Build your DREAM guitar cabinet for LESS THAN $50!!!

This is my unconventional way of building a custom boutique style 1x12 guitar cab out of a deep brood bee keeping honey box! It was only for the pine enclosure and it was pre cut and jointed which made building this WAY easier, plus I paid for a finger jointed edge glued pine shelving board to use as my baffle. I also used some scrap wood I already had, an old speaker cable for the internal wiring, and some hardware that I got on amazon for a grand total of less than! (not including the speaker). The speaker is an eminence Lil Texas 12' 8 Ohm speaker. Here is the parts list:
*Prices mentioned in this video are subject to change without notice. Please check the links below for current pricing.
I started with a deep brood bee keeping box like this (this is the best price I could find online after shipping):
www.toolboxsupply.com/product...
I used this pine shelving for the baffle and backing:
www.lowes.com/pd/Metrie-Commo...
Here is the hardware I ordered on Amazon:
handle (2pk): amzn.to/2VruYXr
corner protectors: amzn.to/2PUdz3u
rubber feet (8pk): amzn.to/2YqUr0h
The speaker I used is an Eminence Lil Texas, I didn't include it in the cost because this is about building the guitar speaker CABINET, speaker choice is just personal preference:
amzn.to/2VVIz8S
Try out some of this Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee here:
allenstradingco-online.com/co...
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission.
Want a Guns and Guitars shirt? buy one here: teespring.com/stores/guns-and...
Facebook: / gunsandguitarsofficial
Instagram @gunsandguitarsofficial
Support me on Patreon: / danthompson

[@unculturedcapybara8301]

Seeing since the cabinet turned out so well why don't you make a amp head to go with it? I'm sure you'd do a good job!

[@AzuriteCoast]

More dangerous, but definitely worth doing.

[@alphacentauri34]

No that would be quite insane

[@GunsandGuitars]

Challenge accepted

[@alphacentauri34]

@@GunsandGuitars good luck... Your going to need it. Don't burn your house down!

[@northshoregruni]

@@GunsandGuitars well, i made a 1x12 cab including a pedalboard and a 30w amp... i've sent you a dm on instagram where you can check that out ✌

[@kieferbradley2860]

this isnt my dream gutar cabinet, but it is my dream video! Ive been looking all over the internet for a vid like this!!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Awesome, now go build your dream!

[@IETCHX69]

Kiefer Bradley ...Well. WE have been looking ALL over for your spooky-ass avatar , ya durnd weirdo .

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

The routine on the inside is where the frames sit that hold the sheets of wax that the bees build the honey comb on. That is actually a deep “brood” box. It sits on the bottom portion of the hive where the bees raise new worker bees. Just a little beekeeping trivia for anyone that cares.

[@brettanderson2881]

Very clever Dan. I used to make similar boxes and sold them for $30. No idea I could rebrand them as guitar cabs and sell the for 3 times that. Nicely done

[@GunsandGuitars]

Missed opportunity

[@robertwahlroos6976]

Me and my dad are watching, he says kudos on the great outside the box thinking. Yup, he compliments in dad puns.

[@yqwgjsg]

Actually he was thinking inside the box.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I was just trying to not BEE BAFFLED ...l’ll see myself out...

[@marc20147]

respect!

[@Allottedaaron]

Perfect. I've been trying to figure out how to get a cabinet with finger joints pre-cut and this is absolutely brilliant. My plan is to cover it in tweed.

[@wilsard]

the routed edges inside the top of the box are for hanging individual slat pieces that the bees build cone inside. you can pull the individual ones out to inspect how the bees are doing.

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

The finish looks great on that! Sounds pretty good too. I've been wanting to get a 1x12 cabinet, maybe I'll just build one now. Can't wait for the mini tube amp shootout!

[@rk28984]

I built an oversized 2x12 cab from scratch with 18mm Birchwood. It's way easier than you think and a lot of fun. It cost around 200 bucks in total including 2 used speakers (a Eminence Governor and a WGS Reaper HP). You can find some video I uploaded playing through it on my KZbin channel.

[@yzatnews1124]

I'm working on a similar project right now, but with 2x8" speakers. I'm deciding on which head to buy! I'll wait to see your findings. You rock Dan!

