Splawn Amplification 412 Straight

I've tried more 4x12's than I can shake a stick at. For the longest time my favorite cab was a Bogner 412. It was the most balanced and organic cab I found. And I had it for years. Unfortunately they are very expensive. Not a lot of people can afford them. I've only tried a few that compare and most of them cost upwards of $1000.

Until I tried the Splawn 4x12. It was sitting in a guitar center on sale for $500. I had to try it. I was amazed at the build quality. Heavy as a pile of bricks. It had the thickest wood I think I've ever seen. I have touched a lot of cabs so I know what a well made one feels like, and this Splawn I could tell had some A+ construction. I didn't know what speakers were in it. But I played it and it sounded great. Like my Bogner but better. To my ears it sounded like a mix of vintage 30's and GH12H speakers. Very syrupy, juicy, full, hot tone. I bought it on the spot and broke my back getting this heavy thing home. I have played Splawn amps but didn't have one to try this through. I did however have a JCM800 and a Bogner Shiva. The JCM800 was glorious. Actually, an 800 through this cab is my favorite british rock tone. And it's the biggest reason I still own it to this day.

I finally looked to see what speakers were in it. Come to find out it was 2 eminence governors and 2 wizards. I've used these before and they are some of my favorite speakers, but this cab makes them sound huge and awesome. The bottom line is this cab had construction that's on par with the best of the best. Seriously. I sold my Bogner and made some cash just to buy another one of these. Scott Splawn is about an hour north of me. I had to drive up to his shop one day and tell him how much I liked his cabs. Saw how he's making them and I was only convinced more of the quality. This is the real deal.

I bought this used - but it was basically a new cab a band had that had never been used.
Here are the specs from the Splawn website:
Made from 3/4" 13 ply baltic birch plywood
Recessed metal handles and connector plate w/ 1/4" and locking 1/4" jacks
Wired for mono operation
High-quality push-in casters w/ rubber feet
Rear-loaded (front-loaded option available)
Closed back
Available in straight, traditional slant, or hybrid slant
29.5" tall 29.5" wide 14" deep

It came with Eminence Govenors and Manowar speakers in an X-pattern.
This is a very solid cab that holds it's own with more expensive builders like Bogner, Mesa and Diezel. The quality and pride in craftsmanship is evident when you look at these cabs.
You can order all cab styles in a wide variety of color combinations, speakers and various ohm ratings to make the perfect cabinet to whatever amplifier you’re connecting it to.
Great looks aside, this thing delivers the goods as a very smooth well balanced cab. It delivers MONSTER LOW END! at concert volume, keeps absolutely tight and sweet, not harsh on the top end, and the mids remain warm yet cut through the mix when pushed.
However, I didn't like the MOW speakers - sounded kind of plastic to me so, I changed them out.
Overall it has a great woody sound character and can handle any volume you throw into it without rumbling and farting out.
They used to be (and may still be) one of the best kept secrets for quality to cost out there. So, value for the price is outstanding.
I also do not like the weight but that come with it being a 4x12.
Before this I owned a VHT fatbottom and an Avatar traditional 4x12 and had played through Marshall 1960B's extensively. It put all of these to shame.
I would buy this cabinet again if I had to make the same choice.