Fearful Part 14: one better than 13!

[Ol'Bass'ead]

So, I'm planning to build a 15Sub and then add a head case with the 6+1 later containing the requisite parts. However, I can confer the difficulty finding quality 1/2" birch ply in the midwest.

I am thinking of using 3/4" birch from Menards (a big box in the midwest, but they have much better quality than the stuff HD or Lowes is selling now) and adjusting the plans to accommodate the difference without changing the interior volume or bracing specifications (I'll use the 1/2" for the bracing).

Does anyone see any problems with this? I don't really care about the weight - anything that isn't as heavy as my 2x15 JBL mains constructed of the finest 3/4" MDF would be fine I just want to make sure that the panels will be rigid enough since the wood used for the interior layers in the "birch" is suspect... besides it is wavy as heck but the 3/4" stuff seems to be much better.

Also wondered if using the 3/4" instead of 1/2" would put it in the nEaRfUl category.

The original fEarfuls were designed and built of 3/4" sheet goods, so theres no problem building this way. It was also found that theres no need to use 3/4" because the bracing is sufficient to support using 1/2" material. You could use 1" or even 6" and unless you changed internal dimensions you would still have a fEarful. It might look weird, but the design is in whats going on inside (and the bracing, of course), not necessarily what it looks like.

 

[greenboy]

Nope. Original fEARfuls were drawn for 1/2 materials. Then I had to redraw in 5/8 also because the guy that was going to build one for himself and one for me distrusted my judgment, and bought 5/8 though I sent him the plans drawn for 1/2.

Later, when I decided to share the plans here on TB, I thought I might as well make both the available. But it was a PITA to maintain two paths for all the newer cab models coming out, and since 5/8 had absolutely no advantages, I dropped it shortly after.

 

[Passinwind]

That is nice to hear, I saw a cab he built at the last NE GTG, very nice quality and tremendous sound.

You sure Bro? I don't remember seeing any fEARfuls there. Are you thinking of the Thunderchild or Baer cabs, maybe? Or possibly the second to last GTG, which I was not at?

 

[a2zbassman]

OK . . . Apparently I'M AN IDIOT at this part of my build. But I need help so I don't royally mess things up.

I've got a 12/6/1 DIY pak from speaker warehouse and I've finally got the cab portion finished . . . I hope.

Anyway, I ordered the completed x-overs, as I didn't trust myself to get them right, and for time saving reasons also. So, I've got the crossovers but no wiring diagrams/schematics to follow when soldering and installing all the speaker components (nor did Leland when I requested a wiring guide from him).

Can someone maybe DL this photo, photoshop/MS Paint/or-whatever, all the correct connections, and repost? Please!!?? That way I don't mess it up. And also, maybe speaker warehouse could maybe just point future, confused, customers to this page for all there wiring answers --- or sticky it or something, maybe?.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to do this! . . . BTW, I searched the wiki and a few old forums, but found nothing directly guiding me through this. Maybe there is a complete guide out there in TB land and I missed it. If so, please point me in that direction.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Might take a look on the fEarful forum.

OK . . . Apparently I'M AN IDIOT at this part of my build. But I need help so I don't royally mess things up.

I've got a 12/6/1 DIY pak from speaker warehouse and I've finally got the cab portion finished . . . I hope.

Anyway, I ordered the completed x-overs, as I didn't trust myself to get them right, and for time saving reasons also. So, I've got the crossovers but no wiring diagrams/schematics to follow when soldering and installing all the speaker components (nor did Leland when I requested a wiring guide from him).

Can someone maybe DL this photo, photoshop/MS Paint/or-whatever, all the correct connections, and repost? Please!!?? That way I don't mess it up. And also, maybe speaker warehouse could maybe just point future, confused, customers to this page for all there wiring answers --- or sticky it or something, maybe?.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to do this! . . . BTW, I searched the wiki and a few old forums, but found nothing directly guiding me through this. Maybe there is a complete guide out there in TB land and I missed it. If so, please point me in that direction.

 

[Freddels]

You sure Bro? I don't remember seeing any fEARfuls there. Are you thinking of the Thunderchild or Baer cabs, maybe? Or possibly the second to last GTG, which I was not at?

It was the one previous GTG from the one that you attended.

 

[butcher]

Nope. Original fEARfuls were drawn for 1/2 materials. Then I had to redraw in 5/8 also because the guy that was going to build one for himself and one for me distrusted my judgment, and bought 5/8 though I sent him the plans drawn for 1/2.

Later, when I decided to share the plans here on TB, I thought I might as well make both the available. But it was a PITA to maintain two paths for all the newer cab models coming out, and since 5/8 had absolutely no advantages, I dropped it shortly after.

I can see how that would be a real PITA, especially if there are no advantages. Well, I trust the design implicitly... it is the current materials available that concerns me.

I might just have to build a 1/2" out of what I can get my hands on and see how it goes. Worst case scenario (I hope) is I would have to build another cab if this one sounds "spongy".

 

[monsterthompson]

Man, that 1515/66/1 looks like Darth Vader's cab. Awesome.

 

[wcriley]

Butcher,
I built my first 12/6 out of plain old lumber yard pine ply. I might have been lucky, but I found very few voids.
My second 12/6 build was a prototype Arauco cut-kit from Speaker hardware.
I really don't hear any difference between the two. Both are holding up equally as well.

My opinion/experience is: Just go for the best you can find/afford.

