Closing an open-backed cab

[lyonk55]

I've been wondering about closing off the back of my Engl Screamer combo. From what I've understood, closed cabinates should be better for the tighter, more focused sound I'm after, but I don't have the money to buy a seperate one.

So would it be reasonable to just close off the back with some wood or is this just a bad idea? And if it isn't totally insane, what would be best to use for it?

[Toe-Knee]

I've been wondering about closing off the back of my Engl Screamer combo. From what I've understood, closed cabinates should be better for the tighter, more focused sound I'm after, but I don't have the money to buy a seperate one.

So would it be reasonable to just close off the back with some wood or is this just a bad idea? And if it isn't totally insane, what would be best to use for it?

The biggest thing that i would be concerned about would be thermal issues as youll be closing the valves in with no way for the heat to get out.

[Alex]

Putting it up against a wall should have a bit of a similar effect or at least bounce that bass back forward. However, as a ground rule I go with:
small cabinet size - better sound with open back
large cabinet size - better sound with closed back
So probably your amp sounds better open backed.

[Telerocker]

I've been wondering about closing off the back of my Engl Screamer combo. From what I've understood, closed cabinates should be better for the tighter, more focused sound I'm after, but I don't have the money to buy a seperate one.

So would it be reasonable to just close off the back with some wood or is this just a bad idea? And if it isn't totally insane, what would be best to use for it?

The biggest thing that i would be concerned about would be thermal issues as youll be closing the valves in with no way for the heat to get out.

Unless you want to fry an egg on it.. Open back cabinets sound usually more surround when you're standing in front of them, closed backs are more focussed and tighter, and producing more lows. I would save for a good used cab.

[lyonk55]

Ah well, I guess it's saving money then. Thanks for the replies people.

[dave_mc]

The biggest thing that i would be concerned about would be thermal issues as youll be closing the valves in with no way for the heat to get out.

+1

Putting it up against a wall should have a bit of a similar effect or at least bounce that bass back forward. However, as a ground rule I go with:
small cabinet size - better sound with open back
large cabinet size - better sound with closed back
So probably your amp sounds better open backed.

I'd also say it depends on the tone you're after :)

[Lucifuge]

Also, some speakers sound better in open-back cabs and some are better in closed-back. I don't know what speaker is in there, but if it's the stock one then I'm guessing it would have been chosen to suit the open-back design of the cab.

[dave_mc]

yep

though if it's one of the newer screamers it's probably a vintage 30, in which case it'd probably work in either configuration. If anything it's more often seen in closed-back cabs.

[lyonk55]

Nah, it's a V12 in this one.

[dave_mc]

the v60? i think that's the one engl used to put into them. not sure, though :lol: