How to Make a Guitar Amp Cabinet

A guitar amp cabinet is the box that houses the speakers. Amp cabs are used to project the amplified signal from a guitar amp head. Amp cabs usually contain one, two or four speakers. The size of the cabinet is determined by the size and configuration of the speakers. Amp cabinets are usually made from plywood and can be covered with a variety of materials. Tolex and tweed are commonly used to cover the amp, but any material or paint can be used.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plywood
• Wood screws
• Saw
• Compass
• Pencil
• Wire
• Solder iron
• Amp speakers
• Speaker jack

1. Determine the size of the speaker face of the amp. The height and width are the diameter of the speaker plus 4 inches for a 1-by-1 amp cabinet. For a 1-by-2 cabinet, the width is the diameter of both speakers plus 6 inches. The same measurement is used for the height and width of a 2-by-2 cabinet.

2. Cut a piece of plywood the size of the speaker face.

3. Cut the sides, top, and bottom for the amp cab. The sides are two pieces of plywood the height of the speaker face. The top and bottom are the width of the speaker face plus double the thickness of the plywood. For a 1-by-1 or 1-by-2 amp cab, the depth should be 8 inches. For a 2-by-2 cab, the depth should be 12 inches.

4. Attach the top, bottom and sides to form the amp cabinet shell. Use a wood screw in each corner. The top and bottom should overlap the sides.

5. Draw circles on the speaker face the same diameter of the speakers using a compass. Make sure the circles are 2 inches away from the edges of the speaker face and any other holes.

6. Cut the speaker holes out of the speaker face.

7. Place the speaker face about 0.5 to 1 inch inside the amp cab shell. Screw it in place with wood screws.

8. Place the speakers inside each speaker hole and attach them with screws.

9. Wire the speakers to the speaker jack. Use a soldering iron to attach the wires securely. Be sure to consult the speaker manufacturer's instructions for this.

10. Use a wood screw to attach the speaker jack to the side or top of the amp cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

• Speaker properties vary from one manufacturer to the next. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions for wiring the speakers to the jack. The proper way to wire one speaker might cause an electrical hazard if used with a different brand of speakers.

References

• Building a Speaker Cabinet for Your Guitar Amp
• Speaker cabinets