A cab, short for cabinet, refers to a speaker cabinet used with guitar or bass amplifiers. The cabinet houses one or more speakers that produce the sound generated by the amplifier. Guitar cabinets come in various sizes and configurations, often featuring 1×12, 2×12, 4×12, or other speaker arrangements, each providing different tonal characteristics, volume capabilities, and projection.

The cab plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of an amplifier. Larger cabinets with more speakers typically produce greater volume, bass response, and fuller sound, while smaller, more compact cabs can provide a more focused and tight tone. The choice of cab, combined with the amplifier and speaker types, can significantly impact the clarity, warmth, and distortion characteristics of a player’s tone. Popular brands like Marshall, Fender, and Orange are well-known for their iconic cab designs.