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.toolboxsup...
I used this pine shelving for the baffle and backing:
www.lowes.com/...
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:
allenstradingc...
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/...
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 ✌

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@SteverRob]

I fixed an amp for a friend, I didn't want anything for the repair so he offered some coffee. He said he grew his own, I said "sure". It was amazing. For all I knew, he grew a few coffee plants in a window box. Turns out he's got a plantation in Costa Rica. Half a mountain, employing the whole village, putting the youngsters through college. Coffee is good.

[@jayscanlan2775]

really cool!

[@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

[@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

[@JoshChristiane]

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

[@rangerdoc1029]

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

[@GunsandGuitars]

😂😂😂

[@MasterDaveo]

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

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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

[@97warlock]

I spent 30 bucks home depot, built a 17x17x12 deep Cabinet. another 3 in screws,then painted it flat black, it has handled anything I can give it, heavy loud bass chunky everything. I knew to build it tight & solid , no finger joins or fancy stuff, just a rock solid box built good. 3 years so far.

[@Alrightx2Music]

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

[@red58impala]

Nice repurposing of one item to make another. For those with a Tractor Supply near them. They sell them as well for $18 with free store pick up. I might have to give this a try myself.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Nice tip!

[@lewisbeeman]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@bootlegapples]

Another tip.If you intend to stain it look for a *dye* stain instead of a *pigment* stain.Pine will look splotchy with pigment because it collects in the pores,it gives the typical botched finish look so common at second hand stores,those home staining projects that look like splotchy amateur hour.A *dye* will look much smoother and even because there is no pigment in it,the stain itself is the color.Pigments look best with highly figured grains woods like flamed maple because it accentuates it,but on pine it looks uneven and dirty.

[@slimpicks2570]

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

[@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!

[@magicdaveable]

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

[@UndeadBoogie]

Great project! A couple of pointers from a former picture framer. If you can find Corner Weld wood glue, it is the strongest wood glue I've ever seen. Usually the wood will snap before the joint does when it's used. Also, when you are stretching the burlap or tolex, stretch over the edge, and line up the grain of the fabric with the edge of the baffle, and staple it into the side. This will ensure a perfectly even cover. Cheers!

[@flintdavis2]

edge? what edge? baffle? what baffle?

[@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.

[@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.

[@James.99]

This 112 project would be perfect for my Joyo Zombie

[@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!

[@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.

[@buglofer]

most of the time when i watch dan's videos, i have no plan on doing whatever he's doing. it's just fun to watch :)

[@angelortbo1]

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

[@juusokovala45]

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

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@snowyrain5730]

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

[@shawnlennon1947]

I like your staining technique, the cabinet looks perfect !

[@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.

[@TononiaWorld]

Hey Dan, your cabinet is good ( thanks for the idea ) just bought enough parts on Amazon to make two of them. But will be making some alterations to your design, one, the handles in the wood are going to be located inside and back of the cabinet, cabinet will be painted with sanding sealer, then diluted white acrylic paint, then lacquer, and inside black with polifill (to make the cab have a bigger sound) they will be half closed (giving a best of both sound) and both will have two inputs if you connect the amp to the in and the second cab to the out you can stack them in 8ohm configuration, or use them independent in 4ohm configuration.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Sounds awesome!

[@TononiaWorld]

@@GunsandGuitars did you know that if you look for the item on Amazon " frequently bought together" below have all the parts you used, seems your video made a huge impact

[@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

[@trentnichols5075]

You’ll be glad you left the front free floating. I’m always finding used speakers at goodwill, thrift stores, yard sales & the like. If the price is right & there’s no scratching when I push on the cones I’ll snatch them up. I made a 12”, 10”, and a 8” front for the one built for easy swap outs. p.s. Love your art work too. Wish I had that kind of talent.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Great idea! Not you got me thinking I need to make a 2x10 baffle for this same cabinet!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ;)

[@DrBanzaiPhd]

That modular back idea is spot on.

[@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?

[@kurtisloew108]

Cool vid! Nice job! Inspired me to do the same for my Bugera T5. A little different design and came out great! Picked up bee box from Walmart (free shipping) $28, used speaker for $25 (can always upgrade if need be), misc hardware. All said and done $120. Looking forward to seeing how it sounds tomorrow! Did plug the Bugera into a 4x12 at my friends shop! was killer!

[@xyz-sn7kg]

Headless guitar kit build? 😂

[@RajorshiBhattacharyya]

+1000

[@Shlurrrppp]

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.

