Mambo Amps - 8" or 10" speaker

[lesyeuxnoirs]

I have decided to pull the trigger on a Mambo amp. On the few occasions that I have played through one or heard somebody else do so, I have been amazed. It nails the sound that I need.

Definitely going for the wedge version but I would appreciate some views on whether or not to go for an 8" or a 10" speaker

Most likely this is a non-issue but I would be interested to hear what other people think (anybody played both? does anybody have a clear reason why they went for one rather than the other) to help me make a final decision

thanks!

[JazzNote]

I own both, a 8" and a 10" wedge. In most cases i prefer the 8", in acoustically difficult rooms it's easyer to handle. When carrying them, the 8" feels "way" smaller than the 10". It also depends on the guitar i'm playing, e.g, i prefer the sound of my LeGrands with the 8", my Japanese d'Angelico sounds as good with both. The L5 i prefer with th 8" too. The 10" sounds just a little bit more "open", less compact. Hope this helps!

[lesyeuxnoirs]

Thank you so much!

That is really helpful

I had a gut feeling that the 8" might be a really good option but for some reasons have been struggling to commit to it over the 10"

[jorgemg1984]

The 8 is perfect. I had a 10, and a friend an 8, go for the 8 - it's so small and loud, it's unbelievable. Right now I have two 10 PA cabs I love, but my next purchase will be an 8 combo when I have the funds.

[stevus]

That's interesting, a few years ago I went for the 10" wedge because of its bigger, more open sound and a neglectable price difference. The combination with my three MIJ guitars is perfect, much better than with my previous Eastman. If you like the sound - some people don't - then you can't go wrong with any of them. Convenience is important.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

In the beginning they had 12" speakers available, too, eh?

I guess I'm only school. I've always preferred 12" or 15".

[Franz 1997]

I'm a serial mambo user; I've had 2 8's and 2 10's - and at one point the 12" model, no longer available. Currently I use a 10", but only because I do the odd larger gig. It's a hard decision and I'd say depends on what kind of gigs you do; they both sound excellent, although the 10 is more 'open' and its speaker is slightly more efficient, so it can get slightly louder. If volume and headroom is a concern, worth noting that the current model comes with a 2 x 250W power amp, which obviously means that you can hook up an extra 8 ohm speaker for an extra 6 db volume ( ie, earblowing). I've just borrowed a new 10" model from Jon Shaw to try, and both the 'fender' circuit and the 'harmonic' feature are much improved - you can now get that "fender amp with treble and bass on zero' sound, if you care about that. But really you can't go wrong with either model, as others have said.

Finally, if for some reason you don't like the amp ( although buyers mostly become big fans, as you can see) they so far have retained a very high resale value. I've sold a few, and they all went with a few hours of putting them on the forum in each case.

[lesyeuxnoirs]

The 8 is perfect. I had a 10, and a friend an 8, go for the 8 - it's so small and loud, it's unbelievable. Right now I have two 10 PA cabs I love, but my next purchase will be an 8 combo when I have the funds.

Thank you - really useful

Would you say that the 8" sounds better (or no different) as well, or is it the size that clinches it?

[lesyeuxnoirs]

That's interesting, a few years ago I went for the 10" wedge because of its bigger, more open sound and a neglectable price difference. The combination with my three MIJ guitars is perfect, much better than with my previous Eastman. If you like the sound - some people don't - then you can't go wrong with any of them. Convenience is important.

Thanks - I absolutely love the sound but I have only ever played through the 10". If the 8" sounds different I'll need to weigh that up against the improved convenience

[lesyeuxnoirs]

In the beginning they had 12" speakers available, too, eh?

I guess I'm only school. I've always preferred 12" or 15".

I can relate to that! That's why I am struggling to get my head around the smaller sizes!

[lesyeuxnoirs]

I'm a serial mambo user; I've had 2 8's and 2 10's - and at one point the 12" model, no longer available. Currently I use a 10", but only because I do the odd larger gig. It's a hard decision and I'd say depends on what kind of gigs you do; they both sound excellent, although the 10 is more 'open' and its speaker is slightly more efficient, so it can get slightly louder. If volume and headroom is a concern, worth noting that the current model comes with a 2 x 250W power amp, which obviously means that you can hook up an extra 8 ohm speaker for an extra 6 db volume ( ie, earblowing). I've just borrowed a new 10" model from Jon Shaw to try, and both the 'fender' circuit and the 'harmonic' feature are much improved - you can now get that "fender amp with treble and bass on zero' sound, if you care about that. But really you can't go wrong with either model, as others have said.

