Most affordable 10s for a DIY 210

Darn, BadE!

I bought a used Mitchell 2x10 ported cabinet and, while it sounds good as-is, was hoping to learn about some good, cheap speakers to try in it. I haven't checked what's in it yet.

I have no idea what I want, but I hope I recognize it when I hear it!!!
In other words, I just want to try something different, to develop my knowledge of options available.
I might check out the Eminence or Celestions mentioned in h4l's post. Or maybe, one of each, then move forward from there.
 
Sorry for the delay (one hell of a busy day), great reading material from all of you, thanks a lot. I was planning on spending around $100/120 for speakers and maybe $30 for wood/particle board and hardware. Ideally the total cost wouldn't be over $140.

The amp will most likely be a TC Electronic BH250.
 
Last edited:
A major point to make clear, I'm travelling abroad with the head, my bass and hopefully, 2 10'' speakers that I will use in building a cabinet at destination.
Another point is that although great deals on used gear could be had, I can't afford to go on a hunt for such a thing. Also, the cost has to be around 1/2 of what MF offers as the entry point for a 210 which is a Peavey Headliner 210, priced at $230.
 
A major point to make clear, I'm travelling abroad with the head, my bass and hopefully, 2 10'' speakers that I will use in building a cabinet at destination.
Another point is that although great deals on used gear could be had, I can't afford to go on a hunt for such a thing. Also, the cost has to be around 1/2 of what MF offers as the entry point for a 210 which is a Peavey Headliner 210, priced at $230.

I'm even wondering if I can even downsize to 208. TC E makes a 208 combo but I didn't have to opportunity to audition it. It would be OK as a reference.
 
A major point to make clear, I'm travelling abroad with the head, my bass and hopefully, 2 10'' speakers that I will use in building a cabinet at destination.
Another point is that although great deals on used gear could be had, I can't afford to go on a hunt for such a thing. Also, the cost has to be around 1/2 of what MF offers as the entry point for a 210 which is a Peavey Headliner 210, priced at $230.
You're in "So Cal" and you're having trouble finding a 210 cab? How about Craigslist? Guitar Center. My goodness you're almost at the center of the universe for music! You could probably fill a football stadium with all the available bass cabs in Southern California.
 
Where are you headed overseas? How long before you leave?

What are you doing with your rig when you get there? Do you need to play loud, practice, play quiet? If playing quiet, check Blackstar Fly 3 Bass Pack - 3W 1x3 and search this forum for a recent review.

You have many options.

DIY 110 & 112 cabs - light, loud, & cheap - inspired by the Duke

Low-cost DIY practice/coffeehouse tweeterless 110 [long]

That area is so bass cab rich,
you should just hang out at the trash dump and see what gets thrown away by someone who just got the latest thing in bass gear.:)X

Better get a prescription first, you have I wanna get high and wait for a cab syndrome :D
 
I'm even wondering if I can even downsize to 208. TC E makes a 208 combo but I didn't have to opportunity to audition it. It would be OK as a reference.

Downsizing to a 208 is up to you. Just consider if it will meet your tone and loudness requirements. 8's that have sufficient cone excursion for bass tend to be significantly less efficient than larger drivers. Such 208's can be amazing for their size, but do have lower maximum volume compared to many (if not most) 210 cabs. You haven't mention it, but if weight or bulk are important to you, then neo drivers (like the S2010) in a cab with about 1 cf per driver, made of 1/2 inch plywood (properly braced) would fill the bill nicely. The MCM's and Dayton's (better performers IMO) are both pretty heavy.
 
I'm going to South America where the voltage is 220/240 V that's why I'm getting an TC E head that could be used there without the need of an external transformer. Taking a 210 cab on the plane would be something I'm not willing to do that's why I'll just take a bass, the head and 2 speaker which will make the whole thing manageable and affordable. Airlines not only charge for excess weight but also for excess volume.

I will sell the head and the speakers there to offset the airfare. Still a 208 has some appeal.
 
Last edited:
They sell speakers in South America. Selenium (now part of JBL) and PRV are made in Brasil. I bet they have used cabs down there too.

I agree. Doublesixes you're adding complexity to the mission of your trip-- to play music. Have you thought of contacting stores near where you'll be to see if you can rent? Considering how expensive it is to ship via airlines as baggage, you're not going to come out ahead on this, and on top of that instead of worrying about music you'll be worrying about building a cab when you get there. And you don't know how saturated the market is on equipment. Might want to do a little research first. I may sound harsh, but we're all trying to help you here.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BadExample
I understand all the issues you guys, with good sense, point here. I checked with the argentinean version of Ebay there (mercadolibre.com) and found an Eminence 10 for about $112. Not too bad, here's the link

Parlante 10 Pulgadas Eminence Legend-bp102 P/ Bajo - $ 1.669,00

Is that a decent deal? Building the cab would be a hassle though....I still have 35 days to decide but would seriously consider renting an amp there.
 
Yes, it seems the import tax is close to 100% making it almost twice as expensive than here. I'm contacting the group of musicians that I'll be playing with to see if they are still interested in buying the head and the speakers I'll bring from California. I will also inquire about a rental if I decided to travel light and just bring my P Bass.
 
Yes, it seems the import tax is close to 100% making it almost twice as expensive than here. I'm contacting the group of musicians that I'll be playing with to see if they are still interested in buying the head and the speakers I'll bring from California. I will also inquire about a rental if I decided to travel light and just bring my P Bass.

Have you thought of shipping them ahead? Also, maybe I shouldn't say this, but you could avoid duties if the recipients were trustworthy enough to receive the speakers and amp as a "gift." God luck.