Burlap instead of Tolex

[YardBirdFan]

For anyone on a budget (who isn't these days), here is an idea that might save you a buck and make for a unique look.  The burlap was sprayed with shellac from Home Depot... forget the brand, but it comes in a gallon can.  It makes it so it doesn't smell or make you sneeze.

This is a Hoffman H50 with hotswitch that was built by another forum member and I bought just the guts and the solid pine 1X12 which was in a much more raw form than it eventually evolved into.  I built the head cabinet from scratch using cheap plywood.

This amp sounds absolutely AMAZING!!!  I will post more pics of the guts in a bit.

[YardBirdFan]

Here is the speaker cabinet after trimming it a bit for rounded corners.  I made it so it could be open or sealed back.

[YardBirdFan]

Here is the head cabinet.  Dimensions if I recall correctly are 24 X 10 X 10

[YardBirdFan]

Lets see if I can post multiple pics here...  By the way, this amplifier is owned by my nephew whose name is Tevin.  I personalized the amplifier thinking he might get a kick out of it.  I also made another faceplate that looks more normal.  See the last image on this post was captured at his grade school talent show.  He obviously didn't think The Tevinator was cool to display.  I wasn't sure he would, so I am glad I made both cover plates!

[YardBirdFan]

Here are the guts and the transformers and more evidence of crudeness.  Doesn't matter though... this amp REALLY is blessed!  I am sold on aluminum chassis and Hammond transformers.  My first from scratch amp will have to be another one of these.  This is my last post of pics for this string.

[YardBirdFan]

By the way, the paint used before coating was because burlap allows you to see a bit of what is underneath.  I don't think the paint I used was good.  Dark stain might be better.  When the contact cement that I used for adhesion went on too thick, the paint I used bubbled a bit.  Raw wood might even be ok. 

Additionally, I have a 4X12 covered with burlap back in 1982.  It has proven to be very durable.  With that one I used poly varnish instead of shellac.  I think that caused problems with the contact cement though, just like the contact cement caused problems here.  Shellac didn't seem to soften the contact cement.  I like that fumes from shellac are much more tolerable.  You can spray it on outdoors and your neighbors won't even complain.  If you spill your drink on it though it will dissolve... so don't do that! :)

[HotBluePlates]

Very nice looking cab! Much better than what I'd expect of burlap!