Ohm question

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 12:32 pm

I have a 1976 Fender Bassman 50 which has a 4 ohm output. I've been running it into an 8 ohm Marshall cab with a Vintage 30 and a Greenback and it sounds great. Would running it into an equivalent 4 ohm cab give any difference in sound? Just wondering.

Post by **Doog** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 12:40 pm

It'll mean the amp is running more efficiently, producing the most wattage and adding some additional headroom; it may result in a minor change in TONE but nothing drastic.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 12:51 pm

Thanks Doog. My cab is getting a bit knackered and if I can't fix it i'll be thinking about getting another. If there's not going to be any change in tone for the better between a 4 and 8 ohm cab i'll buy an empty cab and fill it with my existing speakers.

Post by **Doog** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 1:28 pm

If they're two 8 ohm speakers, you could wire them up in parallel and have a nice 4 ohm load for your amp.. but I'm guessing they're both 16 ohm speakers, making a 4 ohm load impossible, no matter how you wire it.

And, to be honest, if you're sharing the cab at gigs where other guitarists are using their own head, you're better off with an 8 ohm cab, far more flexible.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 2:39 pm

I believe it has 2 x 16 ohm speakers, but thanks for the suggestion.