Thoughts on traditional sized Mesa cabinets?

[DiezelMonster]

Yes I know another thread about cabinets, and believe me I have read all I can about cabinets on the various forums.

Anyhow because of where I work I can get these Mesa cabs at a fairly decent price so I wanted to get everyones take on the traditional sized cabinets. I've used them before and like them quite a bit but wanted to know if anyone has A/B them with the oversized cab.

before I buy a mills cab or something else I'd like to know!

thanks!

C

 

[thegame]

Its much boxier than the oversize. Its kind of harsh and dull at the same time, not really a fan.

The Mills cab will eat it up, poop it out, and still be hungry.

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

The Mesa Traditional cabs are great..much better than the oversized IMO. I used to own two of the traditional cabs, and really liked them.

That changed a bit when I got my first Mills cab though....I sold all my others, and now just run 2 Mesa Afterburner 412Bs....while the Mesa cabs were good, the Mills are in a league of their own. If you're considering Mills, don't hesitate, and do it. You'll never worry about cabs again

 

[mincy]

The Mesa Traditional is a nice cab, but not great. It's punchy and great for rock but lacks low end and is a very dark. It could stand to be a bit brighter, IMO. I had some issues with it live with a band. It cut fine, but I wanted a little more presence out of it. V30s cut like mad and are usually harsh and bright, and the Traditional cab had me feeling like something was holding them back. I sold my Traditional 4x12 and bought a Mills. No regrets. Not a one. And the Mills is a bitch to move when compared to the Traditional. I don't care, it was totally worth it.

 

[NewWorldMan]

Love the traditional cabs. My primary cab for the last 6 or so years has been a Mesa (Traditional, Straight) 4X12 w/V30's that are very broken in by now. everything I put through that cab sounds great. I highly recommend them.

My cab has also seen more gigs than I can count, been tossed in the back of everything from 2 door cars to trailors, been on stage with major label bands to sold out crowds and in tiny little bars to 20 people...and it has minimal wear on it. I've never seen a cab so resistant to abuse, despite my best efforts...

I can't imagine anyone saying it lacks low end unless you like more bass in your tone than a bass player.

 

[mincy]

Love the traditional cabs. My primary cab for the last 6 or so years has been a Mesa (Traditional, Straight) 4X12 w/V30's that are very broken in by now. everything I put through that cab sounds great. I highly recommend them.

My cab has also seen more gigs than I can count, been tossed in the back of everything from 2 door cars to trailors, been on stage with major label bands to sold out crowds and in tiny little bars to 20 people...and it has minimal wear on it. I've never seen a cab so resistant to abuse, despite my best efforts...

I can't imagine anyone saying it lacks low end unless you like more bass in your tone than a bass player.

I can't argue with the construction. Mesa cabs are probably the best constructed mass produced cabs I've seen. They are built like tanks. Despite selling my Traditional, I still own 2 Mesa cabs and they are pretty much indestructible. I can't think of a better value out there than a well priced used Mesa cab. If you want a work horse that will last for ever, they're the top contender in my book.

As far as low end goes, I definitely felt mine certainly lacked it. Maybe I like a ton of low end or am abnormal, but my 2x12 oversized recto cab sounds bigger than the traditional 4x12 did. I used to run the 2 cabs together to get some thump out of my rig, since the Traditional wouldn't do it on it's own. I'm not saying the Oversized are better cabs, because I don't think they are, they just have more low end. The traditional cab has none of the flubbiness or lack of detail that I think plagues the oversized Mesa cabs, but it could definitely use a little more low end, IMO.

 

[bste328]

i'm interested in this too...how much would you guys think standard mesa cabs are better than oversized mesa cabs in all around situations...i mean not just ultra heavy stuff...

 

[Code001]

i'm interested in this too...how much would you guys think standard mesa cabs are better than oversized mesa cabs in all around situations...i mean not just ultra heavy stuff...

Standard = Oversized
Traditional = Stiletto

I don't have any lack of low end or lack of high end issues that are being described in this thread with mine. I mainly play death metal, so YMMV.

 

[mincy]

i'm interested in this too...how much would you guys think standard mesa cabs are better than oversized mesa cabs in all around situations...i mean not just ultra heavy stuff...

