Every time I am about to upholster another amp cabinet I watch this video again and again!))) Uncle Doug, I keep on saying: you are my inspiration! ) Thanks a lot!
I'm the (but most likely not only) fan of your videos who asked for this. THANK YOU! There's plenty out there but not nearly as detailed as I knew yours would be. Being the Math and Science teacher that you are (my two favorite subjects) I was sure you could explain it better than anyone else. I was definitely not disappointed! I watched all three videos and frankly could't ask for more. I can't wait to finish my little, way overdue project!
Thank you very much Sir uncle Doug. You deserve to be in some hall of fame. The way to take care of the rounded corners is simple but not shown a lot! Use enough slack so the cuts wont show and there is no need for 2 triangular pieces to fill space.
This is just what I was so eager about and it´s all in this episode. And now i know why i failed. Not enough glue. And just glue on the wood and I do not apply anything on the back side of the tolex I used. Thanx for this lesson so much! I really can´t say how much you have told me in this little quarter hour video! Very well done, professor!
once again! Thanks times a billion!! I tolexed a panel this evening and although not as good as what you are doing.. Pretty close! I'm in the ballpark so, I will only get better! Man! You helped so much and I really appreciate people like you that donate your time.
Dear Uncle Doug! I always watch your videos many times again and again. For me they are the best upholstery tutorials ever seen, thanks a lot! I am glad to inform you that today, following your tutorials, I tried to upholster a test back panel of a amp cabinet and did manage to make it really great!) Even despite the fact that I made THREE mistakes the result is stunning! ) And it is all thanks to you and the knowledge that you share with us! The mistakes of mine are: 1. I was in a hurry. 2. I forgot to apply the second coat of glue when the first layer dried up. 3. When folding the flaps over the back side of the panel I forgot to cover the latter with glue at all!). But it worked great! Millions of thanks to you and Rusty for such great vids! I wish you all the best and, please, keep making us wiser! Lots of regards. ALEX (Russia)
Greetings, Alex. It's great to hear from you. We're glad the videos were helpful and that your first upholstering project went so well. We learn from mistakes......so it was a doubly rewarding experience.
Just what I needed to watch. This was awesome! You are the kind of detail oriented, straight to the point, incredible job! making kind of guy I needed to see to set me on the right path. I just bought myself 3 different samplings of tolux that I intend to use on various stereo equipment along with a case for a 1937 German Favorit1 typewriter. I have all the parts ready to go as well as all the different items I need to apply the tolux with, and having someone show me exactly how to go step by step through through the process is what my doc ordered. Your process yielded what turned out to be a flawless job ... simply amazing, really. I also have an alligator skin type, but in a bright orange color with like ... burnt orange highlights. Can't wait to try it out. A bit much for the typewriter, but my old *DJ'ing cabinet couldn't hurt to have something that looks like your work, but in orange, on it. I do hope I can duplicate your techniques. I'm tired and would surely make a mistake right now. Time to hit the sack and attack this one fresh. Thank you very much for the knowledge, much appreciated. *I'm not a DJ, just happen to own a DJ cabinet that I find works great for my '80s component stereo. Soon to be adorned in orange alligator tolux :D
Uncle Doug, thank you for your great vids! I followed your instructions and successfully built and finished a custom cabinet for my rack gear in the new studio. All firsts for me. It came out amazing. Thx!
Being that I'm retired now it's a good thing you're not a brisk walk away or you would have a permanent fan hanging around your shop. Wonderful work as usual Uncle Doug. I'm sure Rusty just ran off to find his glue gun, he will be back...after the nap.
Thanks so much, F86. You are always welcome.....but will have to pass Rusty's "sniff test" before you are granted entrance to the inner sanctum. A pork chop in the pocket never hurts :)
Subscribed, and THANK YOU!!! I no longer fear making head-only cabs for a couple of my Fender Musicmaster Bass Amps. I use them with guitar, not bass. Seems whenever Fender makes a bass amp it is a better guitar amp, but I digress.....I agree with another poster that folks like you are why I like UA-cam! This is VERY helpful and I thank you, sir!
I don't believe anyone else explains the process as thoroughly as you do and demonstrates the process at the same time, very well done, I'm inclined to exactness to a point and your end panel looks very nice. I just wish I could afford a video camera to show myself doing the same, I'm on disability and can't afford it, thanks for posting.
I'm about to cover my first cabinet. It's around the same color as this covering but, a paisley design. I also want tell you. The cabinet I am covering is a finger jointed cabinet. Also built by myself, using your videos as reference. I'm proud of what I have done so far! Cannot express the large amount of appreciation for your teachings. By the way. The cab I built is going to house a 1960's Airline/Valco Reverb Unit. Also refurbished by me. All of your videos have inspired me to learn about the guitar amplifiers I have been using all my life. Thank you!
A wonderful You Tube video.... has given me confidence to try and cover my first 'home brew' amp cabinet. Thank you for taking time to show how it's done.
Hi Doug, I recently bought a second hand Amp head, I can't get ride of the nicotine/Tabaco smell from the tolex. I bought special spray with enzymes nothing helps. So I decided to buy some new Tolex and with the help of your videos I am gonna try to make it happen. If it is success I will make a post with pics. I really value people like you and your work. Thanks.
Yes sir, thanking you so very much for putting this video together. Watched it once and was able to reface my 2000 Vox Cambridge amp with no prior experience. Used matte black vinyl with the double coat of contact cement and 3m rubber/vinyl spray, sucker is never coming off, lol. Looks like it just came off the assembly line, was really hard coming in to my little cubical after doing this over the weekend. Now I want to pursue it 9-5, lol.
Thank you. This was immensely helpful. I'm making a pair of 1X8 speaker cabs (stereo guitar!) and covering with fabric backed marine vinyl. Everything you covered here was exactly what I needed to know.
I am getting ready to cover a pedal board that I built with Tolex, something I've never done before. These videos are so helpful and so well done and contains much needed information. Thank you Uncle Doug.
I was finally able to put this video to good use today. I broke out the Weldwood and attacked my old Supro. My hands are now flippers and my dungarees are a permanent addition to my back deck but the cabinet never looked better! Net positive.