[@firefist8511]

Who said anything about buying a head? _probably him but I'm only 5 minutes in_

[@RoyalProtector894]

@Indo Surfer please explain in detail. I'm intrigued. I believe I have the same amp lying around somewhere

[@randall4411]

I bought a speaker 6 years ago after a friend gave me some 50 year old pine boards to make one . Thanks for the video it fired me up again . I'm doin it!

[@chrisAclaes]

This came out terrific. Thanks for the clear and detailed instructions. I’m planning on making my first cab (2x10 for bass) so I’m trying to learn as much as I can about the process. Thanks again!

[@GunsandGuitars]

I plan to do one for bass as well, but bass cabs require quite a bit more engineering

[@lewisbeeman]

This is awesome. And that custom engraving is what sets it apart. Great job.

[@MasterDaveo]

This is the kinda content I come to your channel for 👌 nice one Dan superb keep up the great effort guys 👍

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@nathanmclauchlan5148]

Great idea on the open back vs closed back amp. You can always switch easily if you wish. Love your videos Dan. Look forward to next weeks video too.

[@n.h.moreno]

Great video and great work!!! I have been wanting to use an old guitar speaker and two 10" kenwood speakers to make a floor monitor and this inspired me. Frugality doesn't mean it CANNOT BE FANTASTIC!

[@slimpicks2570]

Awesome 😎 Very cool!!! Can’t wait for your budget tube amp post 👍🤙🏾 🎸

[@rangerdoc1029]

"I'm not self-medicating. I have a prescription.... Well, the barista calls it a receipt, but whatever".

[@GunsandGuitars]

😂😂😂

[@donovanhowardmusic]

The routing is for racks to slide in. That's what the wax goes in that the Bees make honey in. Great repose of a clearance item. Love all your budget builds. Especially the Telecaster and Firebird. Rock on!

[@gharodc614]

This video was awesome Dan. I am definitely will be making one for me. Thank you very much for this video. Can’t wait to hear the tube amps demo with your new cab. Blessings

[@Alrightx2Music]

Those routs are to hold the wax frame that the bees build the comb on. Nice job!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

I have too say, as cool and creative as this video is. The best part of the entire video is, when you time lapsed the barbeque skewers neing hammered in. That turned out pretty wicked. Great job !!

[@noctisnoctua48]

I don't do drugs, but if I did, I would do them while watching that over and over again.

[@madmikemike]

Omg yes I loved that. Thought I’d be the only one haha

[@ThatBassistK]

I've been mulling the idea of a dual cab build over for a while now; guess I gotta get started now! Thanks, Dan, you're always right there to show us there's an easy and inexpensive way to make exactly what we want.

[@GunsandGuitars]

That’s my goal in life!!!

[@keithh8661]

Great video,so nice ta see someone,who goes Out of their way ta help people

[@dougarnold7955]

Nice job. I'm not into firearms but it looks like you have a neat channel. Thanks.... ...14:43 yeah if you want bass open back is a better bet because the bass tones need air space to become full. Higher tones don't move as much air...it's really about air movement. I'll sub for your tube amp shoot out. Thanks.

[@magicdaveable]

The routing on the ends inside to box are for the "bars" that hold the honeycomb.

[@malicesmom]

I love your vision on this project. Taking and unlikey object and turning it into guitar gear. Awesome!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@stu-j]

I've made a few 1x12 cabs for friends over the years using old celestion speaker's from broken amps. They are fun to make and sound awesome...

[@123Ir0nman]

I was literally thinking about building a 1x12 cab earlier today!

[@auntjenifer7774]

You literally use the word literally way out of context and it's funny I can use the word in context when I correct you and I use it the same way you use it pretty much but not the same way get it?

[@anthonycamillos3719]

It's routed for the honey frames. I'm kind of jealous that I didn't think of this! I keep bees and have made 1x12 a few times

[@wordzenpix]

Really enjoyed the whimsical, alternative design, a breath of fresh air. Excellent non-sponsored plug as well.

[@JohnPaulHare]

Definitely saving this for the future. I've been toying with the idea of building my own cabinet so I can try out different speakers without swapping the stock speaker out of the combo amp I'd be using to test them.

