Jack 112 - trying to learn as I go

[NeilD321]

Looks like I'd better do my taxes early, or build more `ukulele to fund more builds.

Ah!!! That's why you have Koa lying around. Built a couple of ukes myself last christmas (std and tenor) for a mate of mine. I love watching him and his wife play them in a uke group they belong to. Makes it all worthwhile.

[kekani]

Ah!!! That's why you have Koa lying around. Built a couple of ukes myself last christmas (std and tenor) for a mate of mine. I love watching him and his wife play them in a uke group they belong to. Makes it all worthwhile.

The `ukulele player I play with has one of my instruments, and I use my own bass as well. Now I'll be using my own cab, and maybe eventually we'll be using a pair of Jack 112 as our PA speakers. Its pretty cool to play on an instrument you've built, and have people come up to you to let you know that it sounds good. Of course, they could be lying. . .

Oh, when there's Koa lying around, you just gotta put some as a cap above the Maple. Sorry, no curly stuff for the cabs.

[kekani]

Posted a quick sound clip in the You Tube Section, then forwarded that, and the link to the Jack page to my friend.
Holy Crap! A 20# Jack 112.

Guess I'm selling off my JBL's - Craigslist, here I come.

-Aaron

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Holy Crap! A 20# Jack 112.

That's empty. It will run from 24 to 36 pounds loaded, depending on the driver you use.

[kekani]

That's empty. It will run from 24 to 36 pounds loaded, depending on the driver you use.

Yup, got that in the equation - I'm figuring with the same setup I have now (same driver, + hardware), I should come in about 27 or 28lbs, which is like taking a baby out of my arms when referring to the weight reduction.

Going from 34lbs down 7lbs or so is a lot. Can't even imagine what a Lite 110 would be like, from a weight perspective.

I'm planning my attack already, but considering ordering some Wedge plans at the same time, just for fun.

Now, what do I do with the Koa backed cab?

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Can't even imagine what a Lite 110 would be like, from a weight perspective.

Loaded with an S2010 and melded array, about 20 pounds. These come in around the same weight as cabs made with exotic materials and constructions, but there's nothing exotic about Baltic birch. If you can get Italian poplar you can knock off a few more pounds.

[Tom Smit]

I'm planning my attack already, but considering ordering some Wedge plans at the same time, just for fun.

Looks like you should be ordering the CD!

[kekani]

Looks like you should be ordering the CD!

Oh, believe me, I had thought about that at the beginning before I did much studying here, because I was thinking DR200/250 (still am, in the back of my mind, more because it seems like a fun build rather than something I'd actually use), as well as Wedges and Jacks.

Then I came to the conclusion that I'll try the Jack 12 first, just to see. No need see, just gotta hear, and that is why I'm going to build more. I didn't have the confidence to replace my professional JBL's, but now I do (thanks to all of you).

After wrestling with the CD purchase, I really don't need all of the plans, especially anything that deals with a sub, or a top. Actually, the Jack is turning out to be exactly what it says, Jack of all trades - for me that means Bass Cab and Full Range PA. I just gotta figure out how to make this a cost efficient combo, but I'm not sure how to amplify it outside of my QSC's and powered mixer for an acoustic direction (acoustic heads are fairly pricey). Any suggestions?

-Aaron

[DJPhatman]

Any suggestions?

-Aaron

Yes, Aaron, don't. Leaving the amplifier section separate from the cabinet leaves your placement options wide open. You don't have to think about whether the power cord will reach, or if your instrument cord will cause hum or noise because the cab is too far away. Also, most decent on-board amps lack the ability to add any EQ. Plus, if an on-board amp dies, you can't use the cab. If an outboard amp stops working, you can quickly switch to another amp.

[kekani]

Thanks DJ, but I still thinking about an "all-in-one" solution, just for a niche. Do you have a suggestion for an amp with an acoustic slant that would fit the bill? I did a Google search and the Genz Benz and Markbass cost more than a bass amp in that wattage range. I like the light weight, and it would sit right on top, but I didn't see much else.

-Aaron

[DJPhatman]

Thanks DJ, but I still thinking about an "all-in-one" solution, just for a niche. Do you have a suggestion for an amp with an acoustic slant that would fit the bill? I did a Google search and the Genz Benz and Markbass cost more than a bass amp in that wattage range. I like the light weight, and it would sit right on top, but I didn't see much else.

-Aaron

I forgot to add that to get a decent on-board amp module, you end up spending more $$$$ than if you just buy an out-board amp. All I can suggest is to scavenge an amp from another combo with a blown driver.

[kekani]

All I can suggest is to scavenge an amp from another combo with a blown driver.

Actually along the lines that I was thinking - I see all these acoustic combos and I'm thinking, why can't I just grab the amp from them?

[DJPhatman]

Actually along the lines that I was thinking - I see all these acoustic combos and I'm thinking, why can't I just grab the amp from them?

Just be careful to listen to each individual amp before you install it permanently, as a lot of combo amps "color" the sound to suit the cabinet and speaker combo they are paired with. With a J112 being much more articulate, it may sound strange.

[kekani]

With a J112 being much more articulate, it may sound strange.

I'm beginning to realize exactly what you mean. I think I'm just going to shelve that idea, permanently.

In my hands, Jack 12 Lite plans, and Wedgehorn 6. In my garage - three 5x5 sheets of BB, and a full sheet (yup, full sheet) of 1/8" Bending Poplar - this stuff is neat, expensive, but I got it from the damaged pile - $12.

JBL 15's are on their way out, Yamaha 12's are as well.

I didn't think I'd fall into the love hate relationship with this site, but I have.

Also, I've installed a cloth grill cover on the Jack 112K (k for Koa?). Made the frame a little to big, but I'm moving on. At least I know what the 112L's will look like.

[kekani]

Here's the final pic. I don't think I'll be adjusting the grill cloth frame from here. It sticks out a little, but no one ever says "That looks like its sticks out too much."



Of course, I have the Wedgehorn 6's waiting for parts, and the Jack 112L's are going to be shown in a new thread. Those should be fun.

-Aaron