Greetings y'all, first post to the forum.
As the title implies, I have been researching cabinets in order to complete my first bass rig. My musical background is primarily in playing drums for the last sixteen years. I have played drums and toured a good amount, mostly in punk/hardcore bands. Recently have decided to change gears a bit and have started playing bass in a post-punk band (in the vein of: Hüsker Dü, Joy Division, Diät etc.) with some friends. Yes, I will be joining the other side of the rhythm section.
It has taken some time and hard learned lessons to appreciate that in musical performance and gear, more is not always more. Don't get me wrong, a fridge certainly offers a commanding stage presence and feeling the rumble pour over your body can be a spiritual experience, but I don't need that size or volume for what we are going to be doing. We will be playing predominantly small clubs and bars and likely some basement shows. I have made up my mind that I will be purchasing the Orange OB1-500 for my head.
My dilemma now is what cabinet to pair with the OB1-500. I was attracted to both the Bergantino and Genzler offerings because they are lightweight and vertically oriented cabinets, which makes for an efficient use of floor space. The weight aspect is a huge thing, because after schlepping a kit (and band mates cabs and heads) I can't stand the idea of lugging an 80+ pound cabinet to and from shows, practice, etc. I also do not have a car, and commute primarily via city bus. Have played through some Genz Benz stuff (Uber 212) and really liked them. Unfortunately there are no music stores around me that carry the Genzler or Bergantino gear.
Both cabinets are both rated at 700 watts, both loaded with neo drivers. I know the Genzler is loaded with Faitals, I believe the Bergantino is loaded with Eminence? Not sure if there are substantial differences in sonic characteristics between them. Also curious if there would be any significant differences in volume between these two cabs. The cabs are equal in height at 31", but the Genzler is just a hair larger in width and depth (19" vs 18.5" W and 16" vs 15" D respectively). They are both lightweight, the Bergantino having a slight advantage at 48 pounds compared to the Genzler at 54 pounds. As far as construction and durability is concerned, the Bergantino is made of Italian Poplar with a Birch ply skin while the Genzler is made of 12mm and 15mm Baltic Birch plywood. I know poplar is a considerably softer wood than birch, curious if anyone would think that may impact durability?
Curious if anyone has direct experience with either or both of these models, which I know is a bit of a long shot because the Genzler offerings are fairly new and they are both in the high end price range. I feel like the Genzler may be more what I am looking for as far as vintage vibe, early eighties post-punk and hardcore. I know Bergantino stuff is often described as very hi-fi, maybe not as much in the vein I'm looking for, but maybe I am totally off base.
Anyway, thanks to those who took the time to read my long and rambling post, especially from one of those loud stupid drummers! Your wisdom and advice will be appreciated.
As the title implies, I have been researching cabinets in order to complete my first bass rig. My musical background is primarily in playing drums for the last sixteen years. I have played drums and toured a good amount, mostly in punk/hardcore bands. Recently have decided to change gears a bit and have started playing bass in a post-punk band (in the vein of: Hüsker Dü, Joy Division, Diät etc.) with some friends. Yes, I will be joining the other side of the rhythm section.
It has taken some time and hard learned lessons to appreciate that in musical performance and gear, more is not always more. Don't get me wrong, a fridge certainly offers a commanding stage presence and feeling the rumble pour over your body can be a spiritual experience, but I don't need that size or volume for what we are going to be doing. We will be playing predominantly small clubs and bars and likely some basement shows. I have made up my mind that I will be purchasing the Orange OB1-500 for my head.
My dilemma now is what cabinet to pair with the OB1-500. I was attracted to both the Bergantino and Genzler offerings because they are lightweight and vertically oriented cabinets, which makes for an efficient use of floor space. The weight aspect is a huge thing, because after schlepping a kit (and band mates cabs and heads) I can't stand the idea of lugging an 80+ pound cabinet to and from shows, practice, etc. I also do not have a car, and commute primarily via city bus. Have played through some Genz Benz stuff (Uber 212) and really liked them. Unfortunately there are no music stores around me that carry the Genzler or Bergantino gear.
Both cabinets are both rated at 700 watts, both loaded with neo drivers. I know the Genzler is loaded with Faitals, I believe the Bergantino is loaded with Eminence? Not sure if there are substantial differences in sonic characteristics between them. Also curious if there would be any significant differences in volume between these two cabs. The cabs are equal in height at 31", but the Genzler is just a hair larger in width and depth (19" vs 18.5" W and 16" vs 15" D respectively). They are both lightweight, the Bergantino having a slight advantage at 48 pounds compared to the Genzler at 54 pounds. As far as construction and durability is concerned, the Bergantino is made of Italian Poplar with a Birch ply skin while the Genzler is made of 12mm and 15mm Baltic Birch plywood. I know poplar is a considerably softer wood than birch, curious if anyone would think that may impact durability?
Curious if anyone has direct experience with either or both of these models, which I know is a bit of a long shot because the Genzler offerings are fairly new and they are both in the high end price range. I feel like the Genzler may be more what I am looking for as far as vintage vibe, early eighties post-punk and hardcore. I know Bergantino stuff is often described as very hi-fi, maybe not as much in the vein I'm looking for, but maybe I am totally off base.
Anyway, thanks to those who took the time to read my long and rambling post, especially from one of those loud stupid drummers! Your wisdom and advice will be appreciated.
