closing an open-back cabinet

[ScreaminGuitar]

Whassup!

Did a search and found a few tips...wanted to get some add'l input.

I have an earcandy boa 2X12 cabinet that is being used as an extension cab for a combo amp. It has an open back (well, I guess its a 3/4 open back) and I am not finding that it has enough bass response for my needs. I was thinking of closing the back with some nice birch, and was wondering if I could get some input as to what changes to the tone I should expect. Should I add eggcrate type foam to the inside? Any tips would be appreciated!

Thanks for your input!

 

[greco]

Re: closing an open-back cabinet

This interests me also.

I'd be interested to know if birch is the best choice of materials, or if other materials would work just as well (thinking masonite) and what thickness of material is suggested.

Also, should it be ported ? And what is the best way to do the porting?

Not a hijack, just a bump with some questions added.

Thanks

Dave




......so this is a friendly bump.

 

[Aden]

Re: closing an open-back cabinet

I have an avatar 2x12 i was considering doing something similar to. Sadly I don't have to knowledge to give you an answer, but I'm equally curious.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: closing an open-back cabinet

Step 1. put a piece of wood over the open hole. Seal it as best you can wthout modding the cab too much. Dont care about the wood, just use whatever you have (as long as it is solid). Dont go too crazy putting 10 screws in it right now.
Step 2. does it sound better (to you) ? make sure to give it time and play it alot.
step 3. If it does not sound ANY better, remove said wood and go about your daily life as it was before this experiment began.
If sound was better, then start thinking about going all out sealing it. I would take the 1/4 piece off and get a piece of whatever the cab is made of, and cut it to cover the entire back as one piece. Mount the input jack etc etc to the new wood. Put at least 2 screws holding it in on each edge. leave it like this for a while to get used to the sound. you could go as far as putting sealant on all the inside edges (except the back) and you could run 1x2 strips along the back edge to help seal it, but keep it removable. Its up to you.

Using foam on the inside is going to be trial and error. Just try it, see if it helps. But do this last, after you are used to the sound of the closed back, so yuo know for sure if it is the foam helping. I would not put the foam in though.

 

[tone4days]

Re: closing an open-back cabinet

i'd be skeptical about a rigged up 'port' ... those ports are designed with calibrated purposes in mind with regard to placement, size, shape, etc ....

 

[ScreaminGuitar]

Re: closing an open-back cabinet

Thanks to all for the friendly bumps and responses!

The local hardware store only has pine and poplar hardwood panels...so I will try to use those (anything is better than MDF). If the sound is good I will seal it with something.

I'll prob get to it this weekend...I'll let you know how it turns out.