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Mesa Dummy cab and other cab stuff

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 6:30 pm
by ZEEGLER
I'm considering buying a 4X12 dummy cab. According to the seller, it is a real Mesa purpose-made dummy cab. It has never had speakers or a back panel. He claims that it is built the same as a proper cab.

My plan would be to add speakers (which I already have) and a new back panel and Jack plate.

What do you guys think about this?

I can get it very cheap, but I don't want it if it isn't a legit Mesa cab.

Speaking of Mesa cabs. My OS slant 4X12 is a bit unusual in that it has a strange silver grey finish. I initially thought someone had painted it, but the finish is all over the tolex. In the seams and under the pack panel are all the same. However, using acetone I can remove the silvery finish and it ends up just like regular black tolex. Weird. Anyone ever seen anything like it? Either way, I'm going to use the acetone and remove all of the paint, because it looks terrible.

As for speakers, if I end up grabbing this dummy cab, I have a few options. I have 4 K85s, 4 T75s, 2 V30s, and a pair of Scumback M75s.

I was thinking about maybe the V30s and the M75s. Any suggestions?

Re: Mesa Dummy cab and other cab stuff

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 7:05 pm
by Mike Oxhuge
Mesa made cabs in that finish and most tolex color is just paint or die so yeah, solvent will remove it.

Re: Mesa Dummy cab and other cab stuff

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 7:15 pm
by GuitarBilly
If the price is low enough, sure, give it a shot. You have speakers for it and the back panel is very easy.

Get a legit Mesa jackplate to make the cab look original although that's not essential.

Re: Mesa Dummy cab and other cab stuff

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 8:09 pm
by the recluse
I bought a mesa dummy bass cab a few years ago, and while it was made the exact dimensions of the actual cab, it did not have a baffle cut for speakers, the Rolex covered the jackplate hole, and it was all made of MDF instead of plywood.

I got it for like $50 and the attached hardware was worth more than that, but I had to cut out the baffle for a 15" speaker and a port and cut my own backplate out of an ABS blank. It works fine in my practice space as a cab I don't ever have to move, but I would never use it for gigging.

The one you are looking at may not have the same issues, but I would definitely confirm that before exchanging $

Re: Mesa Dummy cab and other cab stuff

Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2023 8:26 pm
by ZEEGLER
I guess that's my main concern. If it's made of MDF, I definitely don't want it. I'll check with the seller. If it's plywood, Maybe I'll go grab it this weekend.