Thanks for this great video. I watched it several times before covering an instrument case I built for my sister. Everything went smoothly, and the case looks great. The investment in a good respirator was worth every penny!
Getting ready to cover a piece of wood with leatherette to make a table, thank you so much for posting this. I learned some techniques and got ideas to make my project successful. I appreciate it!
Doug I’ve watched this video series several times already. I enjoy watching people create things and this series is just so satisfying to watch. I’ve gotten up the courage to try my hand at making my own 1x12 speaker cab. I’ve done lots of woodwork and built several step back cabinets so I think it should turn out just fine. I was mainly looking for tips and instruction on applying the tolex as I’ve never done that process. Thanks for these videos
Beautiful Job! You are a true artisan in many disciplines. I always enjoy your thorough documentation and instruction. A natural born mentor and sage. :) As always, thank you for sharing and we're all so lucky and grateful you are here!
First, let me say that I think all your videos are very helpful, valuable, and meticulously detailed. I really appreciate all the info they contain and the manner with which it is delivered. I'm glad to have come back to youtube to discover that you've done so many more videos than I originally knew about. I stumbled upon your channel when you did the Hammond AO reverb unit conversion. I have a couple of chassis that I need to get around to converting including a Hammond organ amp and an old Wurlitzer I may convert to a Fender 5E3P.
+Joel Thomas Welcome back and thanks so much for your very kind assessment of our channel, Joel. Rusty and I really appreciate it. Best of luck with your projects :)
It seems to me that Rusty is the brains behind your operation. Please show us a vid of how he comes up with all his good ideas that you translate to us mere humans. Thank you Sir.
+EvilScience Part of Rusty's creative genius is a stubborn refusal to share his secrets. Often, I wake up in the morning to find a video already completed and ready to upload.
Boy, what did I get myself into?, thank you sir you are helping me out immensely yeah, I have one big mess in front of me and I'm about to start drinking again been years wish me luck. Thank you again for all info.
I read an article where a cab builder switched to water base contact cement. I guess there are no fumes and no bubbling occurs under the tolex/vinyl as it cures. Also much easier to clean up. Just soap and water. A bit of Pinesol helps to wipe any extra off tolex. It also is a bit easier to adjust any mishaps. Otherwise,it’s the same to work with as regular contact cement. I’ve had great results with your method. Think I might try the water based cement next time for stated reasons,Thanx again!
@@UncleDoug No problem, I was doing a bit of research because I’ve got a Orange 🍊 Tiny Terror head and really want to make a cabinet for & wasn’t quite sure how to go about fitting the Tolex. After watching this I feel quite confident now as that I can do a good job, I’m going to keep referring to your video whilst doing mine, you made a tidy job of it 👍🏼
@@UncleDoug also I didn’t realise you had such a catalogue of videos on vintage amplifiers, I’ve also recently ordered a KDL JCM 25 the Marshall JCM 800 clone which I’m intending to build, I’m just setting out on my journey into guitar electronics and amps/amp building,I’ve upgraded a few of my guitars and whilst doing that came across videos of people building DIY amp kits etc. I’ll be sure to watch your other uploads 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you Uncle Doug. I'm going to restore my 79 Fender Twin Reverb, and it needs either new Tolex, or I may just build and entire new cabinet for it. Either way, nice to have visual reference for applying covering to a cab.
I rescind my comment about leaving the cab "natural" that looks great. you've opend the door to different ideas in upholstering amps. for me anyway. i dont speak for everyone else. great video, and you have a very steady hand, I've never noticed you hold the camera I always thought that was rusty's job.
Rusty has some attention-deficit problems, but is capable of doing good work (as long as he gets plenty of chicken to eat and tennis balls to chase:)) Actually, it really is hard to both hold the camera and do work like this, so I apologize for any "camera-wandering", but it's hard to avoid. Rusty and I thank you for your kind assessment, Franky.
Wow....thanks, Franky. Rusty and I would look good, in shades and Hawaiian shirts, cruising Santa Monica Blvd. checking out the chicks (and female poodles).... :)))))
Pretty good work, stretching the tolex kinda wears your hands out but there is no other way to do it, yes, I've done this 40 years ago, getting ready to do it again on a 4 by 12" cab and head cab.
Hi Uncle Doug. First off Great Videos. I noticed your Craftsman table saw doesn't have the cast iron table wings that extend the table out about 18 inches out to either side of the cast iron table. If you would like some I have a set you can have just cover the shipping. The motor in my trusty old table saw was direct drive and it burned out and I could not find a replacement but I kept the parts to someday make a router table out of the center section but I won't need the wings. Let me know if you need them.
+Mark Lange Thanks for the very generous offer, Mark, but my saw has 10" wings on both sides of the cast iron table......and that's about all I have room for. Hopefully, someone else will need them. Best of luck.
Thanks, Andrew. He's very resourceful and uses his dew claws to hold the video camera :) Unfortunately, he's also rather lazy and focuses way too much attention on chasing the tennis ball.....but I guess I was the same way when I was his age ;)
I hope Rusty wasn't sniffing any contact cement. I guess the OEM style tweed tolex is harder to find these days? I've used black naugahyde available from local upholstery places. Cutting the covering for the curvature requires some careful cuts. Very nice.
Watching this in preparation to do my first build with your inspiration, Doug! I'm halfway through the chassis at the moment and still sweating about the layout and fitting everything in . It's kinda of 6G2 preamp with AA964 2nd stage and PI with a Blackface power section. I'm using 6SL7 tubes in the preamp and running the heaters for that section DC. Anyway greetings from Brisbane and back to soldering iron!
@@UncleDoug sure thing mate. I tried to send you a pic but this old bloke is not sure how ya do that... I'm adding a 'Presence' & 'Resonance' circuit as well.
Great clear methods Uncle Doug, thank you! I believe I am going to try LePage contact cement (solvent based) on the wood, and 3M Super 77 on the back of the tolex. Hopefully that combo yields good results.
Uncle Doug About how long does it take for the second coat of adhesive to be ready on the wood? I think you said around 20 min for the first coat, but I didn't catch the time for the second coat. Also, it seems like you have a little while to work with the material without having to re-spray it - is that right?
