I've gone and done it again....... This time it's a Mesa Boogie

[djk]

Last time  posted I was looking to build two Basschat 110 cabinets using the speakers from an Ashdown 2x10. Both cabinets are now useable and sound great and I thought that was it for a while, then.........  I've been given an old Mesa Boogie 1516 cabinet, that holds 1x15 + 1x10 + 2x6 and a high frequency driver. It's the model with the 3 way switch on the back and a single jack socket.

 

Now there's no way I'm ever going to use this cabinet as is so my thoughts have turned to doing the following, which I'd like to know your thoughts on.

 

The cabinet is actually two distinct enclosures, so I was thinking to remove the smaller drivers and cut the cabinet down to a 1x15 (which I probably still wouldn't have a use for).

 

Build a small enclosure for the 2x6" drivers, along the size of the 110 so I could combine them if needed, and then put the remaining components to one side.

 

I don't want to sell the cabinet as it stands, I was given it for free and feel that it wouldn't be right and anyway once again the tolex is torn and damaged a little.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

Edited yesterday at 18:12 by djk

[Steve Browning]

I'd be tempted to offer it for sale and give a good chunk of the proceeds to charity. 

 

Those are amazing cabs and someone may be after one. 

 

Leave it up for a given period and reconfigure if there are no takers. 

[Mykesbass]

Steve's suggestion is great, but if it doesn't sell I'd be tempted to reconfigure the other way to hear the 10 and 2 sixes as a standalone cab.

 

How would the impedance work out with splitting the cab?

[djk]

30 minutes ago, Mykesbass said:

Steve's suggestion is great, but if it doesn't sell I'd be tempted to reconfigure the other way to hear the 10 and 2 sixes as a standalone cab.

 

How would the impedance work out with splitting the cab?

 

 

I've only just collected it today so not yet had a chance to look at what's inside driver wise.

 

From what I can find out on the web the 15" an EEVM, the 10" and Eminence Legend CA10-8 and the 6's are Ampeg or Eminence again.

 

I'll know more when I get the back off, and post the information here.

[Sean]

That is one of THE classic cabs of all time. These have a following and fan base of their own. 

It would be helpful if we had some insight and comment from @agedhorse before this goes into the operating theatre for major irreversible surgery. 

Re-tolexing it and respraying the grill is easy, spares, as far as I'm aware, are available or equivalents easily sourced. 

 

I think @Beedsterwill be able to add perspective too. 

Edited yesterday at 21:43 by Sean

[agedhorse]

Depending on the year, the 15's were usually EVM-15L's, the 10's could have been one of 3 or 4 different drivers (the one in the picture is NOT a CA-10 nor is it an Eminence, it may have been a Precision Devices driver). The 6-1/2" driver is a customized Eminence driver, there were at least 2 versions, one with an unvented motor and a vented dust cap and the one pictured that has a vented motor (because the dust cap is not vented). I do not know what  the customizations were, but it it likely that it was related to the mid voicing and extension.

 

If everything is working, I would leave the drivers alone.

[djk]

8 hours ago, agedhorse said:

Depending on the year, the 15's were usually EVM-15L's, the 10's could have been one of 3 or 4 different drivers (the one in the picture is NOT a CA-10 nor is it an Eminence, it may have been a Precision Devices driver). The 6-1/2" driver is a customized Eminence driver, there were at least 2 versions, one with an unvented motor and a vented dust cap and the one pictured that has a vented motor (because the dust cap is not vented). I do not know what  the customizations were, but it it likely that it was related to the mid voicing and extension.

 

If everything is working, I would leave the drivers alone.

Thank you for the information, it's very much appreciated.

 

When I get time this week I'm going to take time to check it out, including taking the back off and attempting to identify  the drivers.

 

I get a sense that I shouldn't mess with the cabinet, which leaves me wondering what to do with it. I liked the idea of using it to try to raise some money for a charity, but would have no idea of it's value which I guess will vary depending on what is or isn't working.

 

I'm in the UK if that helps.

Edited 14 hours ago by djk
spelling

[Owen]

I had one for a brief period. It appeared at a price I could not resist. I paired it up with a 6x10". It was like being carried on a wave of LF power. I shall never plug into it's like again. I sold it to someone who could actually move it. 

[Beedster]

Keep it as is, with apologies to @agedhorse, they don't make 'em like that any more  

 

I used the two cab solution as my main (only) gigging rig, there is nothing I'd change

 

[Happy Jack]

1 hour ago, Owen said:

I paired it up with a 6x10". 

 

WHUT???!!!

[Burns-bass]

2 hours ago, Happy Jack said:

 

WHUT???!!!

 

 I assume that was because Owen was based in Wales but playing a gig in Belfast.

[Owen]

7 hours ago, Happy Jack said:

 

WHUT???!!!

I know, I know. Mixing different speaker cabs. Comb filtering etc. However, massive air shifting trumps all that malarky

[djk]

First I'd like to thank everyone for their comments and advice, which as usual were very constructive and appreciated.

 

I've been giving what to do some thought and have come up with this plan.

 

As I said at the begining, I'll never use the cabinet as it stands. I will never play a venue that would warrent it, let alone at 72 with dodgy knees and shoulders be able to move it.

 

I agree with those that commented, it would be a sacrilege to chop it about and pull the drivers out.

 

I was given this for free and the very generious person that gave it to me knew that I only wanted it in order to remove the drivers and build them into smaller enclosures. 

 

It's just not right for me to try to sell it on, however I do have an plan.

 

I'd be willing to swap the cabinet, as is for either a smaller cabinet, drivers or at a push some other bass gear or guitar. I think that way I can square my conscience.

 

I haven't yet had the oppotunity of plugging in an amp and testing the cabinet or opening it up. But I though I'd put the idea out there and see what others thought.

 

I'm bassed in Essex and if anyone is interested they would have to collect, it took two of us to get it in and out of my car.

 

Once the condition is understood, I'll also post it in the for sale forum.

Edited 1 hour ago by djk
spelling

[Owen]

Once you plug it in you will think "hmmm, that sounds lush, perhaps I could keep it for special occasions".