Finally, if for some reason you don't like the amp ( although buyers mostly become big fans, as you can see) they so far have retained a very high resale value. I've sold a few, and they all went with a few hours of putting them on the forum in each case.

Thank you - this is really really helpful. And it is exciting to hear that the new features are much improved. I can't imagine a world in which I wouldn't like the amp. Since I don't plan to do any really loud gigs (and I can add another speaker) - the 8" might be a really good option. I just need to make sure it doesn't sound noticeable different from the 10" one which is all I actually know

[Franz 1997]

In the beginning they had 12" speakers available, too, eh?

I guess I'm only school. I've always preferred 12" or 15".

It's a funny thing, the 12 didn't have that distinctive midrange weight to the notes that the 10" and 8" do. It might be the 10" and 8" eminence beta speakers, which are particularly punchy and fat. Anyway, it was dropped 'cos Jon Shaw the maker wasn't satisfied with the sound, and most buyers preferred the 10".

There was an 8" polytone amp from the 80s, the baby-brute, which was very highly rated for archtops.
There are various threads about them on the forum. I have one - it's all true....

[stevus]

If you haven't done so, perhaps get in touch with Jon Shaw first and discuss your preferences and uncertainties (about the amp, not your life). In my case he adviced me to go for the 10", and he was right. Who knows, in your situation the 8" might be preferred.

[silverfoxx]

I have had a Mambo 12” for approx 5 years
and I concur with Franz 1997, if I were to
replace or augment , I’d seriously consider a
8” speaker model. Franz originally recommended
the Mambo and I chose the 12” , but
subsequently, he suggested 8” speakers and
Jon Shaw very kindly made a one off 2x 8 cab
for me. It is superb , plenty of mid range and
great sound quality ( usually paired with an Evans
AH 200). I digress , the Mambo is in continuous
use and probably the best Jazz amp available
although I have a Fender Vibrolux 2x10 and a
Polytone 15” , rarely used.
i don’t need another , but the temptation is
there especially with the upgrades.
Best of luck with your choice , you will not
be disappointed I suggest .

[Franz 1997]

I have had a Mambo 12” for approx 5 years
and I concur with Franz 1997, if I were to
replace or augment , I’d seriously consider a
8” speaker model. Franz originally recommended
the Mambo and I chose the 12” , but
subesrquently, he suggested 8” speakers and
Jon Shaw very kindly made a one off 2x 8 cab
for me. It is superb , plenty of mid range and
great sound quality ( usually paired with an Evans
AH 200). I digress , the Mambo is in continuous
use and probably the best Jazz amp available
although I have a Fender Vibrolux 2x10 and a
Polytone 15” , rarely used.
i don’t need another , but the temptation is
there especially with the upgrades.
Best of luck with your choice , you will not
be disappointed I suggest .

I've played through Silverfoxx's 2x 8 mambo cabinet. He's right, I've never heard a better archtop sound.

[lesyeuxnoirs]

If you haven't done so, perhaps get in touch with Jon Shaw first and discuss your preferences and uncertainties (about the amp, not your life). In my case he adviced me to go for the 10", and he was right. Who knows, in your situation the 8" might be preferred.

Thanks - he suggested that there really isn't much in it. But now you come to mention it, I might get back to him to resolve life-related as well as amp-related uncertainties

[lesyeuxnoirs]

Thanks Both

I think this is strongly tipping me to the 8"

all best

david

I've played through Silverfoxx's 2x 8 mambo cabinet. He's right, I've never heard a better archtop sound.

silverfoxx

I have had a Mambo 12” for approx 5 years
and I concur with Franz 1997, if I were to
replace or augment , I’d seriously consider a
8” speaker model. Franz originally recommended
the Mambo and I chose the 12” , but
subesrquently, he suggested 8” speakers and
Jon Shaw very kindly made a one off 2x 8 cab
for me. It is superb , plenty of mid range and
great sound quality ( usually paired with an Evans
AH 200). I digress , the Mambo is in continuous
use and probably the best Jazz amp available
although I have a Fender Vibrolux 2x10 and a
Polytone 15” , rarely used.
i don’t need another , but the temptation is
there especially with the upgrades.
Best of luck with your choice , you will not
be disappointed I suggest .