The drying time is dependent on the weather. In a hot, dry workshop it will probably dry to the touch within 5 minutes, especially if you use a fan to force dry it. In high humidity or low temperatures, it may take 30 minutes, even with the fan (or a hair dryer). I look for the shininess of the glue to dull and actually touch it with my finger to see if it is simply a little "tacky" rather than still wet. You have some working time, but once the glue-sprayed material contacts the glue on the wood, it is not easy to pull loose.....you generally end up stretching the material. Heating with a hair dryer helps.
Uncle Doug Great, thanks Doug! I will be doing this on the deck and it's pretty humid this week. I followed your grill cloth methods, and it came out very well on the first try.
I am just in the process of covering an auxilliary speaker cabinet that will be slaved off my Fender Champion 40. The additional 12 inch powered speaker cabinet will be covered in Tolex 07, with the handle and corners and rubber feet from a online speaker supply store. The grill cloth to cover athe 12 inch Eminence1248 speaker is as close as the silver style used on the MIC Fender solid state amp. The inside of the Fender amp has a couple large scale LSI chips to create the amp models and and EFX that guitar players may use. I'm using one of these monolithic Chinese made small PC board amps (TDA7294 50 to 100 watts) chips depending on power supply rails) to power the additional speaker so that I can slave it off the headphone jack. I using a 10K volume control to control the input level. There is a fair amount of work to make these smaller amps, including covering it with Tolex. The biggest challenge is bending a piece of aluminum sheet to a 20 degree bend, and then two 90 degree bends to form the chassis to mount the small switching power supply (+35/-35v) and the amp board.
You're welcome, Strat. The old workshop is getting a little nippy, so I guess you're right about the season. I'm in the mood for a new project myself....something with lots of pentodes and a transformer PI. Best of luck with your project. I have a FaceBook page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps where you can post photos of your electronic creations. Let us know how it turns out.
Uncle Doug My recycle parts are from a Magnavox SE 84 Stereo with a 5Y3 rectifier Cabinet is a Harmony 400 tube amp. My first project may take me about three months of learning and ordering filter caps.
The wood you used for that looks perfect for a stained finish with shellac. Surprised you covered that with glue and faux gator leather. I wish I could finish MY cab with stain and shellac to match the custom guitar I made... (I've been using a 1960A Marshall cab for about 30yrs, definitely time to refinish it. Unfortunately, they use unfinished ply)
I guess I thought that it would be best, in a video entitled "How to Cover a Cabinet with Tolex or Leatherette, to actually cover the cabinet with leatherette, AT. I agree that finishing the wood is also nice, but the vast majority of cabinets are covered......and generally not made of a wood that would look good finished.
@@UncleDoug lol, of COURSE, that makes sense. But I meant, the wood you used looks too nice to cover. The cab you built came out SWEET! I just finished my yellow tolex 1960A Marshall cab, and, let me tell you, the contact cement I used is so strong I can taste it. It's awful. I started in my living room with a fan on and all the windows open. Then, it was just too much, so I brought it outside. And still, after the top and sides were done, THEN I decided to use my respirator,... And now, hours later, I'm still tasting that $#¡+.
@@UncleDoug lol, haaaa haaaa! (I do have lung damage from being poisoned by the most deadly natural toxin on Earth from a Palythoa coral) Palytoxin... So, I probably should use my respirator every time,... But yeah, I guess this stuff will not come until I want it to)
Hi Uncle Doug thanks so much youve made my cab build so much easier. my 1x12 cab is built to match my PRS 50 combo. getting ready to wrap it with cloth backed tolex. the front, top and sides have a 1/2" round over. is there a technique to properly wrapping the rounded corners. thanks again. Paddy
+TODD BROWN You're welcome, Paddy. I believe I demonstrate a method to do this in the video. The radius is a bit smaller in my cabinet, but the technique is the same. Good luck.
Thanks, Spin. You guys are quick.....I JUST finished posting the video. After I upload, I go back over the video adding notes and clarification, so be sure you see the final version. Thanks for watching !!!
Greetings, FP. You can buy it from Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe, AZ (check their online store) or occasionally on Ebay. I often use vinyl materials that resemble leather or reptile grain, and buy it from a local upholstery supply shop. Check the Yellow Pages for suppliers near you. Good luck.
The cabinet corners are the hardest part. Creating a (near) perfect corner definitely takes some practice, especially working with rounded edges in all directions.
Luv your YT presentations. Extremely helpful & informative! I’ve looked through the comments to see ‘how much material’ is needed for the job & haven’t come up w/ an answer? I’m planning on covering a Dlx Rvb extension spkr cab (open back w/ panels and hoping you might know/guess the quantity needed for the job minus the grill cloth. I realize it’s a larger cab than your cabinet in the video, but an approximation would be helpful . Really like the faux croc leather material...hot! Thx
Thanks, Rich. You'll have to measure the surface area of your cabinet to determine the amount of material needed. This isn't something that someone can tell you.
Uncle Doug, I seldom comment on any videos here on youtube, but I just wanted to sincerely thank you for taking the time to make all of these thorough, informative, and excellent tutorial videos. They have really given me a lot of great instruction and confidence in tackling my own projects. I have watched a lot of your stuff and the depth of your knowledge is impressive to say the least. You could easily work in a custom shop setting for Fender or Gibson on someone like that if you were so inclined. Everything you do is straight to the point and really quality stuff. Were you an engineer of some kind in an earlier career perhaps?...just a guess. Thanks again for sharing your extensive knowledge with all the rest of us and please say "hey" to Rusty for me.
Thank you so much for your very nice comments, CH. Rusty and I really appreciate your affirmation of our efforts; indeed, response such as yours is what makes it all worthwhile. I initially wanted to be an engineer, but was driven, mostly by parental pressure, into medicine as a career. I later became a math and science teacher and, over time, developed the communication methods that you favor. You are quite welcome, and Rusty sends his regards :)
Thank you Doug for this excellent and clear video. Do you have an online reference for how you do the finger joints. My son and I did them once with my dad helping us in his workshop but he's passed. I've been wanting to do a smaller amp case for a while now but keep putting it off. My ideas was for something similar to a Bassman but in a much smaller cabinet. I recently came across your build of that small Bassman and enjoyed it very much!