[@chriscarreno4930]

Amen Dan!!! Beautiful!!! Great job!!! Very encouraging!!! The Bible says, A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance and doeth good like a medicine.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks Chris!

[@James.99]

This 112 project would be perfect for my Joyo Zombie

[@jacobl6572]

Nice work. That bread box kit is fantastic. Those finger joints are hard to make since you have to design a jig. They make a very strong joint. I use 12" wide pine missing the knots, no screws needed, just clamps and glue being sure it is square. I screw and glue from the inside all the trim parts. I also make the speaker hole a little smaller than the mounting diameter, it can bring our better bass.

[@snowyrain5730]

SO GLAD I saw this today. Just ordered 2 of them! Gonna make a full stack (2 x 1 x 12) for my incoming DSL1HR !

[@JoshChristiane]

That coffee your friend sent you is generally very expensive and considered some of the best coffee you can buy.

[@Sylencer1982]

For coffee, I get a bag of Starbucks Komodo Dragon blend, ground really fine. Then I throw it through a little Mr. Coffee espresso machine, and add enough cream and sugar to make it *kinda* taste like normal coffee. Just one cup, when consumed quickly, will let you see *time itself.* Heh.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

This would be perfect for the 2 Orange minis and the Peavey mini. I love the sounds I get from them from the mini Orange cabs so this will be a nice change. Great idea to allow all wiring configurations. As usual you deliver the goods.

[@domoniquebrooks816]

Thank you! I was looking for cheap guitar cabs! Greatest coincidence ever!

[@angelortbo1]

Nice job Maybe a little insulation will give you a softer base.

[@dbingamon]

A great idea, I bought one of the rectangular bee box (Super 8FR from Better bee) and I'm building an amp using the Fender 5F1 schematic with a virtual ground addition and an 8" speaker. I reversed the hand slots on the sides to be inside the cabinet and filled the top and bottom slots with wood filler. The Tolex , grill cloth, feet and handle is on order and I should have it completed by next week.

[@glasswood2369]

Hi, Matt. Thanks for this video. It inspired me to build one using the brood box, and it was a lot of fun and came out looking really nice. I wish I could post pics here

[@yohaneswidiasmoro9249]

I'm amazed by how you make the speaker hole.. it proved that you're genius and creative!

[@cmrnk3554]

It’s an incredibly common router technique.

[@EdwoodCA]

9:04 What is this sorcery? You just hovered the hammer over the skewer / dowel, and they just dropped down into place.

[@asherrose4114]

It's sped up and the shutter speed of the camera makes it do that

[@nesciomusic]

@@asherrose4114 Wooosh

[@jesse_cole]

"Build your DREAM guitar cabinet for LESS THAN $50!!!.... that is, if this random thing I just made is your dream guitar cabinet. Otherwise, it's going to cost you considerably more." lol, regardless, I like this build.

[@Ivory_Mist]

What a great looking cab! I really dig your color choices when you build stuff man.

[@drumnchris]

Seriously this is one of my favorite channels and I,m not even guitar player! I'm looking forward to the 2019 IEM shoot out.

[@GunsandGuitars]

It’s gonna be a great video!

[@daffy627]

"local craft shop" *is Joann fabrics* lol i had to laugh at that, but great video

[@snowyrain5730]

btw, that coffee is like $50 a bag! I think that dude has a crush on you LOL

[@cmstudios11]

I just turned my first guitar amp combo Crate XT120R into a 2x12. Love that I can keep my first "amp" with my 20 years later.

[@shawnlennon1947]

I like your staining technique, the cabinet looks perfect !

[@uptopmikep7065]

The route wasn't deep enough? Lucy, you got some s-planing to do!

[@michaelinglis8516]

Closed backs will have less bass cause theres less air for the speakers to move. Common misconception is to think it would have less bass with an open back. But at some point we all have the ah ha moment when we open the back of one of our cabs and its ridiculously bassier. But with the open back its a lot less "clear" its kinda like the speaker has no limit which can sound great for some scenerios (typically cleaner playing) and not so good in others (higher volumes and with lots of gain) although there are always expections to the rule. Also an open back cab will be much louder than a closed back built identically which once again is due to the amount of air the speaker is able to move. A closed back cab is more controlled sounding since its in a confined space that is as airtight as possible. So the speaker cant run away on you and tends to stay a lot clearer. These are facts but like I said there is always going to be exceptions to the rule.