[sgcim]

Are Mambos available in the US yet?

[Franz 1997]

Are Mambos available in the US yet?

There's no US dealer, although Jon has had dealer enquiries from dealers you might have heard of. The amps are moderately expensive, being hand-made, so not having a dealer margin keeps the price from being higher than it is. A few players in the USA do use mambos, they have imported them directly. But currently, most are sold to Europe. Jon sells all the amps he makes.
Obviously the downside is that they are not available to try out in the US. Jack Zucker has made some favourable comments about the one he had ( or maybe still has..) , and he won't mind me saying he's not a pushover.

Over on this side of the pond, american gear is much more expensive, due to those dealer margins

[marcwhy]

[There's a 1x12 combo for sale right now in the "For Sale" page -- in the States!]

[coolvinny]

I've owned my 8" since about 2011 or so. I also have a head version which I've used with 6, 8, 10 and twin 8 cabinets...but to describe all the experiences would be too time consuming.

I think it comes down to this:
- will you be playing in large rooms much? Consider the 10 for more presence. I think room size matters more than band volume.
- will you be playing solo or duo GIGS much? Consider the 10 for a fuller sound especially if playing with a sax.
- what kind of guitar will you be using? If not a fairly proper archtop then consider the 10 for a fuller sound. I think smaller guitars need bigger speakers...with something like a 16 x 3 archtop small speakers can still sound great.
- will you be practicing at home a lot with it? Consider the 8 so you can drive the amp a bit harder while keeping the peace.

But for the majority of quartet/quintet/reasonable drummer/straight-ahead jazz gigs, the 8 is great...although personally I have been using my Henriksen Alfresco open back 12" for most gigs/jam sessions. It sounds good but weighs more than double the Mambo 8.

Hot tip: the Mambo 8 Wedge fits in a Filzon zippered tote bag with all relevant cables.

[lesyeuxnoirs]

Thank you!

It was our discussion re: headphone amps that gave the final impetus to go for a Mambo

this is really helpful, including the tip re: the Filson bag

all best

david

I've owned my 8" since about 2011 or so. I also have a head version which I've used with 6, 8, 10 and twin 8 cabinets...but to describe all the experiences would be too time consuming.

I think it comes down to this:
- will you be playing in large rooms much? Consider the 10 for more presence. I think room size matters more than band volume.
- will you be playing solo or duo GIGS much? Consider the 10 for a fuller sound especially if playing with a sax.
- what kind of guitar will you be using? If not a fairly proper archtop then consider the 10 for a fuller sound. I think smaller guitars need bigger speakers...with something like a 16 x 3 archtop small speakers can still sound great.
- will you be practicing at home a lot with it? Consider the 8 so you can drive the amp a bit harder while keeping the peace.

But for the majority of quartet/quintet/reasonable drummer/straight-ahead jazz gigs, the 8 is great...although personally I have been using my Henriksen Alfresco open back 12" for most gigs/jam sessions. It sounds good but weighs more than double the Mambo 8.

Hot tip: the Mambo 8 Wedge fits in a Filzon zippered tote bag with all relevant cables.

[lesyeuxnoirs]

Hi all

Just wanted to say a big thank you for your advice on this

I finally pulled the trigger on an 8" wedge a week or so ago and picked it up earlier this week...

...and I am so so glad that I did.

I am going to do a NAD post outlining my praise for this amp (and for Jon). I doubt I will be saying anything much that hasn't already be said. But it is certainly worth saying it again.

One thing that might be 'new' is that I think I might be among the lucky minority who has the newer 'Fender' circuit. So I will say a bit more about that in case anybody is interested. Spoiler alert: I am going to be putting my Princeton up for sale, it is that good.

[jorgemg1984]

Thank you - really useful

Would you say that the 8" sounds better (or no different) as well, or is it the size that clinches it?

Just realized I never replied to this, maybe it's still useful - I think the 8 Beta speaker is flatter than the 10, and the small cab focuses the mids even more. I like mids for jazz

[lesyeuxnoirs]

Just realized I never replied to this, maybe it's still useful - I think the 8 Beta speaker is flatter than the 10, and the small cab focuses the mids even more. I like mids for jazz

Thanks! It is definitely still useful. Always nice to have confirmation that you have made a good choice

I also like mids for jazz. I think we may have similar taste in pick ups too, no? Bare Knuckle Manhattan (great mids!) and Stormy Mondays!