You're welcome, Pete. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I found several excellent YT videos on how to create box joints....in fact, that's where I learned how to do it.
@@UncleDoug I see now that you have your own video on how to do it with a link to the one with details, should have searched your own videos first. Thanks again!
I've been anxiously awaiting this video. Great job as always, Doug. I recovered a Valve Junior head a few years ago in a blue sparkle. Looked great, though I learned a lot of what NOT to do, as you will with the first attempt at something. Where do you get that particular brown croc vinyl? Looks great.
Thanks so much, Kevin. There are two upholstery supply shops in town that carry all sorts of spray glue and vinyl materials, including this croc pattern, but in different colors, including maroon and black. You might try your local yellow pages (especially if you live in or near a large city) for upholstery material suppliers. Best of luck!!!
Hi Uncle Doug, Thank you so much for such great care in explaining how to do this kind of work - you are a natural teacher! I'm in the process of designing something involving adhering genuine calf leather to wood - does anything change in the process or materials?
This is the best UA-cam tutorial on any subject I've ever watched!
Thanks, Charles. I'm glad it was helpful.
What brand of glue do you use
@@sunnywahachunkamaza5968 As I said in the video, Weldwood Original ( NOT water base) Contact Cement.
When I heard there was no music in the back/forefront I just liked before even watching. Good job!
Agreed on the fact that most instructional videos insist on drowning out the narrative with god-awful music......not here, as you mentioned, Myriam :)
Wrapping my diy 1x12 cabinet today and watching these vids for about the 10th time hoping to not mess up. We all appreciate you Doug!
Good luck with your project, Art.
Every time I am about to upholster another amp cabinet I watch this video again and again!))) Uncle Doug, I keep on saying: you are my inspiration! ) Thanks a lot!
You're quite welcome, Александр. Best of luck with all your projects.
I'm the (but most likely not only) fan of your videos who asked for this. THANK YOU! There's plenty out there but not nearly as detailed as I knew yours would be. Being the Math and Science teacher that you are (my two favorite subjects) I was sure you could explain it better than anyone else. I was definitely not disappointed! I watched all three videos and frankly could't ask for more. I can't wait to finish my little, way overdue project!
You're welcome, VN. I'm glad the videos were helpful and lived up to expectation. Let me know how your project turns out :)
I have done 8 cabs/amp heads so far, and your technique is perfect for us beginners, thank you soooo much !!
That's great to hear, CQ. You're welcome :)
Grim Death and Seven Semi Trucks; I think I just found my new band name! Outstanding video as always, Uncle Doug.
Thanks, Tim :)
Thank you very much Sir uncle Doug. You deserve to be in some hall of fame. The way to take care of the rounded corners is simple but not shown a lot! Use enough slack so the cuts wont show and there is no need for 2 triangular pieces to fill space.
You're welcome, B.......glad it was helpful.
Doug, I’ve built 10 - 12 amps/speaker cabs over the last few years and I rewatch this tolexing video each time for review. Thank you!
That's great to hear, David. Continued success with your projects.
This is just what I was so eager about and it´s all in this episode. And now i know why i failed. Not enough glue. And just glue on the wood and I do not apply anything on the back side of the tolex I used.
Thanx for this lesson so much! I really can´t say how much you have told me in this little quarter hour video!
Very well done, professor!
You're welcome, TC. I'm glad to know that the video was helpful to you. There's more to come, so stay tuned....:))
once again! Thanks times a billion!! I tolexed a panel this evening and although not as good as what you are doing.. Pretty close! I'm in the ballpark so, I will only get better! Man! You helped so much and I really appreciate people like you that donate your time.
You're welcome, DR. We're glad the videos were helpful. Best of luck with your project.
Dear Uncle Doug! I always watch your videos many times again and again. For me they are the best upholstery tutorials ever seen, thanks a lot!
I am glad to inform you that today, following your tutorials, I tried to upholster a test back panel of a amp cabinet and did manage to make it really great!) Even despite the fact that I made THREE mistakes the result is stunning! ) And it is all thanks to you and the knowledge that you share with us! The mistakes of mine are: 1. I was in a hurry. 2. I forgot to apply the second coat of glue when the first layer dried up. 3. When folding the flaps over the back side of the panel I forgot to cover the latter with glue at all!). But it worked great!
Millions of thanks to you and Rusty for such great vids!
I wish you all the best and, please, keep making us wiser!
Lots of regards. ALEX (Russia)
Greetings, Alex. It's great to hear from you. We're glad the videos were helpful and that your first upholstering project went so well. We learn from mistakes......so it was a doubly rewarding experience.
I used your video as a reference to cover home built 1x12 speaker cab. turned out so much better thanks to you.
Glad to hear it, JL :)
Just what I needed to watch. This was awesome!
You are the kind of detail oriented, straight to the point, incredible job! making kind of guy I needed to see to set me on the right path. I just bought myself 3 different samplings of tolux that I intend to use on various stereo equipment along with a case for a 1937 German Favorit1 typewriter. I have all the parts ready to go as well as all the different items I need to apply the tolux with, and having someone show me exactly how to go step by step through through the process is what my doc ordered. Your process yielded what turned out to be a flawless job ... simply amazing, really. I also have an alligator skin type, but in a bright orange color with like ... burnt orange highlights. Can't wait to try it out. A bit much for the typewriter, but my old *DJ'ing cabinet couldn't hurt to have something that looks like your work, but in orange, on it. I do hope I can duplicate your techniques. I'm tired and would surely make a mistake right now. Time to hit the sack and attack this one fresh. Thank you very much for the knowledge, much appreciated. *I'm not a DJ, just happen to own a DJ cabinet that I find works great for my '80s component stereo. Soon to be adorned in orange alligator tolux :D
Congratulations on a successful covering job, MC. We're glad the video was helpful :)
People like you deserve big hug and thanks
Best regards from Lebanon❤️
Jack and I love a good hug, Loudy. Thanks and regards to you from the Sunny Southwest, USA.
Uncle Doug, thank you for your great vids! I followed your instructions and successfully built and finished a custom cabinet for my rack gear in the new studio. All firsts for me. It came out amazing. Thx!
