First Cab Build Completed

[RJW]

I have completed my first cab build. This first attempt was basically a prototype so I could learn the process and figure out how to do it better next time. It’s quite flawed but that’s okay because it’s standing and it works.

It’s a 112. It measures 20”x16”x9”. Made of half inch MDF. It’s loaded with a celestion v-type (70W, 8ohms).



This was the first time I ever applied tolex. Thus you may notice my seam ended up on top and the miter cuts on the corners are not all that pretty. There are also a few spots that got too hot. It’s most noticeable on the back panel.

I also somehow drilled the hole for the jack dish off center. I may fix this by adding another jack or replacing it with a larger dual jack dish.

The back panel was also installed backwards: it was cut to fit (due to the corner pieces and the tolex was accidentally applied to the wrong side.

Theres other mistakes too. However, I think it turned out alright for someone who just decided to build a cab with no experience and no proper workshop ( I used by little back porch. It sounds pretty good too. No noticeable rattle or buzz yet.

Next time I’ll use thicker lumber. Maybe birch or pine for the panels. And better joinery too like box joints or rabbets.

 

[fitz]

I have completed my first cab build. This first attempt was basically a prototype so I could learn the process and figure out how to do it better next time. It’s quite flawed but that’s okay because it’s standing and it works.

It’s a 112. It measures 20”x16”x9”. Made of half inch MDF. It’s loaded with a celestion v-type (70W, 8ohms).

This was the first time I ever applied tolex. Thus you may notice my seam ended up on top and the miter cuts on the corners are not all that pretty. There are also a few spots that got too hot. It’s most noticeable on the back panel.

I also somehow drilled the hole for the jack dish off center. I may fix this by adding another jack or replacing it with a larger dual jack dish.

The back panel was also installed backwards: it was cut to fit (due to the corner pieces and the tolex was accidentally applied to the wrong side.

Theres other mistakes too. However, I think it turned out alright for someone who just decided to build a cab with no experience and no proper workshop ( I used by little back porch. It sounds pretty good too. No noticeable rattle or buzz yet.

Next time I’ll use thicker lumber. Maybe birch or pine for the panels. And better joinery too like box joints or rabbets.

Looks good to me.
Don't sweat the little mistakes, I've done a few tolex cabs and I've made more than a few mistakes.
I did the same seam on top mistake on my purple Haze head - hence the rally stripes!
Now I check the cab orientation at least 3 times before I set it on the contact cement...

 

[Gene Ballzz]

@RJW
Nice Job! Those corner miters are no worse than I've seen on some of the earlier, OEM Marshall and other brand boxes!
HNCD!
Gene

 

[Geeze]

Great looking first attempt! When I moved, I threw away some of my early cabs as they were crap. Mistakes are part of the deal. As a cabinet builder once told me - the art of woodworking is artfully fixing the oops!.

Russ

 

[paul-e-mann]

I have completed my first cab build. This first attempt was basically a prototype so I could learn the process and figure out how to do it better next time. It’s quite flawed but that’s okay because it’s standing and it works.

It’s a 112. It measures 20”x16”x9”. Made of half inch MDF. It’s loaded with a celestion v-type (70W, 8ohms).

This was the first time I ever applied tolex. Thus you may notice my seam ended up on top and the miter cuts on the corners are not all that pretty. There are also a few spots that got too hot. It’s most noticeable on the back panel.

I also somehow drilled the hole for the jack dish off center. I may fix this by adding another jack or replacing it with a larger dual jack dish.

The back panel was also installed backwards: it was cut to fit (due to the corner pieces and the tolex was accidentally applied to the wrong side.

Theres other mistakes too. However, I think it turned out alright for someone who just decided to build a cab with no experience and no proper workshop ( I used by little back porch. It sounds pretty good too. No noticeable rattle or buzz yet.

Next time I’ll use thicker lumber. Maybe birch or pine for the panels. And better joinery too like box joints or rabbets.

Looks great! It doesn't have to be perfect as long as it sounds good! I dont even use tolex I paint my cabs to keep cost down and no corners. Glue it screw it paint it!

 

[playloud]

I'm shocked this was a first attempt! Nicely done

 

[Marcomel79]

Hey, more experience for next time! Looks good! And more importantly, sounds good! Bravo!

 

[KraftyBob]

Looks great - congrats!

 

[BRMarshall]

Congratulations, I think it looks really good and the main thing is that it sounds good. You will notice things that others won’t. Like you and others have concurred - use this experience to improve on the next one.
I’ve built 3 1x12s over the years, one has a V-Type - it’s my personal favorite. I use 1”x12” pine for the sides and plywood for the front and back. 45 degree corners - glue, clamp and screw. I just stain mine because I haven’t been brave enough to try Tolex. Again, real nice job, enjoy!