Ordered an Avatar Vintage 212 cab today
I called Dave at Avatar Speakers to order a Vintage 2x12 cabinet. Now there’s a man with some real enthusiasm for his products! I had three or four simple questions about the cabinets, and construction, that I figured would take five minutes to answer and I’d be on my way to an order. I think I was on the phone for fifteen or twenty minutes as Dave explained the differences between 2x12 cabinets, where they’re manufactured, how they’re manufactured, grill cloth, speaker choices and a host of other things.
In the end, I ordered a “Premier Vintage” 2x12 cabinet. The Vintage 212 is an oversized cabinet (30"W x 24.5"H x 12"D) styled after the old Marshall Bluesbreaker extension cabinet, model 1971, and similar to the oversize 2x12 sold by Bogner, Mojotone and a number of boutique amp builders. One of the things I like about this design is the speaker baffle is angled up just a little so it directs sound more toward the player, rather than across the floor. Probably not a big deal on stage, but a nice touch for home. I also like the small fascia above the grill cloth. Don’t ask me why, I just do.
Avatar offers both a regular and Premier version of this cab, with some slight, but noteworthy differences between the two. Interestingly, they’re made by different cabinet makers because the cabinetmaker Avatar uses for most of their cabs don’t have access to the genuine Marshall grill cloth. (Made out of twisted paper, from what Dave said. Who would have guessed?) The regular and Premier cabs also have slightly different construction techniques for the corner joints (box jointed on the premier vs. rabbet and dado on the regular). I figured I’d spend the extra $30 and go for the Premier version. What the hell, I’m already into this project for a small fortune and even if I decide to move on to another amp, the cabinet should still be great.
Dave said he’s get the cab shipped today and I should have it by the end of next week, if not a bit sooner. Now I just need to get the amp finished….