| I've been workin toward a similar goal. That is, getting basic
amplification for a bass. Nothin fancy and price is very important to me
since I play guitar more often than bass.
My buddy wanted to build a cab to play guitar thru as a practice amp.
He has a spare Fender Bandmaster (50W) to drive it.
He decided to use a 15" speaker, so it could do double duty as a bass
cab. He's decided that the sound is a bit muddy for guitar
(ya loose mids and highs), but it seems to work great for bass.
We're gonna use it for bass, and he's gonna build another for guitar
with a 12".
We built the bass cab for ~$80, and about 3 hours time.
(we haven't put the grill on yet, or stained it, but that should be
quick n' easy)
Materials:
1/2 sheet 5/8" finished plywood ($10) ($19 a full sheet)
(buy good stuff)
1"x3" #2 pine furring (~$3)
ReCONED fender bassman 15" speaker ($59) (sounds like brand new)
Elmers waterproof glue (?)
Sheetrock screws (~1.5") (~$1)
1/4" female jack (~$1)
speaker mounting bolts/nuts (~$2)
rubber feet
Radio Shack grill cloth (~$5)
(still lookin for handles, but they should be cheap)
dimensions 14"d x 20"h x 24"w
(this was not scientifically designed for resonance, but it seems
to work okay, and is pleasing shape. Could be made smaller for
more portability, but don't know what effect it would have on the
sound (might be better, might be worse))
1"x3" are used inside the cabinet at the corners to allow you to
run the screws into the 1x3, instead of the plywood endgrain.
All are glued excessively for a super strong cabinet.
Tools:
Skill saw
4' saw guide - very important for straight cuts
Jigsaw - for the round speaker hole
3/8" drill and phillips bit, assorted drill bits
We applied glue to every joint, and used plenty of 1.5" sheetrock
screws everywhere (about every 4")
We have run this full bore on a 50w boogie, and it performed
flawlessly (no buzzes, hums or crackles). The speaker is rated
at 100watts, so I suspect it can handle much more than we gave it.
The walls in my basement were shakin at 50w!.
The bottom line... If have some tools and some minimal carpentry skills,
you can build a reasonable bass cab very cheaply,
and put more money into a good used head. (I'd guess ya can pick up
a used bassman head for $75-$150)
Whether it looks like pro equipment depends on your skill as a carpenter
and creativity in finishing it. But, you should be able to get reasonable
quality sound for a very reasonable price.
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| Guess this is as good a place to put this as any.
Anyone know who/where I might by the material used to cover Fender cabinets
(I think it's called Tolex)? Maybe via catalog? Anyone ever applied it?
Do you have to hot glue it or??? How much is it?
Would it be easier/better to paint or spray some kind of black fiberglass
on it, and if so, what would I use?
Thanx, dc
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| Tolex is the same stuff that car manufacturers used to put on car roofs
as a vinal roof - It's still available from suppliers for that
same purpose. You can use Elmers Glue (my favorite choice, since you don't
neet to worry about ventilation), contact cement, or some of those spray
on adheasives. I'm using gray indoor/outdoor carpeting (Ozite is one of the
brand names) now, as it holds up much better. Same technique of applying
it. Le Parts Express sells this if you can't find a source at a carpet
store.
Jens
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| I'm sure there are others in here who've done this before, but I'm just
starting to look into recovering some cabs, too. In answer to .3's
question (as best I can) I've found I can get Ozite at a local upholstery
supply shop. If they carry Ozite I imagine they also carry Tolex (yes,
you had the name right). I was quoted "Anywhere from $8.95/yard to
$29/yard, depending on the quality" for Ozite.
Spray coat it? Ugh. Nah... Unless you want a really ugly cabinet you'll
never get rid of... Never blaspheme a Fender cab in this way! :-)
-- Sam
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