[@juusokovala45]

So many cool ideas in one video and it turned out really well. Im glad that you make so differend content

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@shanecabbage2187]

Absolutely awesome! Now to watch the bass cab build.

[@pulse9218]

Why don't you make a 4-string resonator box guitar? It would be a great project I'd love to see (Oh, and I like the beard 😂)

[@bradowens4052]

Ideas for home made resonator cones?

[@xyz-sn7kg]

Headless guitar kit build? 😂

[@RajorshiBhattacharyya]

+1000

[@xxextremegaemrcoolxx5017]

Yes please

[@andreambuter6806]

YES

[@adrian2433]

Yes please, I'm so tempted to buy the muslady one

[@RajorshiBhattacharyya]

@@adrian2433 don't. Their quality control is atrocious and hardware quality is sub par. Had a horrible experience with the headless kit.

[@dustinbarnes9327]

Thanks for your video! It inspired me to do my own build with the same box. I put an Eminence CV-75 in mine and paired with an Orange micro terror I love the tone. Fun project

[@ChristineJump]

The lighter baffle is a nice design touch. And now I see a good reason to get a Dremmel extension kit. Thanks. this is a great tutorial. I've subscribed.

[@mjodr]

There's probably a few comments like this, but I'll add. I just built my first guitar cab. While the materials were really cheap, the tools were not. I decided to use a jig saw for the circle, instead of a router, and now I want a router to finish the edges. That was $60 at Harbor Freight. I didn't have clamps either, so there was another $35. I was lucky and could borrow a circular saw, belt sander, and orbital sander. But man, unless you are already a woodworker...it isn't exactly $50 to build your first cab.

[@colekaos]

I was thinking the same. Great video, fun to watch, but it's $50 for materials and prolly $300 for tools?

[@TheRealChetManley]

A lot of people already have those tools. Project costs don't generally include tools.

[@CurtisBlankstein]

large hardware stores like Home Depot, etc generally rent out tools like that, fyi.

[@mattdyck9931]

I recently saw a comment on something along the lines of "When you see a recipe for a cheap meal online, it doesn't include the costs of the dishes or oven, so why would any other project include tool costs?". Makes sense to me, but I can definitely see where you're coming from.

[@mjodr]

@@mattdyck9931 Most people have a kitchen and kitchen appliances/tools. Not everyone has a wood shop in their garage. Looking back on my original comment, it is kinda silly the point I made, but I still think some of it is valid. I don't know how many musicians are also avid wood workers with a plethora of tools in the garage, but it can't be all of them. Thus it seems weird to me to title the video with the price of making a cab, like that's the only investment. I dunno, I can see both sides.

[@hextray]

A way of doing it: not good. A better way to do it: nah. The best way to do it: meh. The Dan Thompson way: that' it. Seriously, great (and inspiring) video ;)

[@dollymaehendrix]

i love the worn out look on all of the things you build gives it so much personality

[@wallabyparty5443]

This is so cool. I am vey exited for more amp and cab stuff!

[@gabriels.5556]

I know this is probably getting VERY repetitive, but when is that firebird followup coming out?

[@deviatedseptum748]

I was disappointed that the intro didnt turn into "Walk This Way" smh

[@A14b19]

Oh thanks now I know how to get a perfect circle for my cabinet now I need to find pine birds like you have here in UK.... Lovely job

[@MikeS63301]

Looks good. I’ve built cabs like this using 1/4 ply for 10-12” speaker baffles, 3/8 ply for singles 15” speaker. Mount on cleats like older Fender combo cabs. Use good wood and it resonates very well.

[@TheDVM1]

hahaha welp there is ANOTHER project added to the list lololol the wife is going to start hating you lol just kidding she already does loloolo nah I always take the blame for ya hahha

[@katinjegat]

Why build a cab when you could just get an Uber

[@jamesbeswick5971]

Thanks for doing this man! You inspired me to do this! I ordered a beekeeper box for the build today So pumped!

[@pauljapheth7142]

Awesome build my friend. You did it your way and it sounds great. I love the cab finish. Respect.

[@Gs39012]

"only costs $50!" then he put a hundred dollar speaker in it...

