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Enclosure materials for fEARful 15/6/1 (x2) keyboard rig?

Hi.
I realize that this is a 'phile not musicians board, but after perusing threads here re high-end speaker construction & sonics, I figured it wouldn't hurt to request insights & opinions re box materials for the speakers I'm about to build for my live stereo +sub keyboard/PA setup.

Compared to guitar/bass head-speaker combos keyboard amps uniformly suck (flat, boring).
For reference, plug a Fender Rhodes into a Marshall stack...
I've based the components on the Greenboy/fEARful open-source design for bass cabs, which has acquired a near-unanimous outstanding rep from DIY'ers for sound and portability (@ 25kilos).

All spec components are in-hand, so I'm hoping opinions will focus on choice of enclosure material(s) rather than what a horrible choice of components fEARfuls specify. Keep in mind these are for playing live-and-loud in non-tuned enviros, not pristine listening rooms.

The design specifies internal chambers, braces, baffles, etc., and has been proven very worthy by hundreds of DIY musician-builders. I've spent 40-years in the skilled trades and hardly fear building a few tricky speaker cabs. The spec calls for baltic birch.

My question:
Say that I'm willing to add 50% to the spec weight, bringing each cab to 37kl/80#. Where would be the most advisable place to add density using what material(s)?

I have built hardwood circular staircases (incl. Railing/ballusters/balustrades/volutes, etc) = quite comfortable with fine finish carpentry (& concrete). Aesthetically, I'm considering encasing the ply-box with solid 3/4 red-oak flooring (chevron'd each side & multi-lacquered). Any opinions re how solid oak glue-lam'd onto baltic birch might sound???

Although the central intent is live gigs (should THEY ever return...) I may also assign them to far-field duty in my home studio, depending on their 'final' sound.

Thanks!

gypsy3000
2 responses Add your response
gypsy3000 OP
1 posts
 
Interesting insights, thanks!

Re cab construction, any additional recommendations, insights and opinions most welcome.

Dedicated "keyboard" amps suck. Horribly flat, don't translate performance dynamics.
The only units I've found tolerable are classic Leslie's and some by Motion Sound.
Like everything, it is a matter of personal taste and intent.

Obviously, keyboard output/preamp/processing are fundamental. The most ideal combination of amp(s) & speaker(s) may be capable of nominally elevating a poor supply-signal, but it  certainly won't significantly improve or cure a poor feed.

I'm still considering which components I want to combine with the [8-ohm] fEARfuls, once completed. Although this is essentially for a PA application, I'm all ears for audiophile input regarding supply amp options. I'm looking to commit  up to $2kUS to the power amp. I realize that is chump-change to this crowd, but maybe somebody still has suggestions towards optimizing this pauper's key rig.

I'm assuming that I'll be powering my 15" sub independently, but it would be great if there was a quality integrated 3-channel option.
Cheers
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Adding material like you're thinking is risky because the thickness and type of material is already an integral part of the design. Your safest/best bet is to simply use quality craftsmanship in your joinery. If you are going to add or reinforce the safest least risky place to do add is the baffle. The vast majority of energy comes from the driver and you can increase the baffle by adding material to the outside which will not affect interior cabinet volume. 

The other stuff you're talking about will add a lot of weight but not affect the sound a whole lot one way or the other. Oh it will have an effect. For sure. Just not one anyone is likely to notice in your anticipated environment and use. 

This isn't really my area but I've always been of the impression the keyboard sound that sucks isn't so much the amp or speakers as the pre-amp or sound card. Whatever it is on a keyboard that generates the signal. You could check this easily enough simply connecting a guitar amp you like to your keyboard. If it still sucks, its not the amp. Its the keyboard.
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