What can I expect from changing the baffle?

[jtwang]

Hi all.

I have a Marshall 2x12 cab that I find somewhat "dead" sounding. After a quick research I found out that many people find MDF to be a huge no-no when it comes to guitarcab construction.

Now, my question is: will changing the baffle for some more resonance friendly wood be a noticeable improvement?

Thanks.

[SatelliteAmps]

Yeap. It will make a difference. It's also a lot of work. If you love the cabinet, it could be worthwhile. Chances are, the rest of the cab is MDF too, which means the whole cab is going to sound dead, so changing the baffle will only help somewhat, but it will be a noticeable difference.

[jtwang]

Thanks Adam.

Yes, the rest of the cab is MDF. It's a Marshall 1922 btw.

I don't like it that much and wouldn't mind getting something else. That said, it has a quite handy size and like the looks. I hoped replacing the baffle would be a reasonably easy way to get a decent sound out of this cab, instead of sending it off to eBay.

[Swarty]

If you use a floating design ala BF/tweed Fender the baffle will have a marked effect on the sound, it becomes like an accoustic guitar top where you actually hear the wood resonate. The thinner the baffle the more pronounced this effect. You may also want to tune the back panel of the cab by splitting it into 2 pieces like a Fender combo.

[jtwang]

If you use a floating design ala BF/tweed Fender the baffle will have a marked effect on the sound, it becomes like an accoustic guitar top where you actually hear the wood resonate. The thinner the baffle the more pronounced this effect. You may also want to tune the back panel of the cab by splitting it into 2 pieces like a Fender combo.

Thanks Swarty,

yes, I was thinking about some kind of open back thing. Here's the thread that got me thinking along these lines btw:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=214548&highlight=1936+baffle

All good info guys, keep it coming.

[PRNDL]

Larry Rodgers has been making a bunch of replacement baffles for Fender amps, and I'm certain he can make one for a Marshall.

One secret is to leave one edge with bare wood (instead of folding the cloth over), which gives wood-wood contact for better vibration and tone.

http://www.naturdoctor.com/Chapters/Rodgers/RodgersAmps.html

[jtwang]

I just removed the original baffle. I'll just use it as blueprint for the new one. I have some birch ply in the shop, I think it's 13mm. Any other wood/size suggestions?

I'll post updates (unless I screw up and reinstall the original baffle. ;) ).

[SatelliteAmps]

One secret is to leave one edge with bare wood (instead of folding the cloth over), which gives wood-wood contact for better vibration and tone.


This won't make much of a difference in an MDF cab.