[@qua7771]

Good sounding guitar speakers aren't cheap.

[@snowyrain5730]

Amp cab costs less than $50 but a guy sent him $100 of coffee for free lol

[@marccarter1350]

That's not my dream cab. It's a Vox Handwired Series Cabinet AC30HW with Alnico Blue Speakers. If you can knock one of them up for 50 dollars, I will be well impressed!

[@EmbelekoBand]

Very well thought out build, especially for it being a first time build.

[@peterdebad1]

Looks fantastic and sounds even better! Thanks Dan!!

[@jimcamp2423]

Love the option of open vs fully enclosed back cabinet. Use some hand tighten fasteners for easier, on the fly conversions.

[@Harryk7988]

Awesome that you just had the idea, saw the opportunity, and just went for it off your own intuition, serious respect earned from me

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks Harry!

[@toddflowers8052]

Cool idea Dan, that came out nice ! Looking forward to the amp demo ! Have a great weekend !

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks Todd!

[@johnkingma225]

Fantastic idea, thanks. I found cheap knotty kits and bought 3. Using a Wangs 5watt tube amp and 10" speaker. might run 2 x 10" boxes, great fun.

[@0713mas]

That sounds incredible! Looks awesome too

[@RaptorV1USA]

Sweet I've been trying to decide between buying a decent used cab and building one for me and then another for my buddy who plays bass... This gave me some excellent ideas and the bump I needed to start collecting the parts. Nice job. Stay safe and well!

[@DaisyHollowBooks]

YES! I’ve been hoping you’d do something like this!

[@calvinstulip]

Cool project - turned out really nice. Thanks for the upload.

[@DeadlyFredXXX]

Totally need to try this over the summer, seems like a fun project.

[@JamieLamb]

Dude this is freaking awesome!!! As much as I know in guitar/music theory, technique, etc..and doctor stuff...I have learned 90% of my guitar/electronic tech stuff from you. I greatly appreciate your vids.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks Jamie!

[@DrBanzaiPhd]

That modular back idea is spot on.

[@kanwaljheinga4739]

Great job.sounds great and looks warm in any room.

[@gabor222]

Looks very good and I like the idea of building it from an available box. I have built a similar cab of pine shelf material a couple years ago. What I am doing differently is that I like to hide the screws so I prefer to drill the screws from the inside out when it is possible (unlike you did it at 4:20).

[@keithsmith9889]

That's a great little cab.. The idea of open back or sealed sold me now i gotta go build my own. Great tips

[@doug941]

You rock bro! I always enjoy your channel!

[@ibanezsr505latin]

This is the best video by far on DIY speaker box im inspired

[@seanmccann2513]

Thanks for the video. It's a great DIY project and has a couple of ideas that can be used for other projects.

[@ATreacherousFoe]

I built a couple of 12" cabs from pine a few years back. One is closed back with some 2" holes in the front and the other is open back with thicker front and back panels and they actually sound pretty good together with a Blackstar HT Studio 20. Building your own cabs is a lot of fun. Mine don't look nearly as good because I sanded them by hand with sand paper, but I like to think of it as custom lol. This video was awesome man, I'll be looking for that bee box so I can build a few of these too!

[@DarthEcoli]

Definitely better as a closed back. I'll be looking for this bee keeper box kit. Finger joints rock.

[@oqsy]

I will admit I was too quick to judge your channel. The first couple of videos I saw weren’t my cup of tea, but I’m converted now. Your approach to building guitar kits and diy projects is exactly what I am after. Lots or room for personal choices and very fun to watch. Subscribed!

[@Krow_Lenin]

You're my hero, you music Macguyver! A rubber band, a paper clip, a stick of gum, and a light bulb filament, end result a marshall stack complete with tube amp head.

[@JR-dd4ec]

Thank you, this will my fall/winter project 😊

[@mozilla2576]

That was a fun project to watch, thanks!

[@cyko4]

I was about to build a 2x10 cab for my daughter, and there you go giving me ideas, great video as per the Norm!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Sweet! A 2x10 would be awesome. You might be able to fit 2 10’s in that bee box if you offset them

[@cyko4]

@@GunsandGuitars that's not a bad idea either, I'll let ya know how it goes!