I wanna build a cab. halp.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:23 am

So I recent got a new head, and have a shite PA cab im playing through right now. Problem being I'm broke and probably can't dish out 250 for an Avatar cab, or even 200 for the lowly Bugera 2x12. I guess this means I'm looking to build. I have no idea where to start. I can find some dimensions etc online, but have any of you guys built a cab? And did you follow an online resource? Also, will this be cost effective? Assuming I get cheapish weber speakers (90 for 2x12) how much will wood set me back etc. What kind of wood? Birch? How is it wired? Speaker to 1/4 jack?

Any advice, links, instructions, etc.

Thanks.

sorry if this is in the wrong place

brandon. · Post by **brandon.** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:20 am

I looked into doing this a few times...
I found out that it's just cheaper to keep your eyes peeled on craigslist or kijiji than to buy all the parts.

...but I still want to build one eventually, 6x12 or something like that.

Justin J · Post by **Justin J** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:47 pm

probably not very cost effective. birch plywood isn't exactly cheap. you could build it out of pine like the old fenders, but most of the wood at places like home depot is warped. once you factor in the cost of wood, speakers, tolex, grillcloth, handles, etc. you'll be looking at least $200. that's assuming you have all the requisite tools and skills to build it.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 3:53 pm

Justin J wrote:probably not very cost effective. birch plywood isn't exactly cheap. you could build it out of pine like the old fenders, but most of the wood at places like home depot is warped. once you factor in the cost of wood, speakers, tolex, grillcloth, handles, etc. you'll be looking at least $200. that's assuming you have all the requisite tools and skills to build it.

OK. I guess I'll ditch this idea

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:37 pm

Other than by possibly lucking out with Craigslist/Kijiji, I can't see any sub $200 cab options.

A poster just scored a sweet 90's fender 4x12 cab for like $80, off of craigslist last week.
There definitely are some good deals around, from time to time. Just be patient.

Haze · Post by **Haze** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:46 pm

Justin J wrote:probably not very cost effective. birch plywood isn't exactly cheap. you could build it out of pine like the old fenders, but most of the wood at places like home depot is warped. once you factor in the cost of wood, speakers, tolex, grillcloth, handles, etc. you'll be looking at least $200. that's assuming you have all the requisite tools and skills to build it.

haven't posted this yet, but i bought a line 6 cabinet for $200 for this very reason
the construction was very nice, it had casters, THREE HANDLES and didn't rattle. Looks like butt so i'm going to put some wheat coloured cloth on the grill and a fender decal just for fun to match my bassman. The speakers in it aren't great but they do have some chime in them, at least they are well broken in. Might put a Greenback and Vintage 30 in it.

The entire cab will cost around 400 but it'll be the sound i want, and i'll wire it up to 4 ohms to match my head. It isn't always cost effective but if you want solid construction its the easiest way to go.

Plus aircraft quality birch plywood it mighty expensive...

bassintom · Post by **bassintom** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:50 pm

I wanted to build a 4x12 cabinet but it was easier and cheaper to wait for something to pop up on CL..I got this for $80. The guy was asking $100.00.

Sounds great!