For all around applications, I think the Traditional is far superior to the Oversized. The oversized cabs have a boominess to them and are kind of muddy, IMO. Not very well defined at all. I played a 4x12 Traditional and a 4x12 Oversized side by side (Bogner Shiva driving them both) and the Traditional cut right through and all you heard from the Oversized cab was the boom of the low end. The Oversized cabs have their place, but if I could only have one Mesa cab, it would be a Traditional (actually, it'd be a Road King, but that's not what you asked ).

 

[DiezelMonster]

This is all good stuff!
my problem is I can 2 mesa stiletto cabs covered in my tolex for the same price as 1 Mills shipped??


that is where I am at!

C

 

[thiswaythatway]

After hearing a Mills cab loud i honestly don't see what the big deal is. That same day an old Marshall loaded with blackbacks smoked the Mills. All IMHO.

 

[dfrattaroli]

This is all good stuff!
my problem is I can 2 mesa stiletto cabs covered in my tolex for the same price as 1 Mills shipped??


that is where I am at!

C

People have been recording and touring with Mesa cabs for ages. You can't be making a mistake.

 

[nbarts]

To each his own. I think it's one of the best cabs out there & levels with other big guys just fine. It has a distinct character which is why it gets an A+ in my list. Works better with ultra saturated tones.

 

[thegame]

After hearing a Mills cab loud i honestly don't see what the big deal is. That same day an old Marshall loaded with blackbacks smoked the Mills. All IMHO.

Swap the speakers and it would be a different story. The more I hear G12K100s, the worse I think they sound.

 

[Phrygian]

I like mine! Punchy, thick enough, tight bottom, handles everything nicely.

Maybe not a perfect match for my VHT, but other than that it's been my go to cab.

 

[thegame]

This is all good stuff!
my problem is I can 2 mesa stiletto cabs covered in my tolex for the same price as 1 Mills shipped??


that is where I am at!

C

One Mills will sound literally as big as two Stiletto cabs. No joke.

 

[killertone]

Yes I know another thread about cabinets, and believe me I have read all I can about cabinets on the various forums.

Anyhow because of where I work I can get these Mesa cabs at a fairly decent price so I wanted to get everyones take on the traditional sized cabinets. I've used them before and like them quite a bit but wanted to know if anyone has A/B them with the oversized cab.

before I buy a mills cab or something else I'd like to know!

thanks!

C

Hey Chris - I always thought they sounded great and were tight and punchy. They are definitely darker even with the V30s for some reason, but that didn't bug me, it is easy to dial that back in with a good amp. When I was a Mesa dealer I stocked them over the Recto cabs, the bottom end was a lot tighter. I converted a lot of people in those days!

 

[DiezelMonster]

Gary

I know you love the mills, but I just don't buy the snake oil, if we can possibly find a guy to try one with you there, then I'd be convinced
I don't want any other speaker than V30's as well which I know is no problem.

I have access to these Mesa cabs and don't have to pay shipping, so I've got to keep my wallet in check as well! I will wait until I get my Meathead to make my mind up, but I WILL be gigging with these as well and not using them in just a basement or bedroom don't forget!

This is all good stuff!
my problem is I can 2 mesa stiletto cabs covered in my tolex for the same price as 1 Mills shipped??


that is where I am at!

C

One Mills will sound literally as big as two Stiletto cabs. No joke.

 

[glassjaw7]

It just depends on what you're looking for. Mesa Trad cabs are super tight and balanced sounding to my ears. I love them.
Yeah, the Mills Afterburner would be my choice over a Mesa oversized for HUGE metal tones, but for definition and tight response I think I'd take a Mesa traditional/Stiletto cab. They are great cabs and are built like tanks.

 

[thiswaythatway]

After hearing a Mills cab loud i honestly don't see what the big deal is. That same day an old Marshall loaded with blackbacks smoked the Mills. All IMHO.

Swap the speakers and it would be a different story. The more I hear G12K100s, the worse I think they sound.

It was at the Fortinfest, not my cab. It had 2 V30's in it and i think 2 of those G12K100's. I didn't have any complaints about it but to me it's just another newer style 4x12 and i wouldn't go out of my way to get one. The Hulk mod sounded a LOT better on the old Marshall with Blackbacks. And all the clips that were made with the Mills on the V30 sounded...ok. The clips done on the Marshall cab all sounded better.