Open Back vs Closed Back Guitar Cabinets – What’s Best For YOUR Style Of Music? [Video]

Ever wondered: what are the major differences between open-back and closed back cabinets? This explains it!

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Taken from our complete guide to tube amps: https://youtu.be/DZA0zPJeok8

Now that you’ve decided on the amp you want, you’re going to have to decide whether you want an open-back or closed-back guitar cabinet – and yes they DO make a difference in sound.

In this video on speaker cabinets for guitar amps explained, Gibson Gear Guide Dinesh, shows you the main differences in sound when it comes to open-back versus closed-back guitar speaker cabinets.

But what do the terms “closed back” and “open back” mean when it comes to guitar cabs? Well, it’s just like what it sounds like, closed-back means the back of the cabinet is totally sealed off, and then on open-back, you’ve got a section of the cabinet that’s open for the sound to escape. Both of which cause VERY different sounds!

Watch as Dinesh explains how closed-back guitar cabinets have Basically, a sound that is a little bit tighter, more focused, especially on that low end making them ideal for metal players. Whereas on open-back cabinets, you get a sound that is a little bit airier in the low end and chimey in the highs—really great for clean tones and those who want a more “lively” guitar sound.

So what’s the main sound difference in open-back and closed-back cabinets?

When choosing between open-back and closed-back cabinets, it’s important to consider the type of sound you’re aiming for. Closed-back cabinets are really great for high-gain sounds or if you’re trying to hit harder with heavier rock tones. They provide a tighter, more focused sound, especially in the low end, making them ideal for genres like rock and metal where you want that powerful, percussive punch.

On the other hand, open-back cabinets tend to be favored for genres like blues, cleans, and country. They allow the sound to spill over and encompass the room more, creating an airier feel in the low end and adding a chimey quality to the highs. This makes open-back cabs particularly great for clean tones.

As always, choose what sounds best to you!

Chapters:
0:00 Open back vs closed-back differences explained
1:35 Open back vs closed-back sound differences – clean vs crunch

📼 Related Videos To Watch Next:
▶ The COMPLETE guide to buying tube amps: https://youtu.be/DZA0zPJeok8
▶ Is 25 watts or 50 watts better for you? https://youtu.be/nRafsE-7I-Q
▶ Should you buy a combo amp instead? https://youtu.be/AUPEbaVQMBs

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