suggestions needed SE combo size

[Scsoul]

  What size box do you guys think is perfect for a 8 watt SE amp, and what speaker 10 or 12? what power rating?  It's a vox ac4 with duel el84, I dont wan't it to be to small or too big but just right, plus i'll be building it or it having built so i'd like to get it right as nothing is cheap. I was thinking of converting my epi valve jr it seems too be a nice size for a combo 11x18x18.  maybe a bit deep though

[Ed_Chambley]

8 watts is plenty to run a low watt 12.  I would suggest a Celestion Blue.  Expensive, but will have THE tone for the amp.  I have heard of people replacing 10 inch with 12 inch speakers, but never heard of the other way.  Makes a statement, doesn't it.

The difficult part is the amp will need a partial closed back IMO.  More so than a something like fender uses.  Vox amps tend to have more wood on the back.  Seem like semi-closed.

The depth may be a benefit, but is it wood or MDF?  Wood resonates best and I like pine for this type of amp.

[Scsoul]

  Thanks ED,  The valve jr cab has a somewhat open back and looks like plywood, Im gonna use it for this amp, it has a decent emenince in it but its higher wattage,  I have a china g12 celestion i could go with for now, I've been looking at some 20watt celestions if i can get one at right price id try it or go with a clone from weber, or a warehouse speaker, I see a lot of interest now in lower watt combos but getting speaker and combo size right is critical,  There's a woodcrafters here they offer some nice voidless ply if i wanna build some cabs this winter thanks for your reply

[smackoj]

In my experience, and using other competent cab builder's ideas, the shape of the box should be rectangle, not square. I usually build a couple inches higher than wide, like 20X18 and I use 1x10 pine. voidless ply is good too. The baffle/sound board should be 'floating' ie, not touching the sides except where the cleats are for attaching it.

I personally like the sound of 10 inch spkrs now more than 12's. I especially like running 2x10's for a really great sound.

good luck with it.

smacko