Help converting closed to open back 2x12

[tubeswell]

Start with 2 bits of equal width on the rear top and bottom with an equal width spacing between them (i.e.: 1/3 top board, 1/3 space, 1/3 bottom board) and if its too boomy, chop an inch (width) off each bit of wood at a time until you like it. That's how I do it.

[TmcB]

All righty, here's the Waitangi Day productiveness.

head_strong was kind enough to volunteer to do the dirty work on the cabinet. At first I was just going to hack a hole in the back of the existing back cover but decided against it as I may at some point want it to be closed backed and fit is pretty perfect so why muck around with it.

I decided to get a piece of plywood slightly thinner than the cab's current stuff purely because it was half the price to get plywood 3mm smaller, but still $35 a half sheet. Andrew (head_strong) had a Jigsaw at home but we decided that a skillsaw would be a far better option here, due to the Jigsaw being prone to wandering.

I was totally impressed by how practical and precise Andrew was, and in that light comprehended why I failed woodwork so hard at school as I'm neither of those things.

The outcome was ridiculously professional:



It looks so good, and I can remove the top panel if I want more 'air'.
The Vintage 30/G12H30 combination sounds awesome, and the third cutaway on the back it brings the top-end chime back without sacrificing much chugg at all. It sounds great, and looks great too.

The next step is to tolex the panels but looking at that, I'm not in much of a hurry.
Much appreciation goes to Andrew for doing this, it was such a good job and good yarns too.

[head_strong]

Ive sent the bill in the mail........haha jokes

Was great to meet you and glad to help out, was a bit of a learning experience for me as well! Super stoked you are happy with it

[Miza]

Looks good!

After rummaging around the old man's garage last night I've found a piece of wood which will do nicely. Hoping to tackle mine this weekend, will post results (if successful).

Where did you buy the input jack from?

[TmcB]

Looks good!

After rummaging around the old man's garage last night I've found a piece of wood which will do nicely. Hoping to tackle mine this weekend, will post results (if successful).

Where did you buy the input jack from?

I agree!

I bought it from Ryan at the Ampshop a while back along with some speakerwire

[head_strong]

I suspect you can get them from Jaycar Audio as well (the jack plates).

Might use the left over ply abnd do the same to mine (although my internal wiring job is no where near as tidy as yours Tony!)

That reminds me, I think some of the connections are still taped together....woops

[GrantB]

Tony, sound report?

[TmcB]

Tony, sound report?

Unsurprisingly, more open.

There's a lot more chime and sweetness in the top end, with only a slight reduction in the low end.
I'm very pleased that there's still a lot of punch in the cab whilst the high end is just right.

The V30/G12H30 combo needs a bit of dissipation IMO because getting caught in the firing line of the V30 can be unpleasant if you're not a crazy fan of big mids. The closed back made it directional, and in a smaller room you have to get as far away as possible from the cab for the 2 speakers to blend properly, otherwise you're catching most of the tone from only one speaker. Opening the back up resolved this, and the blend of V30's solid mids and little else with the G12H's low end heft, slight scoop, and 'pretty' top end make for a really nice, balanced tone without it sounding flat. I think the open back certainly helped to get the best out of the combination.

[handlefras]

Looking tidy. I plan to do a similar 2x12 since I already have the same Celestions. And good to see some NZG interaction in the real world.

[dc]

Looks like my cabs are seeing more of the country than I am!

[Capt. Black]

Looks great TMB. Might make a similar mod for my one some day.

[borge]

The 2x12 cab i made a while back was closed/open convertable.
I used foam weather seal tape around the lip the two removable panels sit on. Jack plate is a bit of scrap Al.

[Miza]

And I'm done.

Found a few pieces of 18mm thick solid pine (or possibly macrocarpa?) which was perfect for the back pieces. And even put the little side bits in just to finish it off, make it look a little tidier.

I'm pretty happy with the result. One day I'll cover them in black vinyl, but for now it looks ok.

Original closed back

Taking the lid off

Checking for size

[Miza]

All slotted in place

Little side bits

All finished and a quick test

Sounds really good. Much more open. I can hear it standing up instead of having my head right in front of the speaker.

I still need to add the speaker jack, but its definitely staying like this.

[TmcB]

Looks good man.

Swapped out the V30 for a G12H30 today. Much, much better sounds.