Just as valuable today as the day you posted these videos.
Thank you!
You're welcome, CR :)
Wonderfully demonstrated. Thanks so much from a ‘Tolex’ beginner. Fantastic tutorial 🇬🇧
Being that I'm retired now it's a good thing you're not a brisk walk away or you would have a permanent fan hanging around your shop. Wonderful work as usual Uncle Doug. I'm sure Rusty just ran off to find his glue gun, he will be back...after the nap.
Thanks so much, F86. You are always welcome.....but will have to pass Rusty's "sniff test" before you are granted entrance to the inner sanctum. A pork chop in the pocket never hurts :)
Subscribed, and THANK YOU!!! I no longer fear making head-only cabs for a couple of my Fender Musicmaster Bass Amps. I use them with guitar, not bass. Seems whenever Fender makes a bass amp it is a better guitar amp, but I digress.....I agree with another poster that folks like you are why I like UA-cam! This is VERY helpful and I thank you, sir!
You're quite welcome, Hill. It's good to hear that the videos were helpful. Thanks for watching....and best of luck :)
I don't believe anyone else explains the process as thoroughly as you do and demonstrates the process at the same time, very well done, I'm inclined to exactness to a point and your end panel looks very nice. I just wish I could afford a video camera to show myself doing the same, I'm on disability and can't afford it, thanks for posting.
Thanks, Jyme. I'm glad to hear that the video was helpful. Best of luck !!!
Your welcome but I don't believe in luck, just digging in and doing what needs to be done. Thanks all the same.
I'm about to cover my first cabinet. It's around the same color as this covering but, a paisley design.
I also want tell you. The cabinet I am covering is a finger jointed cabinet. Also built by myself, using your videos as reference.
I'm proud of what I have done so far! Cannot express the large amount of appreciation for your teachings.
By the way. The cab I built is going to house a 1960's Airline/Valco Reverb Unit. Also refurbished by me. All of your videos have inspired me to learn about the guitar amplifiers I have been using all my life. Thank you!
Wow....very impressive, DW. A triple-header of cabinet construction, upholstery application, and electronic wizardry.
A wonderful You Tube video.... has given me confidence to try and cover my first 'home brew' amp cabinet. Thank you for taking time to show how it's done.
Thanks, Stephen. Good luck with your project.
Great techniques that everyone should be able to use. And it looks very good, too. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Joseph. Thanks for watching.
Hi Doug, I recently bought a second hand Amp head, I can't get ride of the nicotine/Tabaco smell from the tolex. I bought special spray with enzymes nothing helps. So I decided to buy some new Tolex and with the help of your videos I am gonna try to make it happen. If it is success I will make a post with pics. I really value people like you and your work. Thanks.
I hope the video is helpful, Alain. Best of luck with this project.
Thanks for all of this videos!!!
Yes sir, thanking you so very much for putting this video together. Watched it once and was able to reface my 2000 Vox Cambridge amp with no prior experience. Used matte black vinyl with the double coat of contact cement and 3m rubber/vinyl spray, sucker is never coming off, lol. Looks like it just came off the assembly line, was really hard coming in to my little cubical after doing this over the weekend. Now I want to pursue it 9-5, lol.
You're welcome, Ivan, and congratulations on a very successful project. It does get addictive......welcome to Ampoholics Unanimous :)
Best videos on UA-cam. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Uncle Doug!
You're welcome, Tom. Thanks for the nice comment :)
Thank you. This was immensely helpful. I'm making a pair of 1X8 speaker cabs (stereo guitar!) and covering with fabric backed marine vinyl. Everything you covered here was exactly what I needed to know.
That's great to hear, JB. we're glad the video was helpful :)
Great video. And you seem like a classy chap. Have a good day, Sir.
Thanks so much, CF. Same to you :)
Excellent instruction Doug. Thank you for taking the time to document your work.
+Dave Skowron You're welcome, Dave. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I am getting ready to cover a pedal board that I built with Tolex, something I've never done before. These videos are so helpful and so well done and contains much needed information. Thank you Uncle Doug.
You're welcome, Denis :)
Looks nice, Uncle Doug !! Very, very nice work !!
Thanks so much, Kal. I just finished the speaker baffle video and will start on the cabinet video soon. Please stay tuned :)
Your work is very impressive, and your teaching skills are equally helpful. I look forward to watching a lot of your videos!
Thanks so much, Gary. I have posted 106 so far, so you have a whole bunch left to watch :) I hope you enjoy them.
The perfect guide. Thanks for showing how to do neat corners and nice tip on heating up the awl
Thanks for the favorable appraisal, Joe. I'm glad the video was helpful :))
I was finally able to put this video to good use today. I broke out the Weldwood and attacked my old Supro. My hands are now flippers and my dungarees are a permanent addition to my back deck but the cabinet never looked better! Net positive.
I would call that a major victory, Tim. Congratulations :)
Nice going, Rusty. Great video. Thanks for posting!
Thanks, Marc.
Thanks for this great video. I watched it several times before covering an instrument case I built for my sister. Everything went smoothly, and the case looks great. The investment in a good respirator was worth every penny!
You're quite welcome, Andrew. Glad the video was helpful.
Getting ready to cover a piece of wood with leatherette to make a table, thank you so much for posting this. I learned some techniques and got ideas to make my project successful. I appreciate it!
You're welcome, Michele. Best of luck with your project :)
Your videos make me want to build my planned, homebrew 50W head... Thank You for the motivation!!!
You're welcome, PN. Build it....and let us know how it turns out :)
I have built the prototype. I works great, sounds great, used it at a couple of gigs. But it looks ugly :D . That's why i want to rebuild it.
Sweeeeet! Much needed information, and very well-done tutorial. Thanks Uncle Doug!
You're welcome, Jeremy.....thanks for the nice comments.
Brilliant Uncle Doug! Like some of the earlier comments, I have learnt so much much from these range of videos.. Bloody Legend
Thanks, Dan. I'm very glad to hear that the video was helpful. Rusty and I intend to post some more like it in the near future.....so stay tuned :)
Doug I’ve watched this video series several times already. I enjoy watching people create things and this series is just so satisfying to watch. I’ve gotten up the courage to try my hand at making my own 1x12 speaker cab. I’ve done lots of woodwork and built several step back cabinets so I think it should turn out just fine. I was mainly looking for tips and instruction on applying the tolex as I’ve never done that process. Thanks for these videos
You're quite welcome, Pete. Best of luck with your project.
