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Custom DIY 2x15 cab build
- Thread starter johnk_10
- Start date
The beauty of it is that it will only get cooler the more you procrastinate. A rare and wonderful thing, IMO.
Here's my version of the JohnK cab. It's got the Faital drivers that John recommended and the cab is made out of Eurolite ply. I changed the form factor but maintained the exact volume and ports. Mine's a bit taller and deeper and narrower. Weighs 44 pounds even. Sound is beyond killer. I had a Greenboy fEarful 15/60- great cab but no comparison. This cab is the sound I've always dreamed of. Can get REALLY loud with my little Aguilar Tonehammer 350.
But I need you guys help to come up with a good grill cloth to use. i want something "old school". Any ideas for me? Thanks.
But I need you guys help to come up with a good grill cloth to use. i want something "old school". Any ideas for me? Thanks.
That is the exact cabinet I'm looking to build. Are the box and port dimensions listed in the post sting somewhere?
It has the same ports and same 5.3 cubic feet ( I believe that's it) that John mentions in the early pages of this thread.
Oxblood. The correct answer is oxblood.
A little 2x10 cabinet I did in natural wood with oxblood grille cloth a couple of years ago:
Nice! Where can I get that fabric? Is that a Fender design?Oxblood. The correct answer is oxblood.
A little 2x10 cabinet I did in natural wood with oxblood grille cloth a couple of years ago:
It's been a few years. I had to go check to see what I ordered. Looks like it was this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
JohnK if you are still watching this thread congrats for all you have contributed!
I was wondering what router bit you used for the corners?
I dabble with cabs as I have been playing a long time now. Refurbed a few of my own. I'm an Ampeg guy SVT4-pro and 810e cab (I have a thread on here from a while back refurbing my 810). I always loved the tone and rumble of 15's but do like my 810 however the 810 always farted out on me at higher volumes, we are a loud band and I can't get volume and low end without farting unless I turn down the bass on my active MM Stingray and head. I picked up a Hartke 215XL which I was always curious to try. It had blown speakers so I replaced with Eminence Kappa-15LFA. First gig I cranked it up (didn't even test it before) and MAN! The sound/tone/volume was amazing with no farting. Next gig massive vibrations occurred. So long story short I peeled the cab back and see no bracing and MDF wood. It couldn't handle the extra power. So I took it apart and braced it with 2x4's. Now sounds sweet but very heavy. Going to build a cab like yours, my speaks only go to 2.7kHz so may ad a 6" mid.
I was wondering what router bit you used for the corners?
I dabble with cabs as I have been playing a long time now. Refurbed a few of my own. I'm an Ampeg guy SVT4-pro and 810e cab (I have a thread on here from a while back refurbing my 810). I always loved the tone and rumble of 15's but do like my 810 however the 810 always farted out on me at higher volumes, we are a loud band and I can't get volume and low end without farting unless I turn down the bass on my active MM Stingray and head. I picked up a Hartke 215XL which I was always curious to try. It had blown speakers so I replaced with Eminence Kappa-15LFA. First gig I cranked it up (didn't even test it before) and MAN! The sound/tone/volume was amazing with no farting. Next gig massive vibrations occurred. So long story short I peeled the cab back and see no bracing and MDF wood. It couldn't handle the extra power. So I took it apart and braced it with 2x4's. Now sounds sweet but very heavy. Going to build a cab like yours, my speaks only go to 2.7kHz so may ad a 6" mid.
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- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
Thanks! Also, the cab seems thin how did you decide the dimensions? I know an 810e is 16 deep yours is 14. I'm guessing overall volume compared to what's in it.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
if you read way back to the first page of this thread, it had to fit in the trunk of my 3 series BMW with the rear seat folded down. 14" deep is the max that would fit.
Got it. Yeah I remember you stating that, just wondered if you configured how it would sound vs a deeper cab. I am no Craftsman but just wonder how specific you need to be to the specs of the speaker manufacturer. I stuck those Kappa-15LFA's in a Hartke 215XL and they sound incredible! But, the cab sux it's old, it's MDF, it was in a basement and I think the wood is part dry rotted. I am thinking I will build a new one like you did and use the dimensions of the Hartke 34Hx24Wx18.5D. 4 ports 2 each side of speaker. Thanks again for responding this thread is the best!
Here are some pics of my making the Hartke cab rigid. Ugly but worked. I used to think these rawck'd but they were only 400w RMS. With the 15's I put in it is 1200w RMS.
Here are some pics of my making the Hartke cab rigid. Ugly but worked. I used to think these rawck'd but they were only 400w RMS. With the 15's I put in it is 1200w RMS.
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In post 1 you have a front baffle where you cut out 4 corners to reduce weight . Is this behind the baffle with speakers/tubes? So plywood is 1/2" lightweight baffle then 3/4" front baffle with speaks and tubes?
Some vintage or new radio grill would look sweet.
Hardest part is finding it in a big enough piece.
An example.... Invalid Link Removed
The Hartke 215 is basically a double TL606 cab. Maybe it'd be easier to haul if you simply built a pair of TL606 cabs instead. You can adjust tuning more easily with the tube ports, rather than "shelf" porting.
The TL606 plans are readily available on line.
The Hartke was just dabbling around for me. I'm going to build a new cab from scratch. I was talking to Dave at Avatar he suggested putting a 6 inch sealed back mid/tweeter in with it which I think I will do to get a little high end out of it.
. Thanks !
