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1×12 guitar cabinets are the smallest variety available to guitarists. Highly suitable for recording or playing small and medium-sized venues, these devices offer a blend of tonal quality and volume.
While it’s true that even the best 1×12 cabs won’t reach the incredibly high volumes of 2×12 or 4×12 guitar cabinets, they can still pack a considerable punch and provide a much-needed boost to your existing amplifier.
In this guide, we’ve identified the 6 best 1×12 guitar cabinets which are suitable for all styles and budgets.
In a Rush Roundup
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How We Tested
The first test we carried out to determine the quality of these 1×12 guitar cabinets was to play them through a series of amplifiers, with different levels of gain, and see how they handled a variety of sounds.
Then, we assessed how well the speakers performed when combined with a range of guitar effects, including modulation, timing, and gain-based pedals. Finally, we looked at the maximum volume and headroom that each amp offered, and combined the results of our tests to determine their overall value for money.
Best 1x12 Guitar Cabinet Reviews
Headrush FRFR-112 2000-watt 1x12” Powered Guitar Cabinet
Headrush FRFR-112 2000-watt 1x12” Powered Guitar Cabinet Review
Lightweight, mobile, and versatile, the Headrush FRFR-112 is a great option for guitarists looking to add some more power to their rig.
Transporting a guitar cabinet is a concern for many musicians, as it’s not always easy to get them from a vehicle to the stage. This device is designed for ultimate convenience, with a useful handle and a relatively lightweight chassis.
In addition to being a capable guitar cab, the FRFR-112 doubles up as a conventional stage monitor. It can be tilted back or angled straight so that you can ensure that your monitor mix is easily audible when performing onstage.
The inclusion of a contour EQ switch makes it easy to quickly reduce the prominence of any harsh frequencies. Furthermore, the combination of a clear-sounding 12-inch woofer and a compression driver results in a flat, full-bodied output.
An XLR output makes hooking the cabinet up to a PA system or taking a line out directly into an audio interface quick and easy. For the price, it’s hard to find a more well-rounded cabinet than this offering from Headrush.
Features
- Tilted floor wedge design
- 131dB max SPL
- 46Hz-22kHz frequency range
Pros
- XLR output for easy PA hookup
- Versatile positioning options
- EQ switch transforms frequency output
Cons
- Produces a slightly bass-heavy tone without EQ
Friedman Runt 112 65-watt 1x12 Extension Cabinet
Friedman Runt 112 65-watt 1x12 Extension Cabinet Review
Friedman’s Runt 20 and Run 50 amplifier heads are a favorite amongst rock and blues guitarists. Their all-tube design sets them apart from many solid-state options.
While the Runt 112 guitar cabinet is designed to be compatible with the aforementioned heads, it can be used with almost any other alternative, regardless of the manufacturer. Boasting 65 watts of power, it’s ideal for rehearsals or gigs in small and medium venues.
This cab is front-ported, and one of the standout qualities it offers is a punchy, tight low-end. If your existing rig is lacking some power in the bass frequencies, it may be the perfect solution.
Made from robust birch, the Runt 112 is designed to absorb the wear and tear that inevitably occurs when touring, rehearsing, and recording. The chassis protects the inner components from damage, without adding too much weight to the cabinet.
Tonally, this guitar cab delivers smooth, refined highs, with the classic Friedman bite in the midrange. It can handle plenty of gain from your amp head or effects pedals, making it suitable for all styles of rock guitar playing.
Features
- Straight design
- Celestion G12M 65 Creamback speaker
- Closed-back
Pros
- Produces a classic, vintage tone
- Prominent low-end output
- Robust, solid chassis
Cons
- Works with any head, but is best suited to the Runt range
Orange PPC112 60-watt 1x12 Cabinet
Orange PPC112 60-watt 1x12 Cabinet Review
Despite having difficult periods in their history, British amp manufacturers Orange have always bounced back to cement their place at the forefront of the industry. Today, the brand is as strong as ever, and their PPC112 guitar cab is evidence of this.
This 1×12 guitar cabinet has a pair of high-quality, powerful Celestion Vintage 30 speakers installed. As their name suggests, they produce a sound that is brimming with vintage character.
The Orange PPC112 60-watt 1×12 Cabinet is practically sized and isn’t overly heavy. This makes it an ideal option for guitarists who play a lot of shows or need to transport the gear to and from the rehearsal space.
Orange amps are renowned for their physical qualities as well as their sonic attributes. This cabinet is built to last, with a durable casing and solid construction ensuring its longevity.