Very informative, clear, and easy to understand! Thank you for uploading it!
+Kyle Panek You're welcome, Kyle. I'm glad it was helpful.
By far the best video on this topic
Thanks !!
just brilliant Doug. your videos never cease to amaze me.
just the stuff im looking for. I really appreciate these vid's.
chuck jones Thanks so much, Chuck. Rusty and I are glad to hear that your videos are helpful :)
Beautiful Job! You are a true artisan in many disciplines. I always enjoy your thorough documentation and instruction. A natural born mentor and sage. :) As always, thank you for sharing and we're all so lucky and grateful you are here!
Wow, thanks so much, PM :)
I just love your tutorials, they make things look so easy.
Thanks, Myriam :)
very nice video. I always struggled with the curved edges, after watching this I think I won't struggle with them anymore
+ryerye700 I hope not, Rx2. Best of luck with your next amp-covering project :)
First, let me say that I think all your videos are very helpful, valuable, and meticulously detailed. I really appreciate all the info they contain and the manner with which it is delivered.
I'm glad to have come back to youtube to discover that you've done so many more videos than I originally knew about. I stumbled upon your channel when you did the Hammond AO reverb unit conversion. I have a couple of chassis that I need to get around to converting including a Hammond organ amp and an old Wurlitzer I may convert to a Fender 5E3P.
+Joel Thomas Welcome back and thanks so much for your very kind assessment of our channel, Joel. Rusty and I really appreciate it. Best of luck with your projects :)
It seems to me that Rusty is the brains behind your operation. Please show us a vid of how he comes up with all his good ideas that you translate to us mere humans. Thank you Sir.
+EvilScience Part of Rusty's creative genius is a stubborn refusal to share his secrets. Often, I wake up in the morning to find a video already completed and ready to upload.
Awesome, well done and useful tutorial, Sir. Thank you.
You're welcome, Francesco.....glad you enjoyed it :)
Great series of videos! very descriptive and thorough!
The videos were a great help as I rebuilt my old silvertone. Thanks for doing these videos. Great job!
You're welcome, MRD. I'm glad the videos were helpful :)
Boy, what did I get myself into?, thank you sir you are helping me out immensely yeah, I have one big mess in front of me and I'm about to start drinking again been years wish me luck. Thank you again for all info.
You're welcome, Mark. If there is any beer involved, count me in :)
This certainly helped me get the job done for a back panel missing from my amp.
I'm glad you were able to put the video knowledge to good use, Ryan.
Well made and highly informative video. Thanks for taking the time!
You're welcome, Chris :)
I read an article where a cab builder switched to water base contact cement. I guess there are no fumes and no bubbling occurs under the tolex/vinyl as it cures. Also much easier to clean up. Just soap and water. A bit of Pinesol helps to wipe any extra off tolex. It also is a bit easier to adjust any mishaps. Otherwise,it’s the same to work with as regular contact cement. I’ve had great results with your method. Think I might try the water based cement next time for stated reasons,Thanx again!
I too have avoided the water-based glue, but it does have some benefits. I'll try it and see how it works.
Excellent video Sir, props to you 👍🏼
Thanks, Matt.
@@UncleDoug No problem, I was doing a bit of research because I’ve got a Orange 🍊 Tiny Terror head and really want to make a cabinet for & wasn’t quite sure how to go about fitting the Tolex.
After watching this I feel quite confident now as that I can do a good job, I’m going to keep referring to your video whilst doing mine, you made a tidy job of it 👍🏼
@@UncleDoug also I didn’t realise you had such a catalogue of videos on vintage amplifiers, I’ve also recently ordered a KDL JCM 25 the Marshall JCM 800 clone which I’m intending to build, I’m just setting out on my journey into guitar electronics and amps/amp building,I’ve upgraded a few of my guitars and whilst doing that came across videos of people building DIY amp kits etc.
I’ll be sure to watch your other uploads 👍🏼👍🏼
@@mattdoliver1984 Please do, Matt. We hope they're helpful.
@@mattdoliver1984 Thanks, Matt. Best of luck with your project :)
Thank you Uncle Doug. I'm going to restore my 79 Fender Twin Reverb, and it needs either new Tolex, or I may just build and entire new cabinet for it. Either way, nice to have visual reference for applying covering to a cab.
I'm glad the video was helpful, Sean. Good luck with your project.
Thank you for this absolutely wonderful instructional.
You're welcome, SD.
It's getting very cute, a masterpiece indeed. i'm seeing the sixties on it. What a wonderful job :)
Thanks, Rene. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
i wish i could like this several times over.
So do we, Lord T :) Thanks !!
Excellent tutorial! Thanks for taking of you time to publish it to YouTbe.
You're welcome, Chuck :)
I rescind my comment about leaving the cab "natural" that looks great. you've opend the door to different ideas in upholstering amps. for me anyway. i dont speak for everyone else. great video, and you have a very steady hand, I've never noticed you hold the camera I always thought that was rusty's job.
Rusty has some attention-deficit problems, but is capable of doing good work (as long as he gets plenty of chicken to eat and tennis balls to chase:)) Actually, it really is hard to both hold the camera and do work like this, so I apologize for any "camera-wandering", but it's hard to avoid. Rusty and I thank you for your kind assessment, Franky.
Uncle Doug no need for a apology. you could film for hollywood. (when hollywood was worth somthing)
Wow....thanks, Franky. Rusty and I would look good, in shades and Hawaiian shirts, cruising Santa Monica Blvd. checking out the chicks (and female poodles).... :)))))
Quel beau travail !!!
Bravo !
Georges
Vous êtes trop gentil, Georges. Nous apprécions grandement vos très bons commentaires..
Beautiful work!!
Thank you very much, Mark.
Nicely done. All your videos are well done and are invaluable. Thanks for taking the time and pat Rusty for me. Subscribed
Thanks, Mike. Welcome aboard :)
Beautiful work. Thanks!
