Guitarists are always on the hunt for unique tones, often experimenting with different amps, pedals, and guitars. But have you ever considered venturing outside the traditional guitar speaker cabinet and plugging into a Bass Guitar Cab? This less-common practice can unlock a world of sonic possibilities, adding depth and fullness to your guitar sound that you might not expect.
Historically, the concept of full-range sound for guitars wasn’t always a given. In the early days of amplified music, PA systems were primarily designed for vocals, lacking the frequency response to properly amplify instruments, especially in live settings. Legendary guitarist John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service famously addressed this limitation with a unique rig incorporating Wurlitzer horns. This “goofy” looking setup, as some described it, was actually a pioneering attempt to create a truly full-range guitar sound in an era of mid-range focused PAs. His goal was clarity, especially in the high end, to cut through the mix in venues with inadequate sound reinforcement.
This pursuit of a broader frequency spectrum is where bass guitar cabs enter the picture for guitarists. Unlike typical guitar cabinets which often focus on the mid-range frequencies crucial for guitar tones, bass guitar cabs are designed to reproduce lower frequencies accurately and powerfully. This difference stems from the speakers themselves. Bass cabs utilize speakers with larger diameters, typically 10″, 12″, or even 15″, and are built to handle the extended low-end frequencies of a bass guitar.
When a guitar amp is paired with a bass guitar cab, the result can be a surprisingly full and rich sound. The larger speakers and cabinet volume of a bass guitar cab allow for a greater reproduction of lower frequencies and a generally wider frequency response than many standard guitar cabinets. This can translate to a thicker, warmer tone with enhanced low-end presence. For guitarists seeking a sound that is less focused on the typical mid-range “honk” and more on a broader, more substantial sonic footprint, a bass guitar cab can be an excellent choice.
While not always the go-to option, using a bass guitar cab with a guitar amp can be particularly appealing for certain genres and playing styles. Players seeking a big, clean tone with plenty of headroom might find bass guitar cabs ideal. They can also be beneficial for those experimenting with lower tunings or baritone guitars, where the extended low-end response of a bass guitar cab can prevent muddiness and maintain clarity. Furthermore, for guitarists interested in a “British tone” reminiscent of certain classic rock sounds, experimenting with a guitar amp and bass guitar cab can be a worthwhile avenue to explore.
Ultimately, the best way to discover the potential of using a bass guitar cab for guitar is to try it yourself. Experiment with different guitar amps and bass guitar cabs to hear how they interact and what unique tones you can uncover. You might just find that a bass guitar cab is the secret ingredient to achieving your desired guitar sound.
