415 Model T cab for Bass??

[EarthRumbles]

Anyone ever use one of the model t 415s for bass guitar. Ive heard they are tighter then a lot of 15 cabs being a guitar cab but has anyone used one for bass. Its a toss up I want the 415 but if its not going to go super low I may want to go with two 215s designed as bass cabs. Any advice would be killer, thanks.

[loudthud]

"Tight" bass usually means weak bottom octave frequency response wise. The 415M really doesn't have enough air behind the speakers for a big dreamy low end like most JBL cabinets. They can take a lot of power and play fairly loud however. Playing that loud, you really don't want or need as much low end.

[CLD]

As a former 415M owner, I completely agree with Loudthud's assessment. It's a cool cabinet with all those 15s but it just didn't have the warm sound of my older 215 cabs - that's why I'm a former owner.

CLD

[EarthRumbles]

So then you would say go with a couple 215s over the 415. I was kinda thinking that would be best but theres just something appealing about a 415. Are there any specific 215s that you would suggest for some serious low end, I know there were a few sunn 215 models. I would probably through another cab in for higher frequencies and run biamped but really any info on the 215 models would be great as far as their different sounds. Thanks again.

[pickinatit]

As a former 415M owner, I completely agree with Loudthud's assessment. It's a cool cabinet with all those 15s but it just didn't have the warm sound of my older 215 cabs - that's why I'm a former owner.

CLD

And you wouldn't need a four man crew and a derrick operator to load in & out!!
 
(I have to believe that a 4 X 15 is one Heavy, Bulky monster to haul around, although in theory, I love the idea of a 4 X 15 designed for Bass, maybe for a static situation, like for at home or the practice space....you never have to move it kind of situation).

[stanner]

i have two sunn 4X15s-lov them to death-but they work best when added to a 4X12 er something.
and load/ins/outs are no more trouble than typical 2X15s which i have a bunch of too.
you just need another person for the other side-almost impossible to do alone!(altho i have done it alone!!!)

[CLD]

I have to disagree about the relative weight - the 415M is a heavy cabinet. Although the '74 catalog says it's only 15 lbs heavier than the 215, it seems more to an old guy like me ...

Regarding the sound, my two 215s (both from '71) sound far, far better than the 415 ever did.  Richer sound and more of it!

[Isaac]

So then you would say go with a couple 215s over the 415. I was kinda thinking that would be best but theres just something appealing about a 415. Are there any specific 215s that you would suggest for some serious low end, I know there were a few sunn 215 models. I would probably through another cab in for higher frequencies and run biamped but really any info on the 215 models would be great as far as their different sounds. Thanks again.

I would say that depends on the sound you want. From what you've said, yes, go with two 2x15"s. In general, you'll get more low end.