You're welcome, John.
Great instructions, thank you.
You're welcome, Teresa. Glad you enjoyed it!
Pretty good work, stretching the tolex kinda wears your hands out but there is no other way to do it, yes, I've done this 40 years ago, getting ready to do it again on a 4 by 12" cab and head cab.
It is tiring on the hands, for sure. Good luck with your project :)
Hi Uncle Doug.
First off Great Videos. I noticed your Craftsman table saw doesn't have the cast iron table wings that extend the table out about 18 inches out to either side of the cast iron table. If you would like some I have a set you can have just cover the shipping. The motor in my trusty old table saw was direct drive and it burned out and I could not find a replacement but I kept the parts to someday make a router table out of the center section but I won't need the wings. Let me know if you need them.
+Mark Lange Thanks for the very generous offer, Mark, but my saw has 10" wings on both sides of the cast iron table......and that's about all I have room for. Hopefully, someone else will need them. Best of luck.
Some very good tips, thanks! I think I heard Rusty saying "I don't have thumbs, so holding the camera is tricky" :))
Thanks, Andrew. He's very resourceful and uses his dew claws to hold the video camera :) Unfortunately, he's also rather lazy and focuses way too much attention on chasing the tennis ball.....but I guess I was the same way when I was his age ;)
I hope Rusty wasn't sniffing any contact cement. I guess the OEM style tweed
tolex is harder to find these days? I've used black naugahyde available from local
upholstery places. Cutting the covering for the curvature requires some careful cuts.
Very nice.
SuperCarver2011 Thanks, SC. The tweed is available from Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe, AZ.
Watching this in preparation to do my first build with your inspiration, Doug!
I'm halfway through the chassis at the moment and still sweating about the layout and fitting everything in . It's kinda of 6G2 preamp with AA964 2nd stage and PI with a Blackface power section. I'm using 6SL7 tubes in the preamp and running the heaters for that section DC.
Anyway greetings from Brisbane and back to soldering iron!
Wow.....that sounds like a very ambitious project, Vinny. Keep us informed on your progress.
@@UncleDoug sure thing mate. I tried to send you a pic but this old bloke is not sure how ya do that...
I'm adding a 'Presence' & 'Resonance' circuit as well.
Great clear methods Uncle Doug, thank you! I believe I am going to try LePage contact cement (solvent based) on the wood, and 3M Super 77 on the back of the tolex. Hopefully that combo yields good results.
***** You're welcome, SGT. Let us know how your glue combination works out. I'm always open to new ideas and materials.
Uncle Doug About how long does it take for the second coat of adhesive to be ready on the wood? I think you said around 20 min for the first coat, but I didn't catch the time for the second coat. Also, it seems like you have a little while to work with the material without having to re-spray it - is that right?
The drying time is dependent on the weather. In a hot, dry workshop it will probably dry to the touch within 5 minutes, especially if you use a fan to force dry it. In high humidity or low temperatures, it may take 30 minutes, even with the fan (or a hair dryer).
I look for the shininess of the glue to dull and actually touch it with my finger to see if it is simply a little "tacky" rather than still wet.
You have some working time, but once the glue-sprayed material contacts the glue on the wood, it is not easy to pull loose.....you generally end up stretching the material. Heating with a hair dryer helps.
Uncle Doug Great, thanks Doug! I will be doing this on the deck and it's pretty humid this week. I followed your grill cloth methods, and it came out very well on the first try.
Thank you for this
Excellent video!
Thanks, David :)
I am just in the process of covering an auxilliary speaker cabinet that will be slaved off my
Fender Champion 40. The additional 12 inch powered speaker cabinet will be covered in Tolex 07, with the handle and corners and rubber feet from a online speaker supply store.
The grill cloth to cover athe 12 inch Eminence1248 speaker is as close as the silver style used on the MIC Fender solid state amp.
The inside of the Fender amp has a couple large scale LSI chips to create the amp models and and EFX that guitar players may use.
I'm using one of these monolithic Chinese made small PC board amps (TDA7294 50 to 100 watts) chips depending on power supply rails) to power the additional speaker so that I can slave it off the headphone jack. I using a 10K volume control to control the input level.
There is a fair amount of work to make these smaller amps, including covering it with Tolex. The biggest challenge is bending a piece of aluminum sheet to a 20 degree bend, and then two 90 degree bends to form the chassis to mount the small switching power supply (+35/-35v) and the amp board.
It sounds like an interesting project, SC. Let us know how it turns out.
rusty is the best dog!
He definitely was, Joe. Thanks :)
Sticks like grim death!! Haha cracked me up! Great video thanks for posting
You're welcome, Brian....glad you like it :)
I couldnt resist "YOUR BACKDOOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO HOLD ITS OWN" ...........LOL
Amen, Brian. It's the time you take on generally unseen parts that can turn a good job into a great job :)
Uncle Doug Thanks, winter is coming, so it's time to build a single ended EL84 guitar amp.
You're welcome, Strat. The old workshop is getting a little nippy, so I guess you're right about the season. I'm in the mood for a new project myself....something with lots of pentodes and a transformer PI. Best of luck with your project. I have a FaceBook page: Uncle Doug's Vintage Amps where you can post photos of your electronic creations. Let us know how it turns out.
Uncle Doug My recycle parts are from a Magnavox SE 84 Stereo with a 5Y3 rectifier Cabinet is a Harmony 400 tube amp. My first project may take me about three months of learning and ordering filter caps.
It sounds interesting. Let us know how it turns out :)
Very very helpful!!!!
+Rob A That's good to hear, Rob. Happy New Year !!
The wood you used for that looks perfect for a stained finish with shellac. Surprised you covered that with glue and faux gator leather. I wish I could finish MY cab with stain and shellac to match the custom guitar I made... (I've been using a 1960A Marshall cab for about 30yrs, definitely time to refinish it. Unfortunately, they use unfinished ply)
I guess I thought that it would be best, in a video entitled "How to Cover a Cabinet with Tolex or Leatherette, to actually cover the cabinet with leatherette, AT. I agree that finishing the wood is also nice, but the vast majority of cabinets are covered......and generally not made of a wood that would look good finished.