In addition to being a great tool onstage, the PPC112 also records very well. Place an SM57 in front of the speakers, and you’ll get a classic British amp tone in your recordings with minimal processing required.
Features
- Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
- Straight design
- Closed-back
Pros
- Full-sounding tone ideal for rock guitar
- Warm, powerful midrange
- Roadworthy construction
Cons
- Works best with overdriven amp settings
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 80-watt 1x12” Extension Cabinet
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 80-watt 1x12” Extension Cabinet Review
Fender has produced some of the most popular tube amplifiers in history, including the Super Reverb, Mustang, and of course, the Hot Rod. This cabinet is based on the latter and delivers a warm, vintage tone at 80 watts of peak power.
The great thing about the Hot Rod Deluxe 112 is that although it works flawlessly with Fender amps, it is also equally compatible with any other manufacturer’s device. Not only does it provide a boost in volume, but it also enhances the tone of your existing rig.
The frequency bands that stand out in this guitar cabinet’s output are the bass and midrange, which enjoy a subtle increase that doesn’t overpower the high-end produced by the Celestion G12P-80 speaker.
If you like to switch up your guitar tone using modulation, reverb, or delay pedals, you’ll find the transparent sound of this 1×12 cab compliments these effects effortlessly.
Fender has generously included two accessories with this cab so that you can use it right away. Firstly, you get a durable speaker cable to link it to your rig, and they’ve also thrown in a cover that protects the amp from dust when it is not being used.
Features
- Celestion G12P-80 speaker
- Straight design
- Closed-back
Pros
- Increases low-end and midrange prominence
- Compatible with a range of amp heads
- Authentic Fender amp tone
Cons
- May need some EQ to minimize boomy tones
Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 112 60-watt 1x12” Extension Cabinet
Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 112 60-watt 1x12” Extension Cabinet Review
With a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker installed, the TubeMeister by Hughes & Kettner packs a considerable punch. When designing this cabinet, the manufacturer focused on developing a specific bass-reflex feature, to expand the bass output’s power.
This 1×12 guitar cabinet is a great tool in the recording studio. Granted, it is capable of increasing the volume of your rig onstage, but where it excels is in a recording environment due to the crisp, clear tone it produces.
The inclusion of a parallel output makes it easy to hook this cabinet up with other speakers or take a direct line out into your audio interface when recording.
Aesthetically, it will slot into any rig without drawing too much attention to itself thanks to the all-black design and stylish logo on the front panel. It also has a durable carry handle to make it as portable as possible.
For rock or metal guitarists, the TubeMeister is well worth the investment. It performs best when it is combined with a tube amplifier but is compatible with any type of amp or amp head that you prefer to use in your rig.
Features
- Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
- Straight design
- Closed-back
Pros
- Powerful bass output
- Lightweight and mobile
- Great for high-gain tones
Cons
- Better suited to rock and metal guitar than other genres
EVH 5150III 1x12” 30-watt Extension Cabinet
EVH 5150III 1x12” 30-watt Extension Cabinet Review
Eddie Van Halen’s signature tone is legendary amongst guitarists. With the 5150III 1×12 guitar cab, you can add it to your existing rig while increasing your maximum volume and headroom.
At 30 watts, this amp head may not seem particularly powerful on the surface. However, once you hear the immersive tone that it produces, it’s hard to deny the large impact it has on the sound of your electric guitar.
With a 12 inch Celestion G12H speaker onboard, the cab produces a well-balanced output. It adds substance to the bass frequencies, heats the mids slightly, and leaves space for the treble frequencies to be expressed freely.
The cab’s chassis is made from robust birch plywood. This material is known for its longevity, resistance to wear and tear, and for being quite lightweight considering the protection that it provides.
It’s possible to use this cabinet with any amp head up to 60 watts, although it performs best with lower wattage heads. It records very well, especially with a dynamic mic and a room microphone.
Features
- Celestion G12H speaker
- Closed-back
- Straight design
Pros
- Rugged and robust chassis
- Warm, vintage rock tone
- Ideal for small/medium-sized venues
Cons
- Designed for 50-watt amp heads
Best 1x12 Guitar Cabinets Buyer's Guide
Guitar cabinets can impact your tone more than any other component of your rig. Without a high-quality cab, your pedals and other equipment will be much less effective.
Many electric guitarists often underestimate the ways that a cabinet can affect their sound. If you’ve relied only on an amplifier up until now, you’re in for a surprise when you first experience the results you can get from integrating a cabinet into your setup.
1×12 guitar cabs are compact and are therefore a practical choice for guitarists who don’t need a huge speaker. They can still produce a surprising amount of power and are ideal for rehearsing, recording, and performing in small or medium-sized venues.
