MDF vs Ply for Cabs

[Dharmajester]

Nice one JB.

So, not really any real-world difference re wood. Interesting.

if no difference to tone, the durability / moisture resilience etc stuff is totally legitimate.

Becoming more relevant if recent weather patterns are going to be more frequent.

I think that's why Marshall have moved to that new composite. Which is impossible to find data on.

Presumably if the cab was painted inside and out the moisture issue would be mitigated?

[GrantB]

Yes, and even better still, don’t get it sopping wet. Which would also be detrimental to the electronics contained in the head stored beside the cab!

[Slowy]

What needs to happen is someone here must build two identically dimensioned cabinets, one from this new composite mdf and the other from ply. Then, using studio quality mics and recording equipment, test the variations of toAnz, utilising the same speakers, cable etc.

Anyone?

Nah. I have a life.

[Bg]

if no difference to tone, the durability / moisture resilience etc stuff is totally legitimate.

Becoming more relevant if recent weather patterns are going to be more frequent.

I think that's why Marshall have moved to that new composite. Which is impossible to find data on.

Presumably if the cab was painted inside and out the moisture issue would be mitigated?

Not necessarily, water always finds a way in….

I’d still rather use properly jointed pine than either ply or mdf. Which brings its own issues

[Kris]

comparing hifi isnt really apples for apples-because there is a ton of frequencies that arent wanted.And the enclosures are designed to go into a room that is tuned (ideally) and basically stay there.
i am curious as to how a mg series with greenbacks sounds though

[bender]

Weight and water damage are my only issues with MDF. If that sorted, then I don’t really care.

While I don’t aim to let my cabs get wet, I’d rather they weren’t ruined by an unexpected flood (I’m right in the middle of dealing with a laundry flood that has managed to go through a wall into a bedroom and ruin a wardrobe organiser).

[Miza]

20230621_183546.jpg (2.9 MiB) Viewed 3085 times

Interesting read. I wouldn't use MDF for the same reasons above (weight/moisture). But I did just start building a cab from some ply with plastic veneer. I did wonder if it will affect tone, probably sound like MDF!

[dayl]

Mdf is heavier than ply to begin with (before water absorbtion haha) and then need that extra level of thickness to be on par with the strength Ply provides. It dents and dings easily and screws can rip out (screw and glue wherever possible) But it is cheaper and much easier to work with.

Ply, especially decent ply is more expensive and can chip splinter easily when being worked.

High Density Chipboard is pretty cool too.

I've seen a lot of talk about MDF dampening sound reflections etc etc but I don't know about that.

[Reg18]

20230621_183546.jpg
Interesting read. I wouldn't use MDF for the same reasons above (weight/moisture). But I did just start building a cab from some ply with plastic veneer. I did wonder if it will affect tone, probably sound like MDF!

I’ve seen off cuts in the bins behind joiners of this veneered ply and wondered if it would be good for a cab, looks like more ply layers than off the shelf Bunnings stuff which would be more rigid? Therefore better?

[Miza]

20230621_183546.jpg
Interesting read. I wouldn't use MDF for the same reasons above (weight/moisture). But I did just start building a cab from some ply with plastic veneer. I did wonder if it will affect tone, probably sound like MDF!

I’ve seen off cuts in the bins behind joiners of this veneered ply and wondered if it would be good for a cab, looks like more ply layers than off the shelf Bunnings stuff which would be more rigid? Therefore better?

It's rigid AF. It's for making ply furniture, like desktops and stuff.

Hey, if it's free, what have you got to lose?

[GrantB]

That stuff is kinda like MDF ply isn't it? Layers of MDF? Is it heavy? Looks cool as...1970's furniture cool.

[Miza]

That stuff is kinda like MDF ply isn't it? Layers of MDF? Is it heavy? Looks cool as...1970's furniture cool.

Nah, it's def Baltic birch. Really nice stuff actually. I have a standing desk made from the same stuff, but it has a natural finish.