Sidecar
I got a free pair of (old) 12" Drivers..
I would like to build a cab for them. Has anybody here built their own Cab yet, and any suggestions or ideas what I need to do before I start? Any links to sources of info that will help?
Thanks! ?
EDIT: Also, where does one find grill cloth and amp covering in SA? I realise that I actually wanna build a speaker cab, not an amp cab! ?
CDee
Here's a list Alan wrote up a while back. Hope it helps... ?
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/guitar-sites/alan%27s-guitar-effect-and-amp-building-link-list/
Good luck with the build. Remember to keep us updated and to post photos of what you are doing.
Sidecar
I've found a local (CPT) Vinyl Supplier. Contacted them to see what types of Vinyl Fabric they have -
http://www.kehls.co.za/vinyl.htm
CDee, I'm still in the planning stages... need to figure out the cost and all that... So I'm gathreing all the info I need, I will post pics when I start with it ? Thanks for the input!
Gearhead
Planning stage: There's two materials I would recommend for cab building: birch plywood or medium density fiberboard (supawood). Birch is lighter (which is not unimportant in the long run if you're moving your stuff around regularly) but supawood is easier to work with and gives a more 'dead' cab. In either case, the worst mistake you can make is to buy too thin. For a 2x12 I suggest 18mm as a minimum. The alternative is to add lots of ribs and gussets to stop the panels from vibrating, but this will just create a whole lot of work.
If you know the brand and type of speakers, we could find their TS parameters. This would allow us to tell whether they will work better in a closed cab or open back. You will need to know this to be able to work out the enclosed volume, a cutting pattern and plan the raw material dimensions.
AlanRatcliffe
I don't think I have any bookmarked, but I have seen sites with full plans for all kinds of cabinets. Try a search.
Manfred-Klose
Sidecar
Thanks for the tips guys. I'm not sure what brand the speakers are, but the story goes that the guy I got them from rescued them from a trashed Marshall Cab... although these do not look like celestions or anything that belongs in a marshall cab. The trashed cab was probably worth more than these drivers ironically. Anyhow, I'm gonna try and build a cab for the fun of it. If it turns out not so great, its ok. The experience is worth it I reckon. thanks again... I'll post pics of the drivers soon.
Sidecar
Here's some pics of those speakers; any idea what they are?
Manfred-Klose
have you tested to see if they still work?
If it turns out to be crap speakers, you can always put in different ones at a later stage.
Sidecar
Yeah I'm pretty sure they work, but no.. I need to test them to make sure.
I doubt they are crap though, as I got them from a guitarist who thought they sounded great in the cab he pulled them out of. But yeah.. if they dont sound great, I will replace them with something more suitable. ?
AlanRatcliffe
Don't recognise them, but that doesn't say much. Any codes on the frames? It's usually possible to chase up brand and even model if you have codes. Otherwise try 'em and judge with your ears.
TomCat
Another wood that works well for cabinets that will be covered is good old shutter ply. Thick. dense, strong and relatively cheap. Also easy to work with.
Just my 2C worth...... ? ?
Sidecar
Sweet. My dad suggested Marine Ply, but its expensive...
Yeah Alan, thats what I reckon.. But I didnt find any serial numbers or any model numbers... I think the chassis looks pretty old though... not the pressed type you see on more recent speakers?
AlanRatcliffe
Some guitar speakers like the EVs and the better PA speakers still use cast frames - more rigid than the pressed metal ones, but add a lot of weight to a cab.
Sidecar
Yeah, I think they are probably are PA speakers to be honest.