In the following sections, we’ll explain what you should be looking for when choosing which 1×12 cabinet to add to your guitar rig.
Things to consider when buying
Consider frequency prominence
1×12 guitar cabinets have differently voiced speakers, which impacts their prominent frequency output. If you enjoy a bright guitar tone, look out for treble-heavy speakers, or if you prefer more midrange growl, look out for darker-sounding speakers.
Think about the wattage
The wattage of 1×12 guitar cabinets varies, so it’s important to assess how much volume and headroom you need before committing to a specific model.
Consider amp compatibility
1×12 guitar cabs are designed to be used with low-wattage amplifiers. However, some are better suited to high-gain tones than others, so it’s important to consider the speaker’s compatibility with your amplifier before purchasing.
Think about design
Although most guitarists would agree that tone is more important than aesthetics, it’s still a good idea to think about whether the 1×12 speaker cabinet will look out of place when it is paired with your existing amplifier and the other components of your guitar rig.
What Makes a 1x12 Guitar Cabinet Great?
If you’re new to guitar cabinets, it’s worth going over the basics so that you can ensure that you choose the best option for your playing style and needs.
A 1×12 guitar cabinet is essentially a unit that includes a single 12” speaker and is responsible for projecting the guitar signal that is generated by an amp head.
In some cases, 1×12 guitar cabs may be used with a combo amp that has a speaker output, but they are most commonly paired with an amplifier head.
The amp head is an integral part of the guitar rig when you use a 1×12 cabinet. It creates the tonal and dynamic qualities of the signal, which are then played out of the cabinet’s 12-inch speaker.
The main reason that guitarists choose to use a head and amp combination rather than sticking with an all-in-one amplifier setup is that it allows them to reach higher volumes, and provides them with additional headroom.
1×12 guitar cabinets are ideal for guitarists who don’t need tonnes of extra volume but would like to use an amp head to shape their sound while benefiting from the powerful output of a high-quality cabinet speaker.
Why Choose a 1x12 Guitar Cab?
When you come to select a guitar cabinet, you are presented with three main options; 1×12 cabs, 2×12 cabs, and 4×12 cabs.
1×12 guitar cabinets are the smallest variety, as you may have guessed. The name simply means that the unit houses one speaker that measures 12 inches in radius. 2×12 and 4×12 cabinets contain double and quadruple the number of speakers, respectively.
So why would you want to choose a 1×12 guitar cabinet when you could have twice, or four times the speaker power to use?
The simple answer to that question is practicality. Speakers are heavy, and having four in one enclosure makes for a device that is very difficult to transport.
1×12 cabinets are ideal for guitarists who want to transport their entire rig from the rehearsal space to their home, from the gig venue to the recording studio, and so on.
They may be unable to reach the exceedingly high volumes of cabinets that have more speakers installed, but this doesn’t adversely impact the quality of their tone. They can still reach volumes adequate for most settings.
Amp Wattage
Before you choose a 1×12 guitar cabinet, it’s important to look at the wattage of your amplifier or amp head to check that they will work well together.
1×12 guitar cabinets work best when they are combined with low-wattage amps, as they will allow you to find the sweet spot where overdriven break ups occur more easily than high-wattage amplifiers.
Cranking up the gain on a low wattage amplifier will cause the speaker to be more overdriven, which is ideal for creating hotter tones that cut through the mix
1x12 Guitar Cabinets FAQs
What is the Difference Between Closed Back and Open Back Cabinets?
Apart from the obvious physical difference between closed-back and open-back guitar cabinets, there are some variations in the performance of these devices.
Open back cabinets sound more resonant, and the low-end frequencies sound looser and less refined. Closed back cabinets have a tighter overall sound that may be better suited to recording.
Essentially, it comes down to personal preference. Some guitarists avoid closed back cabinets as they can be more difficult to hear when onstage.
What Are FRFR Guitar Cabinets?
FRFR guitar cabinets have become increasingly popular recently. They are seen as a more modern and efficient version of the old cabinet designs, and their name means “Full Range, Flat-Response”.
These cabinets are predominantly used with digital modeling amps, rather than tube amplifiers that traditional cabinets are often used with. They offer a highly transparent and accurate sound and are very compatible with effects.
Can You Use Any Amp Head With a 1×12 Cabinet?
In the majority of cases, 1×12 guitar cabinets can be used with any amplifier head. You just need to check that they are compatible in terms of impedance.
However, some manufacturers design their amp heads to be compatible with specific cabinets, more than others. This is simply to get you to invest in their cabinets and heads rather than opting for another brand’s devices.
