Author Topic: Question about old Fender closed-back cab (Read 157 times)

lbpesq · « **on:** April 22, 2008, 06:31:55 AM »

I just picked up a '66 Bandmaster head and cab with the original Jensen 12s. (Ain't it cool - real '60's vibe). The cab is closed back. When I opened it up to check it out, I found what looks like pieces of insulation stuffing inside. This is my first old Fender closed-back. Is the stuffing stock? What does it do? I suspect I should remove it. Any info, thoughts, suggestions appreciated. Especially if you know something about old Fender cabs.

Thanks, Bill, tgo

grateful · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2008, 06:54:09 AM »

Love the paisley Bill. I've never experienced a closed back instrument speaker, but the sound generated by the back of the speaker cone has nowhere to go so needs to be absorbed; hence the stuffing. So I'd leave it there: I would imagine it'll be less efficient (quieter!) than an open backed cabinet.

Mark

811952 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2008, 07:56:29 AM »

The stuffing makes it act like a larger box. It may need to be replaced if it's falling apart, or you might want to even add a little.

Awesome amp, by the way!

John

olieoliver · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2008, 07:59:55 AM »

Now that is one COOL amp Bill.

OO

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2008, 08:28:18 AM »

I am in awe of the extreme grooviness of that rig! What a find! A physical & emotional match for Woody, Irv OR the '61 Strat, I would think. Should you ever want to unload it..... And yes, every closed-back cab I've ever opened had the insulation - leave it.

Peter

tbrannon · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2008, 09:14:49 AM »

Am I the only one who gets annoyed with most cab makers for almost always making cabs slightly smaller than your normal rack/head unit? Does it have something to do with the # of cuts out of a standard sheet of ply and not wanting to waste wood/maximize profit?

Cool stack Bill- sorry for the anal retentive hijack, but it's always bugged me and around here somebody ALWAYS has the answer!

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2008, 09:45:54 AM »

Well in this case Toby it is the owner of the equipment that has created the mismatch. :-)

This cabinet was intended to be used with the speakers set horizontally. I've see this occur with other brands also where the owner sets the cabinet vertically.

Keith

pace · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2008, 01:06:27 PM »

Bill, its an off white/yellow fiberglass style insulation right?

last time I opened mine, that's what was in there....

lbpesq · « **Reply #8 on:** April 22, 2008, 04:20:03 PM »

Yup, off white/yellow fiberglassish. Each speaker has 4 pieces, about 12-14 x 6, just laid across the back of the speaker. I've been poking around the net and have seen some suggest that the foam should be mounted on 3 continuous surfaces. Is this preferable, or is is just as effective to leave it covering the speaker backs?

Bill, tgo

wideload · « **Reply #9 on:** April 22, 2008, 04:26:50 PM »

Were you seeing the paisley before you touched the mysterious cabinet stuffing, or did it appear shortly thereafter??!

Larry

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** April 22, 2008, 10:02:33 PM »

What paisley?

hehehehehe

Bill, tgo

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:53:43 AM »

I've never seen the insulation laid on the speakers - always attached to the sides & back.

Peter