 

[butcher]

Butcher,
I built my first 12/6 out of plain old lumber yard pine ply. I might have been lucky, but I found very few voids.
My second 12/6 build was a prototype Arauco cut-kit from Speaker hardware.
I really don't hear any difference between the two. Both are holding up equally as well.

My opinion/experience is: Just go for the best you can find/afford.

Thank you for your experience - it helps considerably.

I tend to over-engineer everything, so having GB's design and a nudge to just go with what I can get to match will keep me on track. 1/2" local "birch" it is.

Oh, BTW... I can attest to the notion that the stuff at HD is quite different than the baltic birch. It only has like a couple of thick plies and a paper thin veneer.

Thanks again - hope to make some sawdust this weekend

 

[Bredian]

I can see how that would be a real PITA, especially if there are no advantages. Well, I trust the design implicitly... it is the current materials available that concerns me.

I might just have to build a 1/2" out of what I can get my hands on and see how it goes. Worst case scenario (I hope) is I would have to build another cab if this one sounds "spongy".

On the west coast, Baltic Birch is available through Aura, Hughes, and anybody who can buy wholesale through Capitol Plywood - like a quality cabinet maker. The place is larger than most big box stores to give you an idea of how many different types of plywood are available.

BB is a very high grade, high strength material. Do not confuse it with commodities sold at big box stores.

9 plys of hardwood in 1/2" Baltic Birch make it pretty stiff for the weight and thickness vs 5-7 plys of softwood in many other products. Careful. 5/8-3/4" of cheap stuff may be as strong, but the weight difference... and 1/2" of the wrong stuff probably won't get you the desired result.

 

[lelandcrooks]

Anyway, I ordered the completed x-overs, as I didn't trust myself to get them right, and for time saving reasons also. So, I've got the crossovers but no wiring diagrams/schematics to follow when soldering and installing all the speaker components (nor did Leland when I requested a wiring guide from him).

Check your spam. I have about 4 email addresses that come from the same main address, and lots of times I forget to change the sender. I'm certain I sent some instructions. At the very least the pic of how to wire the midrange board to the switch.

Send me another email.

 

[Matt916]

Hey Mike,

Really? Which one? I am about 1/2 hour outside of Chicago in NW Indiana.

The ones out here have birch plywood that has several layers but didn't think it was actual birch. If it is, then I am all set - no need to mod GB plans for the external dimensions.

Hey butcher,

I live near I-80 and I-57. The Menards in Matteson had BB at one time but not when I built my 12/6/1 last spring. Sometimes they don't stock it near the "craft" wood. Check over where the building ply is stored.

I ended up getting my BB from Owl Lumber in Oak Lawn on Southwest Hwy just East of Cicero. They have 4x8 (~$100) and 5x5 (~$55). They even have half sheets of 5x5 for nearly the same cost/sq ft. The guys there are really nice and helpful. They could even cut it if you bring your cut list.

If you need some help or need to use some tools then let me know.

Edit: If you go to Oak Lawn then be careful of the dozen red light cameras on Cicero! That ply could end up costing extra $100. They got me when I went there to pick up marine ply to rebuild my boat seats. I swear that they shorten the yellow time at those intersections.

 

[Rowdy]

Just had to pass along a few shots of my completed cab!

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Rock On!

 

[will33]

Just had to pass along a few shots of my completed cab!

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Rock On!

Liking the little green man.

 

[domestique]

Liking the little green man.

Leeland at Speakerhardware sells them.


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[wcriley]

The badge I made before they were commerically available. (I added the staples so it would be "best for metal")

 

[butcher]

Hey butcher,

I live near I-80 and I-57. The Menards in Matteson had BB at one time but not when I built my 12/6/1 last spring. Sometimes they don't stock it near the "craft" wood. Check over where the building ply is stored.

I ended up getting my BB from Owl Lumber in Oak Lawn on Southwest Hwy just East of Cicero. They have 4x8 (~$100) and 5x5 (~$55). They even have half sheets of 5x5 for nearly the same cost/sq ft. The guys there are really nice and helpful. They could even cut it if you bring your cut list.

If you need some help or need to use some tools then let me know.

Edit: If you go to Oak Lawn then be careful of the dozen red light cameras on Cicero! That ply could end up costing extra $100. They got me when I went there to pick up marine ply to rebuild my boat seats. I swear that they shorten the yellow time at those intersections.

Wow, thanks Matt! I actually get out that way quite often. I will look them up this week. Thanks a bunch for the red-light heads up, I heard about those being troublesome but not that some areas were more aggressive with their fundraising for the policemans ball

I've got a table saw, router, finish nailer etc. but they are not the greatest quality so I might check out the option to have them make some of the main cuts for me - plus its freakin' cold to work outside!!

I didn't check out the 5x5 cut sheet specs before but will now - never had the option to buy a 5x5.

 

[masonsjax]

I am just disgusted by the "my stuff is better than your stuff" attitude that many (not all) of your followers seem to project...IMO

There are certain things that most bass players are chasing. fEARful cabs were designed to do these things better than anything else available. So yes, we have good reason to be passionate because our stuff IS better. It's not subjective opinion, it's fact (see the link in my sig). Of course there are some that have more unique or specific tonal goals, but for a large number of players, fEARful is the holy grail.

 

[monkeyfinger]

For those that ordered the 15/6, do you ever find you regret not getting the horn? I mostly play finger style rock/blue/reggae/r&b. I can't see needing it. What are you thoughts?