An amp cabinet can enhance the depth and volume of your musical instrument’s tone, but it’s critical to select the right cabinet for the job. You must first determine what type of amplifier you want before moving on to choosing an amp cabinet. Amps are measured in watts and come in a variety of sizes, each with its own purpose and sound.
A combo amp may be the best option for smaller applications, such as playing at home or in tight spaces. The combo amp connects the amplifier head (or power unit) to the amp cabinet directly. The amp cabinet usually has one or two twelve-inch (30-cm) speakers and can produce clear sound in smaller spaces. Aside from the combo amp, an amp head and an amp cabinet must be purchased separately.
Amp heads are available in a wide range of wattage specifications, ranging from 50 watts on less powerful models to over 200 watts on the most powerful and loud models. Consider a 2×12 cabinet, which contains two 12-inch (30 cm) speakers, if you’re looking for a less powerful wattage for smaller gigs and medium-sized rooms. These are uncommon for guitar use, but they aren’t impossible to come by and may be ideal for your needs.
You’ll go beyond the 2×12 cabinet and into the world of the full cabinet. This amp cabinet will have four speakers, each measuring 12 inches (30 cm) or 10 inches (25 cm). Larger gigs will benefit from an amp cabinet of this size, which should be used in conjunction with a 100 watt amp or higher. This half-stack setup will produce very loud sound while also adding depth and character to your sound. A full cabinet, as opposed to a smaller amp cabinet, such as a 1×12 or 2×12, produces a fuller, louder wall of sound that can be amplified over large areas, whereas smaller amp cabinets produce less sound with less overall depth and clarity for large spaces.
A full stack may be the best option for extremely large performance spaces. The amp head is combined with two 4×12 cabinets stacked on top of each other in a full stack. You should wear ear protection at this level because the sound produced by a full stack can harm your ears. A full stack is ideal for large concerts, though they can also be used in smaller spaces; just be prepared for an avalanche of sound.