One will definetely be better off with a 2x12 if volume is a problem.
JohnE - What kind of material do you use for the baffle ? Do you stille hear the amp on stage or do you have your guitar in the monitors ?
I REALLY don't like my guitar in the monitors...... Gets too spikey and strange
OK, don't laugh but... I use the panels on our PA rack. I think it is an SKB or something. These flat, double wall, plastic panels cover the front and back of our roller rack that holds our mixer, power amp, etc. I got the idea from Joe Bonamassa who plays through (4) 100W heads and (2) 4 x12 cabs in relatively small venues at times. His baffles are clear plexi glass.
If I stand over the speakers I can hear them, but I make a point at sound check and throughout the gig to keep the monitor mix up so my amp does not overpower the mix. It is important to me to hear what is going on with the rest of the band.
Also, if you don't like your guitar sound in the monitor there is something wrong, probably at the board. The sound at the monitor is not necessarily what is heard on the floor but it is the best indication you have when on stage.. For me it helps me keep in time, etc. So it is very important to have the monitors setup properly
There's nothing wrong with my sound coming from the cab or at the mixer - it's just that a monitor is not designed for guitars :-) That's the way it has always been - some people have no difficulties with their guitarsound in a monitor..... and some do :-)