Tim Bridges
From:
Hoover, Alabama, USA
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Posted 22 Dec 2004 6:26 am |
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Guys & gals, in search of the ultimate contribution to tone that equipment can play, a friend of mine (and yours truely) has started retrofitting combos and speaker cabinets. It started out as a quest to enhance the Nashville 400 sound. I have heard numerous people comment that the cabinet for the 400 was too small for the 15" BW speaker.So, we decided to retrofit the amp. Keep in mind that we're interested in sound and aesthetics. What we've done is to build everything out of mahogany and maple. This includes the speaker baffle board. The results have been unbelievable. I'll take some pictures and post them over the holidays. These are gorgeous, cabinet grade amps & cabinets. The solid wood panels are joined using half dove tail joints. They look so good that you'd want to put it in an ATA case. Anybody with a Nashville 400 will want to make this retrofit part of their gear. Once we figure out the cost, we're going to begin marketing this concept. We also took a cabinet and put a E-130 JBL speaker in it. The result, we are convinced that any amplifier can be dramatically enhanced if deminsions are correct and quality craftsmanship and materials are used. We've also built a 2X12" cabinet. We're excited about this concept. I don't think this will be for everybody; nothing ever is. However, for those of us who play golf, we know you can buy a few strokes. So, they'll be kinda pricey, but life is short. If things work out, we'll try to get a booth at some of the shows. I'll post as soon as I can. Would welcome any feedback, or personal experience with this idea. Oh yeah, the product line is called "Tonemark" amps and cabinets. And yes, they are somewhat boutique.  |
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Ray Walker
From:
Smithfield, NC, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 23 Dec 2004 4:56 am
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I am happy to hear about people who think as you do. For many years I have experimented with these matters and in fact there is a great deal of merit to what you are saying. "Wood" does enhance "tone" in almost every instance. A quality "dense" wood is most preferred but, in fact, some soft woods are ideal in bringing forth a great tone from the instrument or Amp. Although I like your "style" of dovetailing the jointery, I think that would be more for the traditionist who simply likes the looks of the master woodworker's skills. I have some of what you are talking about around the shop here and had thought of building and selling them, however the seat and case business has done well for me and I don't think I could ever add such a product to my line. On the other hand, it would be a pleasant surprise to see someone take on such a product and make it available to the "players". I agree that it would be a bit pricey and not for everyone, but as you said...nothing ever is for everyone. I also feel there is a market for such a product. Keep us informed about how things are going..
Ray Walker
Walker Seats and Cases |
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