Mesa 4x12 Wiring: Before and After

[iff]

Would probably be a bad thing, but I would trust a solder joint to hold better than a connector

Yeah I've found spade connectors inconsistent and don't particularly trust them either. I like a mechanical + solder connection for the speakers, so I stick with 16 gauge or whatever it was that was the biggest I could fit through the lug.

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

Yeah I've found spade connectors inconsistent and don't particularly trust them either. I like a mechanical + solder connection for the speakers, so I stick with 16 gauge or whatever it was that was the biggest I could fit through the lug.

That is what I used to do also

 

[Nigel]

Isn't there no mechanical connection with wires that thick unless you were to use spade connectors? If I remember correctly, 16 gauge was as big as I could easily fit through the speaker terminals. Joints on big vibrating parts seem like the last place I'd want to trust solder to hold forever considering they could blow up a transformer if they failed.

You tin the wire and solder it flat on the tab.

 

[Klauth]

You tin the wire and solder it flat on the tab.

shrink wrap helps with this method.

 

[JonPearson1994]

I think we need to have a primer class on resistance vs. reactance and the outsized impact of inductive loads on an impedance as compared to the resistance of the cable....

 

[Shask]

Isn't there no mechanical connection with wires that thick unless you were to use spade connectors? If I remember correctly, 16 gauge was as big as I could easily fit through the speaker terminals. Joints on big vibrating parts seem like the last place I'd want to trust solder to hold forever considering they could blow up a transformer if they failed.

I think that is why I used 16. It was the biggest spade crimp I could find, and it was also the biggest that fit in the jack lug hole.

 

[Klauth]

Based on the discussion in my previous Mesa cab thread found here:

Thread 'Mesa 4x12: Standard (oversized) vs Traditional'

Dec 16, 2025

I picked up a Mesa Standard (oversized) 4x12 a while back and absolutely hated it. Got rid of it after one week. It was super honky and overly present, with an unpleasant and unmusical sound for my needs. No matter where you stood, it sounded like your ear was right up against the grill cloth. And it took all the bark and growl out of my amps.

A traditional cab just arrived today (new) and I think it's night-and-day better. More balanced sound, less ear fatigue, more growl and grunt and more thump. It still has a bit of that V30 harshness in the highs. But for now, I can use a graphic EQ...

• FourT6and2
• Replies: 216
• Forum: Rig-Talk

• 

...and @Nigel 's assertion that rewiring the stock Mesa cab to series-parallel (or whatever you want to call it) and replacing the jack with a single input will yield a different (better) sound, I have done just that.

This is a brand new Mesa 4x12, purchased a few months ago. I removed the stock wiring and replaced with quality 14 AWG zip cord from Redco. I also replaced the jack plate with a single Switchcraft 1/4. I played the cab extensively with a new 90s Reissue Dual Rectifier and an Omega Granophyre.

I also have an identical Mesa 4x12 that I can directly A/B test this new wiring with in real time. I will report back tomorrow with my findings.

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Makes me wonder if you take an impedance reading before and after the wiring change, and if so, what was the difference, if any?

 

[JonPearson1994]

Makes me wonder if you take an impedance reading before and after the wiring change, and if so, what was the difference, if any?

Even if there was, it would only be accounting for the difference in the resistance, assuming he was using a regular multi-meter.

 

[Klauth]

Even if there was, it would only be accounting for the difference in the resistance, assuming he was using a regular multi-meter.

I've kept a record of all 30 cabs I have (before & after re-wiring reading), and I DO see a pattern.

 

[JonPearson1994]

I've kept a record of all 30 cabs I have (before & after re-wiring reading), and I DO see a pattern.

Okay, what is it?

 

[Klauth]

It's a lot of data, as I check the ohms of each individual speaker after I pull them from the cabs. what surprised me most is, the ohms variation between the uk and Chinese v30's. I'm also surprised that more people haven't caught on to this.

 

[JonPearson1994]

It's a lot of data, as I check the ohms of each individual speaker after I pull them from the cabs. what surprised me most is, the ohms variation between the uk and Chinese v30's. I'm also surprised that more people haven't caught on to this.

This isn't surprising, I imagine there are differences in the wire used.

 

[Exo-metal]

Sorry guys, I'm gonna bow out until I've trained my ears to hear the difference between 12 AWG and 14 AWG wire.

Praise God, at least someone can

 

[Klauth]

This isn't surprising, I imagine there are differences in the wire used.

I picked up some pure lead solder still sealed the 50's, from an old avionics warehouse as well. and some mil-spec flux. 12-awg mogami oxygen free. so, all my cabinets have consistent wiring and pure tone jacks. the FANE speakers measure the most consistent.

 

[Exo-metal]

I picked up some pure lead solder still sealed the 50's, from an old avionics warehouse as well. and some mil-spec flux. 12-awg mogami oxygen free. so, all my cabinets have consistent wiring and pure tone jacks. the FANE speakers measure the most consistent.

Most consistent what?

 

[jasonP]

I picked up some pure lead solder still sealed the 50's, from an old avionics warehouse as well. and some mil-spec flux. 12-awg mogami oxygen free. so, all my cabinets have consistent wiring and pure tone jacks. the FANE speakers measure the most consistent.

What are you using the measure this?

 

[Klauth]

Most consistent what?

ohms reading.

 

[FourT6and2]

ohms reading.

And what does that tell you?

 

[thegame]

I picked up some pure lead solder still sealed the 50's, from an old avionics warehouse as well. and some mil-spec flux. 12-awg mogami oxygen free. so, all my cabinets have consistent wiring and pure tone jacks. the FANE speakers measure the most consistent.

Any thoughts on Quad Eutectic solder?

 

[Exo-metal]

ohms reading.

I was hoping you wouldn't say that but here are...