@@UncleDoug lol, of COURSE, that makes sense. But I meant, the wood you used looks too nice to cover. The cab you built came out SWEET! I just finished my yellow tolex 1960A Marshall cab, and, let me tell you, the contact cement I used is so strong I can taste it. It's awful. I started in my living room with a fan on and all the windows open. Then, it was just too much, so I brought it outside. And still, after the top and sides were done, THEN I decided to use my respirator,... And now, hours later, I'm still tasting that $#¡+.
I agree, AT........but the smellier, nastier, and more toxic the contact cement, the better it works. The sissy water-based cement is for wimps :)
@@UncleDoug lol, haaaa haaaa! (I do have lung damage from being poisoned by the most deadly natural toxin on Earth from a Palythoa coral) Palytoxin... So, I probably should use my respirator every time,... But yeah, I guess this stuff will not come until I want it to)
That's what you get for snorting pulverized Palythoa coral, AT :):):)
This dude is awesome.
+Justin Cunningham Thanks, Justin.....I assume you're referring to Rusty :)
Thanks ,this has made me feel confident enough to do this ,I'm just starting a bass cab ,,fed up with the matt black finish as usual
Greetings, RA. I'm glad to hear that the video inspired you to take on the recovering project. Let us know how it turns out. Best of luck !!!
Hi Uncle Doug thanks so much youve made my cab build so much easier. my 1x12 cab is built to match my PRS 50 combo. getting ready to wrap it with cloth backed tolex. the front, top and sides have a 1/2" round over. is there a technique to properly wrapping the rounded corners. thanks again. Paddy
+TODD BROWN You're welcome, Paddy. I believe I demonstrate a method to do this in the video. The radius is a bit smaller in my cabinet, but the technique is the same. Good luck.
Great tutorial. Thank you. Is there a reason you didn't use the WW cement on the fabric also? Thx
It's virtually impossible to brush contact cement onto vinyl evenly, without puddles that damage the vinyl outer layer.
Great work!
Thanks, Spin. You guys are quick.....I JUST finished posting the video. After I upload, I go back over the video adding notes and clarification, so be sure you see the final version. Thanks for watching !!!
Great video.
Thanks, Pete.
Nice Uncle Doug!!
Chris Tyler Thanks, Chris :)
Uncle Doug heyou where do you buy tolex
Greetings, FP. You can buy it from Antique Electronic Supply in Tempe, AZ (check their online store) or occasionally on Ebay. I often use vinyl materials that resemble leather or reptile grain, and buy it from a local upholstery supply shop. Check the Yellow Pages for suppliers near you. Good luck.
I see it starts to get a little tricky once you get to the cabinet stages! :)
The cabinet corners are the hardest part. Creating a (near) perfect corner definitely takes some practice, especially working with rounded edges in all directions.
Might be a good idea for me to get scrap materials to practice on!
It's always best to practice on scraps. The first few corners are generally not too great, but improve with experience.
Luv your YT presentations. Extremely helpful & informative!
I’ve looked through the comments to see ‘how much material’ is needed for the job & haven’t come up w/ an answer? I’m planning on covering a Dlx Rvb extension spkr cab (open back w/ panels and hoping you might know/guess the quantity needed for the job minus the grill cloth. I realize it’s a larger cab than your cabinet in the video, but an approximation would be helpful .
Really like the faux croc leather material...hot! Thx
Thanks, Rich. You'll have to measure the surface area of your cabinet to determine the amount of material needed. This isn't something that someone can tell you.
Uncle Doug,
I seldom comment on any videos here on youtube, but I just wanted to sincerely thank you for taking the time to make all of these thorough, informative, and excellent tutorial videos. They have really given me a lot of great instruction and confidence in tackling my own projects.
I have watched a lot of your stuff and the depth of your knowledge is impressive to say the least. You could easily work in a custom shop setting for Fender or Gibson on someone like that if you were so inclined. Everything you do is straight to the point and really quality stuff. Were you an engineer of some kind in an earlier career perhaps?...just a guess.
Thanks again for sharing your extensive knowledge with all the rest of us and please say "hey" to Rusty for me.
Thank you so much for your very nice comments, CH. Rusty and I really appreciate your affirmation of our efforts; indeed, response such as yours is what makes it all worthwhile. I initially wanted to be an engineer, but was driven, mostly by parental pressure, into medicine as a career. I later became a math and science teacher and, over time, developed the communication methods that you favor. You are quite welcome, and Rusty sends his regards :)
Thank you Doug for this excellent and clear video. Do you have an online reference for how you do the finger joints. My son and I did them once with my dad helping us in his workshop but he's passed. I've been wanting to do a smaller amp case for a while now but keep putting it off. My ideas was for something similar to a Bassman but in a much smaller cabinet. I recently came across your build of that small Bassman and enjoyed it very much!
You're welcome, Pete. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I found several excellent YT videos on how to create box joints....in fact, that's where I learned how to do it.
@@UncleDoug I see now that you have your own video on how to do it with a link to the one with details, should have searched your own videos first. Thanks again!
I've been anxiously awaiting this video. Great job as always, Doug. I recovered a Valve Junior head a few years ago in a blue sparkle. Looked great, though I learned a lot of what NOT to do, as you will with the first attempt at something. Where do you get that particular brown croc vinyl? Looks great.
Thanks so much, Kevin. There are two upholstery supply shops in town that carry all sorts of spray glue and vinyl materials, including this croc pattern, but in different colors, including maroon and black. You might try your local yellow pages (especially if you live in or near a large city) for upholstery material suppliers. Best of luck!!!
Do you have any pointers for materials that is good for metal surfaces? Thanks.i love your videos Uncle Doug.
Do you mean materials to cover metal surfaces, Allen? I'm not sure I understand.
Lupe would be proud of your craftsmanship.
High praise indeed, Steve. Can you imagine how many chassis she wired ??
Hi Uncle Doug,
Thank you so much for such great care in explaining how to do this kind of work - you are a natural teacher! I'm in the process of designing something involving adhering genuine calf leather to wood - does anything change in the process or materials?
You might spray the back of the material with two coats of adhesive, if it appears to be more porous than vinyl upholstery material. Good luck.