Custom Guitar Amplifier
Build
Baltic birch cabinet with textured vinyl wrap. Gold grill cloth and brass accent bar. EL84 tube amplifier output through a 12" alnico speaker.
Design
This project started with a Hammond AO-35 reverb amp which has been modified to work as a guitar amp. The 12-inch speaker was made by a company called Cleveland in the '50s or '60s, for use in an electric organ. The cabinet design is roughly based on the dimensions and style of a VOX AC-15 amplifier. The amplifier chassis is attached to a panel in the back so that the controls can be accessed at the top. The grills were routed from walnut hardwood. The vinyl wrap is attached with contact cement and done in the 4 panel method.
Build process
The speaker baffle hole was cut using a router fitted with a circle cutting guide. The cabinet is made from baltic birch and assembled with finger joinery. After rounding the edges and sealing the completed cabinet, it was then wrapped in a textured vinyl covering.