[@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

[@daffy627]

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

[@JamieLamb]

Idea...make a DIY infinite guitar sustainer using a single coil or smaller size pickup with supply hardware routed to fit in the back of the guitar. .... that would be a heck of a vid and many would use that in their very own guitars...especially those who want a sustainer and dont want to change out a pickup for the commercial ones.

[@uptopmikep7065]

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

[@malicesmom]

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

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@katinjegat]

Why build a cab when you could just get an Uber

[@bluesbondsman]

I used your video to build a 5F1 Champ clone with a 12" speaker and named it the King Bee. Thanks for the inspiration ! ( a combo amp ) used sea paint and stained it Yellow then clear coated it. A friend made Me cool King Bee decal.

[@GunsandGuitars]

That’s awesome! Great idea!

[@deviatedseptum748]

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

[@sigogglin]

I think this video inspired a lot of people, those bee kits are sold out on multiple sites!

[@gabriels.5556]

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

[@billsmith5054]

I started watching your videos because I want to build a guitar. Now I watch all your videos because you are kinda funny.

[@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

[@that_weirdguy_who_playsbas1567]

This is great! I am a beekeeper and now I have a use for my retired hive bodies!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yes!!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@toddflowers8052]

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

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks Todd!

[@trevord4243]

Love this little cab. Great job. Just did the same thing for my Orange Micro Terror. Great share. Love the engraving too. Nice touch.

[@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.

[@jonmullins8460]

Watched this late last night and ordered a bee box kit from Tractor Supply this morning. I have an Eminence Redcoat Wizard 12" that's been waiting for a cabinet for quite a while. Guess what I'll be doing next weekend...

[@RickDrift]

I just started building atone of amp cabs in the past month.. Very enjoyable hobby.

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

FYI, these are also available at Tractor Supply stores as a flat pack or assembled and painted.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I actually checked my tractor supply store for them and they didn’t have them. But my local one is pretty small. I saw they had them online.

[@philippberry4900]

I don’t know if you mentioned the over all outside dimensions. The brood box available through my local tractor supply store is described as 16-1/4 in. x 19-7/8 in. x 9-1/2 in., which seems about perfect for a 12” speaker. I am REALLY glad KZbin decided I should see this video! Thanks for making it.

[@EverydayKindaGuy]

The groove on the inside of the box is for the frames to rest in. The bees would build their comb onto those frames. I know, old video. As a beekeeper and guitar owner I was amused to stumble onto this.

[@RGMDG]

Open back did sound better from where I am listening. I am going to build one. Thanks Dan..

[@StephenOlner]

The routing in the bee box is for the frames that the bees fill with wax and honey. Pretty cool thing to do with the bee box though

[@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

[@StinkfaceMcPew]

The last couple of videos you posted have been the same projects I've been planning. Literally just got everything together for a 1x12 cab build this weekend. I'm planning on making a center console for my truck if you wanna get cracking on that.

[@AzuriteCoast]

+

[@GunsandGuitars]

Haha okay I’ll look into it for you.

[@GunsandGuitars]

I just found that you can make a center console out of a shoebox and glitter. Go for it!

[@StinkfaceMcPew]

@@GunsandGuitars lol I did not come back expecting THAT.

[@keithh8661]

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

[@treborif]

Best cabinet build I;ve seen so far and best looking cabinet so I'm off to the Bee shop . .I'm putting Gold back 10's in 2 cabs for stereo - and a little foldback . .

[@dollymaehendrix]

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

[@jimcamp2423]

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

[@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!

[@suprakashsaha8481]

That is absolutely nuts to me. I would love to buy one of those!

[@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.

[@j-man9457]

Definitely more dynamic with the open back! However the distortion with the closed back sounds sweet I gotta say! Nice job on the build. I live out of the box thinkers like you! No pun intended lol!

[@kristopherworkman645]

the routing in the top is to hold racks for the bees to blow comb in for either honey or bee bread

[@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!!!

[@shanecabbage2187]

Absolutely awesome! Now to watch the bass cab build.

[@VuLamDang]

14:35 is because the frequency is inverse proportion to the height of the air column (the distance from the baffle to the back). The shallower your back the higher your base frequency is, thus open back give your better base response

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bubbahotepglitterskank8427]

Good to know. Thanks man

[@freeelectron8261]

Nice job! Closing the back gives a resonant bass boost at a frequency determined by the box size. It sounds better closed to my ears.

[@cosmodozer]

Awesome work !!! And even better, is this tutorial. Going to try one this weekend.