Open back / closed back

Amplifiers, effects, pickups, electronic components, wiring, etc.

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Greg Vincent
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Open back / closed back

Post by Greg Vincent »

Hi folks,

What is the purpose of an open backed amplifier vs. a closed back amplifier? What are the advantages / disadvantages of each kind of enclosure? Why are so many guitar amps open backed and so many bass amps closed backed?

-Curious in L.A.
James Quackenbush
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Post by James Quackenbush »

Greg,
Open backed cab's will spread the sound around both front and back for an "open" sound.....Closed back cabinet's for the most part are bass cab's where added "punch" and a more direct sound is desired ... A closed back cab will contol the movement of the speaker cone more than an open back cabinet resulting in less "flub" in the tone of the amp ...It's not really needed too much in guitar unless you are looking for a really punchy direct tone.... Marshall 4-12 cab's are built closed back for that very reason ...Jim