Do you demo heavy amps by buying online and returning (Mesa 212 and 215)?

[Peter - Oregon]

There is a flaw in your thinking. If you play for the rest of your life, there will almost certainly come a time when you'd prefer to have 2 smaller cabs (2 115's or 2 112's) so you can schlep half at a time, not one big awkward thing. If you really want to buy the thing that will last you a lifetime, buy 2 single 12's or 15's.

That's a good point. I am already 61, with a bit of a sore back as I write this. Realistically, I will never take what I buy out of my home. I own a Rumble 100 and Trace Elliott Elf 10. I won't likely ever play in a band. I will be periodically be moving between two rooms, so 215's wheels sound kind of nice.

 

[SemiDriven]

That's a good point. I am already 61, with a bit of a sore back as I write this. Realistically, I will never take what I buy out of my home. I own a Rumble 100 and Trace Elliott Elf 10. I won't likely ever play in a band. I will be periodically be moving between two rooms, so 215's wheels sound kind of nice.

If I ever go with the 215, it will because it has wheels! I like wheels!

 

[Peter - Oregon]

The only thing flawed about the thinking is that the reality is there is no last rig, last cab, last bass. I bought the Subway 410 thinking that would be it. Then I had to get a sealed cab for the SVT that was such a great deal I couldn’t pass it up so I got a Berg NV610. Then I got another head and I’m wanting yet another cab to pair it with. It’s a sickness I tell you…

I have a pretty bad dose myself. That is one reason I'm thinking say the 215. Before I have one cab, my diseased mind is thinking that if I get one 115 I will want two, so I'll save $300 by getting a 215. Some people in this post say there isn't much difference between one and two 115s. On my previous post, Wisebass gives a good explanation about why two 215s is better.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I would totally go with (2) 112 cabs.
Can't put my finger on exactly why - 115s too boomy? (hesitate to use such an unhelpful subjective undefined term) but when I A/B'd 112s and 115s (GK Neos), I preferred the 12s by a long way. Plenny plenny low, no overboomimess.

 

[Element Zero]

When local dealers don’t stock products to try, there’s nothing wrong with using those return policies provided you are doing so in good faith, that’s exactly why they gave them.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I would totally go with (2) 112 cabs.
Can't put my finger on exactly why - 115s too boomy? (hesitate to use such an unhelpful subjective undefined term) but when I A/B'd 112s and 115s (GK Neos), I preferred the 12s by a long way. Plenny plenny low, no overboomimess.

The Mesa 115, 215 are different and need to be heard on their own and shouldn't be thought of in terms of any other 15 before them.

 

[SJan3]

I am looking to purchase a Mesa cab to go along with my D-350. I posted this a couple of days ago, and had a great response by everyone.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/mesa-subway-115-and-210-stack.1633497/

I am leaning toward a 115, or possibly a 212 or 215. I have played, and like the 115.

I understand that everyone's taste is different, and you need to listen to, and compare the amps. My question is whether it is ok to purchase two high value, heavy amps like that from an online retailer, and return one? I am an older guy, and a bit uncomfortable with that, but maybe that's what everybody does?

PS, if you have an opinion on the 212 vs 215, I would be interested in hearing it.

Thank you!

For playing at home exclusively, you're way overkill with a 2x12 or 2x15. In your shoes I'd get the Subway 1x12. It will rattle your rafters. If you should ever feel the need for more just buy a second 1x12 and stack em.

 

[SJan3]

Thanks gtirard. In that post, people talked about the importance of trying the different cabs. My shop only ever has a 115. I wondered how many shops actually carry multiple Mesa cabs to compare. Since several people talked of comparing the cabs, I wondered how they actually did that. I figured buying and returning was likely the only way.

As I said, I am trying to decide for sure which cab I want. I am a home player. While I know a 115 would do the job, people rave about 2 115s. Knowing myself, it is likely I will want to add a second cab at some point. It is I believe $300 less to get the 215 vs two 115s. I also like the idea of the 215 to have the top speaker higher from the ground.

I have been using this site to educate myself and make a decision, and hopefully educate others. I realize some will say a 2x is overkill, but I am looking for the best sound for my home practice (people also mentioned the 410).

Since it isn't really possible to try these cabs, I am looking for opinions on this great resource.

"Best Sound" is highly subjective.

 

[WRM]

Experimenting with cheap second hand cabinets doesn’t provide any usable information about how Subway cabinets perform or sound.

When local dealers don’t stock products to try, there’s nothing wrong with using those return policies provided you are doing so in good faith, that’s exactly why they gave them.

It's the "good faith" part that hits the nail on the head. Personally, I wouldn't order four new cabs if I knew beforehand that I was going to return three of them. I'd pick the one that I liked best and order that one, and only take advantage of the return program if it truly didn't work out.

I only have one SW cab - the 112. I like it, but in hindsight, wish I'd have bought the 212 instead. If I can find some spare change, I'd like to add another SWX12 to pair with it, but still can't decide if X = 1 or 2?...

Sounds like you want the 215, so order that, because I can't imagine that it would NOT work for you.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I am looking to purchase a Mesa cab to go along with my D-350. I posted this a couple of days ago, and had a great response by everyone.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/mesa-subway-115-and-210-stack.1633497/

I am leaning toward a 115, or possibly a 212 or 215. I have played, and like the 115.

