MDF vs Ply for Cabs

[GrantB]

There seems to be much dismay about the increasing use of MDF, or the new equivalent composite (lighter, more like airy mdf), for cabinets.

What's the logic here? Is it because it won't contribute to the vibrations etc? Too flat?

The weight issue has now been addressed. What is the tonal impact?

[TmcB]

I think that MDF’s more easily damaged perhaps.

Tonally I don’t see much value in the debate - sealed/ported/open back or volume of air seem to be way more important if everything is tightly connected.

[Kris]

all the fully mdf cabs ive played have been awful-but then again ive never played one with half decent speakers either.

[Slowy]

I would observe that if you pay $10,000 for a pair of hifi speakers, the cabinets will be MDF.
Cab vibration is considered a tonal factor in small tweed amps I believe? The point of MDF in hifi is to eliminate vibration entirely. For your $10k you will get ridiculous amounts of bracing to ensure it.

My Harmony amp is made out of the same stuff our parents hung up to pin stuff on the wall.

[Bg]

Cab vibration in a tweed amp comes from the use of a floating front baffle though I.e 4 screws only

I despise mdf due to its weight, toxic dust and it’s ability to absorb 20 metric tonnes of water on contact. If the composites are lighter and are less prone to water damage, i see no reason they shouldn’t be the equal of ply

[jeremyb]

I would observe that if you pay $10,000 for a pair of hifi speakers, the cabinets will be MDF.
Cab vibration is considered a tonal factor in small tweed amps I believe? The point of MDF in hifi is to eliminate vibration entirely. For your $10k you will get ridiculous amounts of bracing to ensure it.

My Harmony amp is made out of the same stuff our parents hung up to pin stuff on the wall.

I was going to say the same thing, MDF is way more consistent as a product compared to ply so you'll get a far more repeatable outcome when you're sniffing farts with your hifi buddies, unless you're laying up your own plies like they do with 335s and the like theres always gonna be some variability with plywood.

All of that said, for a guitar cab I'd always go ply simply because its lighter and more dent resistant, things that matter when you move shit around all the time or gig them.

[Molly]

I lined my shed with MDF and come winter it went all wibbly-wobbly. Absorbed moisture like a thing that absorbs a lot of moisture. Ply would've been a better choice. I don't know if this helps but I like to join in.

[goldtop0]

Yep my gripe with MDF is the water absorbing factor, it's not resilient if an accident or adverse(flooding and dampness) conditions ensue.

[murky]

I lined my shed with MDF and come winter it went all wibbly-wobbly. Absorbed moisture like a thing that absorbs a lot of moisture. Ply would've been a better choice. I don't know if this helps but I like to join in.

But how was the ToAnZ?

[GrantB]

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?

[jeremyb]

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?

[GrantB]

Nice one JB.

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

[calling card]

It's the processed meat version of wood, spam wood.

[jimi]

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.

[GrantB]

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.