As I've said, I only run a full stack (two 4x12 cabs) with my 1959HW because of the greenback 25W power handling. I only have a slant cab because that is the classic, original setup for a plexi full stack; again, for power handling.

I use a straight 4x12 cab rated at 240W with my other Marshall 100W amps.

Any comparison between my full stack and my half stacks would have too many differences to demonstrate or prove anything.

since answering this question seems important to you - as you've asked me at least three times now - I suggest you take your favorite 50W or 100W amp, get two 4x12 cabs with speakers you like, slant or straight, and try the rig with each cab, and both cabs, to see which sounds best to you.

 

[rsm]

My Speakers in my 4x12 are rated 100 Watts each.

if you have each speaker rated at 100W in a 4x12, and assuming you're using a 50W or 100W amp, you're not going to get any noticeable speaker breakup in your sound.

My 4x12 rated at 240, has each speaker rated at 60W; it's more modern, clean and tight tone because the speakers aren't being pushed anywhere close to their limits.

I use 2x12 cabs (Mesa and Engl) with V30s to give me a more modern, clean, tight sound where I can also push the speakers into some breakup by increasing the volume. I use these cabs with my Mesa JP-2C and Diesel VHX, for prog and fusion; and the Engl cabs with my Engl Artist Edition to get classic hard rock, hair, thrash tones

 

[rsm]

How would you describe the general difference Half- vs Fullstack?

generally, one has 4 speakers and the other has 8.

generally 8 > 4. more is more. more is better than less.

ask any woman, if she prefers a man with 4 or 8.

clearly, for these reasons and more, a full stack is generally better than a half stack.

 

[Music&Chaos]

There aren't modern guitarists who need a full stack in any venue. We use mics now. We use in ear monitoring for actual sound representation, etc.

This is an old/dead thing that just isn't viable in the music world.

I am a volume and amp lover, I wish it weren't so but it sadly is.

4x12 alone is overkill for a lot of gigs.

Sound wise though, 4x12 cuts better for metal but yeah, as far as live performance, more than a 4x12 just seems kinda crazy nowadays.

 

[cardinal]

I personally have hated the sound of every vertically-stacked full stack I've used. That top 4x12 just does not sound good to me without any floor reflections. Put the cabs side by side and it's fine, even if two slants. Just don't lift the speaker cabinet that high from the floor.

 

[311boogieman]

 

[rsm]

There aren't modern guitarists who need a full stack in any venue. We use mics now. We use in ear monitoring for actual sound representation, etc.

This is an old/dead thing that just isn't viable in the music world.

I am a volume and amp lover, I wish it weren't so but it sadly is.

4x12 alone is overkill for a lot of gigs.

Sound wise though, 4x12 cuts better for metal but yeah, as far as live performance, more than a 4x12 just seems kinda crazy nowadays.

they call it "progress"

from this: (1968)

to this: (2026)

 

[rsm]

I personally have hated the sound of every vertically-stacked full stack I've used. That top 4x12 just does not sound good to me without any floor reflections. Put the cabs side by side and it's fine, even if two slants. Just don't lift the speaker cabinet that high from the floor.

IDK, probably because of my age...

for me it doesn't get any better than a Marshall plexi/SLP 100 full vertical stack with a Strat, LP with DiMarzio SD, or Ibanez PS10. I can't do it for long, even with ear plugs, but it's glorious IMO

The first guitar sounds I remember clearly that have stayed with me was The Beatles Rubber Soul and Revolver.

I remember my uncle, who was 15 years older than me, playing, and me hearing for the first time: Cream Disraeli Gears, Steppenwolf 7, and most importantly Axis Bold As Love, Led Zep 1, when they were new. When he'd get a new album, I'd pester him to let me listen to it with him.


I get more useable guitar sounds at more modest levels, but my 1959HW full stack is something else entirely, at another level; my holy grail of guitar.

 

[Music&Chaos]

they call it "progress"

from this: (1968)

to this: (2026)

I know, it sucks man. I like feeling the air move around me, not this flat crap with a click going.

 

[Simon Dorn]

if you have each speaker rated at 100W in a 4x12, and assuming you're using a 50W or 100W amp, you're not going to get any noticeable speaker breakup in your sound.

My 4x12 rated at 240, has each speaker rated at 60W; it's more modern, clean and tight tone because the speakers aren't being pushed anywhere close to their limits.

I use 2x12 cabs (Mesa and Engl) with V30s to give me a more modern, clean, tight sound where I can also push the speakers into some breakup by increasing the volume. I use these cabs with my Mesa JP-2C and Diesel VHX, for prog and fusion; and the Engl cabs with my Engl Artist Edition to get classic hard rock, hair, thrash tones

Thanks for your replies.

 

[Simon Dorn]

generally, one has 4 speakers and the other has 8.

generally 8 > 4. more is more. more is better than less.

ask any woman, if she prefers a man with 4 or 8.

clearly, for these reasons and more, a full stack is generally better than a half stack.

It's pretty hard to get a useful answer from you. Hard. You know. Girls. Ask them.

 

[Simon Dorn]

We use in ear monitoring for actual sound representation, etc.

No. We don't do that.

 

[rsm]

It's pretty hard to get a useful answer from you. Hard. You know. Girls. Ask them.

A man with 8 doesn't have to ask; girls ask.


I've answered at least 3 times that I never compared the same amp in a half stack vs full stack with the same cabs/speakers because I have no need to do so. Same answer, three or four times. If you ask me again, I'll give the same answer.

 

[Music&Chaos]

No. We don't do that.

I would prefer not to, but any 'smedium' and above place seems to work this way now. I have been asked to turn down my 25w 2x12 at live gigs that don't even mic. The audience loves it - the house - not so much.