• From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Topic: Non-plexi amp shields?

I've read a lot about these plexi baffles, and I decided it was time to get (or make) my own baffle for my 4x12 cabinet. I searched and didn't find anything on this, so I figure I'll ask.....is it possible to make a baffle out of anything other than plexi? or should I say, would a baffle made of anything other than plexi be worse/better? Advantages/disadvantages?

thanks

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

Face the amp into the corner of 2 walls is probably the cheapest way of doing it lol.  Plexi is durable.  I'm sure what ever you use will affect the tone in some way or another, but its the same idea.

Ben

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

I thought about that aswell. It just seems like it would be cheaper to get some wood and make the same thing as opposed to spending a bit more cash for plexiglass. (no rhyme intended)

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

Yeah both Eric Johnson and Warren Haynes have worked with wooden baffles. Maybe check out their work?

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner
  • Registered: 2008-04-02
  • Posts: 671

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

The advantage to plexiglass over plywood would have to be a splinter and weight issue as well as the fact that no one would be able to see your pride and joy rig at a gig. ( bad rhyme intended )

I think alot of you guys are a little hesitant of designing your own plexi shields-they are not that tough to make.

For a 4x12 cab go to home depot and ask for 2 pieces of 1/4" plexi cut to 20"x36".
Google Tap plastic and buy an acrylic hinge and the glue.
Cut the hinge to size I used snips-pruning shears would probally work, remember 36" is the hieght.
Glue the hinge onto the plexi one side at a time.
Thats it. You're done and that shield will last for years.

I like to round the corners of the plexi so they're not so sharp.

Thats all there is to it.

If you're still not sure, just bring a sheet of plexi and a hinge to my house in the summer along with a 12 pack of beer, and I'll do it for you. I'll supply the burgers. cool

Have fun,
Jack

Rock On and Keep the Faith

Jack Loves Patty Loves Joe
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

Budda wrote:

Yeah both Eric Johnson and Warren Haynes have worked with wooden baffles. Maybe check out their work?

Yea I know Warren used a straight piece of ply wood on the front, not really for cutting sound.  It was to mic both sides of the board, ie one on the cab and one on the back side of the board...  natural slap back that way.  I think thats an old recording trick though tongue.

Ben

  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

fuzzy wuzzy wrote:

The advantage to plexiglass over plywood would have to be a splinter and weight issue as well as the fact that no one would be able to see your pride and joy rig at a gig. ( bad rhyme intended )

I think alot of you guys are a little hesitant of designing your own plexi shields-they are not that tough to make.

For a 4x12 cab go to home depot and ask for 2 pieces of 1/4" plexi cut to 20"x36".
Google Tap plastic and buy an acrylic hinge and the glue.
Cut the hinge to size I used snips-pruning shears would probally work, remember 36" is the hieght.
Glue the hinge onto the plexi one side at a time.
Thats it. You're done and that shield will last for years.

I like to round the corners of the plexi so they're not so sharp.

Thats all there is to it.

If you're still not sure, just bring a sheet of plexi and a hinge to my house in the summer along with a 12 pack of beer, and I'll do it for you. I'll supply the burgers. cool

Have fun,
Jack

Better make that a 24 pack if its hot out - there's a few of us in this house lol !

Ben

  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

I Made one from plexi hinges and all but it was the wrong shape and didint work well . for a quickie and dont laugh, there were 2 plastic storage boxs bought from local hardware  shop, that I found in my garage. the 2 lids were perfect size for a V shape baffle for my 2x12 joined them together with duct tape and Viola !! it works too!

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: Las Vegas
  • Registered: 2008-05-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

You could try coroplast corrugated plastic sheets. it's not clear but you could get it very cheap.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

Throw a blanket over it.  If your using a sheild your going to mic it anyway.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

the corrugated plastic sheets seems like a good alternative to wood right now. Any idea where one could find some? I checked home depot and lowe's, and all they have are the "ruffled" sheets of plastic for like roofing and siding.

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: Las Vegas
  • Registered: 2008-05-21
  • Posts: 857

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

TubeSaturation wrote:

the corrugated plastic sheets seems like a good alternative to wood right now. Any idea where one could find some? I checked home depot and lowe's, and all they have are the "ruffled" sheets of plastic for like roofing and siding.


Any Sign Supply shop. 10mm should work fine.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

fuzzy wuzzy wrote:

If you're still not sure, just bring a sheet of plexi and a hinge to my house in the summer along with a 12 pack of beer, and I'll do it for you. I'll supply the burgers. cool

Have fun,
Jack

ROAD TRIP! Where do you live?

Coroplast: I used to work at a sign shop, and you should be able to get coro pretty cheap. Even old used golf signs that you can paint up or something, or have a band graphic printed on them!

WOOD: I saw a metal band here in detroit, and they used wood sheilds like this _____   just right in front of their amp. You couldn't even see the amps... they had them all painted up like stage props. lol lol

I'm just debating whether it's cheaper to buy the materials than it is to just order it from Musician's Friend. It looks like plexi, lexan, etc. is uber expensive at lowes and home depot like stores.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

I just got some 4mm coroplast and I'm about to set it up and test it out...I'm not sure it's thick enough but I'll play around with it and let you guys know how it goes...

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Non-plexi amp shields?

I didn't want to renew this topic, but I figured I'd post back here with an update on the coroplast..... I just got 2 20x36 sheets like Rik Emmett Fan said...except like I mentioned I bought 4mm and I just duct-taped down the crease between both of them on both sides. It seems to be working VERY well and I would recommend this for anyone like me who didn't want to spend the money on a plexiglass one tongue I may get some more eventually to stack on top of the 4mm to see if I can dampen the sound even more, but I'm content for right now

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV