1st Question:
While on FB, I got the impression from a famous Amp builder that MDF Board on an Cab is practically worthless. I have an Ibanez 4X12 in good shape I bought on CL for $75, which now has WGS Ret30/ET65 combined X pattern.
So, have I spent good $ on a product that now won't work well? How common is the MDF board on a Cab?? Is it replaceable?
Also, I can probably open up back to 2/3 open (with new wood, not particle board) so it may not be a total loss.
2nd Question:
Many Amps feature either 16, 8 or 4 Ohm Selection. My 4X12 has 16 or 4 Ohm selection. Is there a preference for either one? What is the benefit?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152022873273917&set=a.19890608... Discussion
2 problems with MDF:
1. It's very heavy compared to traditional plywood or other solid woods used in cabs.
2. It isn't durable. It has no real strength against bending or blunt force.
These combine to create a cab that isn't very road worthy when it comes to playing out. If you're not moving your cab much, then MDF doesn't really matter. Some might even argue that it makes the cab sound better due to it's lack of resonant properties. This is obviously subjective though.
Quite so. will not stand up to much transport. Of course when building any cabinet the use of reinforcement in all corners is a must, however MDF is quite heavy.
I once owned an EMC(150watt) with 2-4X10 cabs made of particle board! (Louder 'n hell!) Cabs were heavy. The bass player in our band bought the EMC bass amp with three, count 'em three 15" drivers in one huge cabinet also made of particle board. Needless to say the only thing heavier I've ever lifted was a casket at a funeral. That bugger was heavier than a dead preacher and three of us had to carry it up three flights of stairs (Kof C) one night!!
The only time I would use MDF is for stereo speakers and then one could finish then with nice wood veneer or sanded smooth and painted gloss black.
Not recommended for pro use.