I understand that everyone's taste is different, and you need to listen to, and compare the amps. My question is whether it is ok to purchase two high value, heavy amps like that from an online retailer, and return one? I am an older guy, and a bit uncomfortable with that, but maybe that's what everybody does?

PS, if you have an opinion on the 212 vs 215, I would be interested in hearing it.

Thank you!

Another though, you have the D-350. I would go the 215 as it will give you the total output of your amp. The full 350 watts

 

[Verb the Noun]

PS, if you have an opinion on the 212 vs 215, I would be interested in hearing it.

My SW212 lives at my drummers house. Punchy and amazing. Fantastic "tool" for rehearsals, I can hear every note crisp and clear. This holds true even when at a volume the rest of the band is asking me to increase.

My SW215 is my gig cab. BIG tone. Never leaves me needing a damn thing. Built in casters make it literally the easiest load in/out of the cabs I have. As long as there are no stairs, I can easily one trip my gear from car to stage.

If I was a pick player in a punk band, or did a lot of slapping, the 212 may be a better choice. But I'm not, so the 215 is my go-to in every category.

 

[DJ Bebop]

For playing at home exclusively, you're way overkill with a 2x12 or 2x15. In your shoes I'd get the Subway 1x12. It will rattle your rafters. If you should ever feel the need for more just buy a second 1x12 and stack em.

 

[Passinwind]

Thanks gtirard. In that post, people talked about the importance of trying the different cabs. My shop only ever has a 115. I wondered how many shops actually carry multiple Mesa cabs to compare. Since several people talked of comparing the cabs, I wondered how they actually did that.

The vast majority of new (and older) boutique-ish gear I've tried has been at Talkbass GTGs. The Seattle ones have been much more frequent over the last couple of decades, and generally bigger, FWIW. If you hang out in the X Brand Club threads here you may be able to find someone close enough to local to facilitate an audition as well. And while I loathe Facebook, the Seattle Bass Nerds group there can be an amazing resource for someone in a position like yours.

 

[FunkHead]

Wow… I guess I’m in a large minority here but, order what you wanna try and return what you don’t. I don’t get the issue. How you gonna know if something is really gonna work for you?

An instrument is one thing, but a cab that’s probably just gonna stay at your house and not be pushed to gig volume? I see no problem here.

I don't see a problem either. Many online dealers tout their generous return policy for just that reason. "Try it because we are promising how it's the latest & greatest" If you don't like it, we'll take it back"

Sweetwater has no problem with it but they may charge a restocking fee...

 

[DJ Bebop]

I don't see a problem either. Many online dealers tout their generous return policy for just that reason. "Try it because we are promising how it's the latest & greatest" If you don't like it, we'll take it back"

Sweetwater has no problem with it but they may charge a restocking fee...

I think my problem is, I'm lazy and wouldn't want to rebox them and send them back. So I'd just end up keeping them.

 

[tshapiro]

FWIW… I have 3 sets of cabs in various configurations (2x410, 2x115, 2x408), and I practice and gig regularly. In almost every situation, 2 cabs feel and sound better (my opinion of course). Even when just practicing at talking levels. The only time I resort to 1 is if the transport is a primary consideration (about 10% of the time for me). That includes a quick jam to work out songs with a friend, a gig with a tough load-in, or a really small stage. So, if it were me, I’d get the 215 if transport were rarely going to be an issue AND I’d get the 115 for when I needed a more grab and go situation. If transport was a primary concern, than 2x115’s. Also, I tend not to have wheels on my cabs. I prefer using flat dolly’s. Wheels add weight, be a little more inconvenient during transport, and make staking a little more challenging. Just my view on it having done it both ways for 30 years.

 

[FunkHead]

Hey, I actually bought a Mesa TT-800 from Sweetwater. I then returned it and paid a re-stocking fee.

Then I bought another TT-800 (From Sweetwater) because it sounded so great in all the demo's and everyone loves them here on Talkbass.

I simply realized that I misjudged the TT-800 the 1st time by comparing it to my Other Amps. Now I know better and it has become my favorite Head.

I think Sweetwater was fair in charging me a restocking fee and/or increasing prices to maintain a profit and stay in business. This is the new way of buying Musical Gear!

 

[juancaminos]

Guitar Sanctuary always has Mesa as well as all the other amps and cabinets talked about on TB.
I purchased SW products from them when the other big box store had none. And great after sale service!
Bass Amps | Bass Cabinets | Bass Amplifiers | The Guitar Sanctuary

BTW the SW 410 and 215 are the same price what a decision....

 

[lermgalieu]

There is a flaw in your thinking. If you play for the rest of your life, there will almost certainly come a time when you'd prefer to have 2 smaller cabs (2 115's or 2 112's) so you can schlep half at a time, not one big awkward thing. If you really want to buy the thing that will last you a lifetime, buy 2 single 12's or 15's.

I have a 215 and it will be with me forever.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

My personal preference is 2-15’s but in 2 separate cabinets for ability to use only 1 & portability.