I just picked up an older Marshall cab (pre-barcode) that I'm redoing the tolex, grillcloth, and wiring on, and I had a few questions about the history of Marshall cabs and what aspects of cab construction in particular are desireable. If anyone has any info or opinions on the matter, that would be great.
I've been particularly comparing to some pics of classic pre-'72 Marshalls since they're so highly praised, like this '69:
...as well as a pic I found of the newer HW series cabs that are raved about
:
Here's the things I'm thinking about specifically:
1. From what I've read, the originals and the HW cab have a plywood back, where as the standard 1960 cab has an MDF back. Is plywood preferable, or is there a preference/trade off aspect? Since I'm in the process of re-tolexing the cab, it would be pretty easy for me to replace the back with plywood since it's just one square piece with some holes.
Update: It appears that the plywood is desirable and I estimate I can get a piece of baltic birch for like $20.
2. As you can see in the above pics, these cabs both have a baffle support that runs from the middle of the back of the baffle to the back. This also sounds like an easy feature to implement since it's just a chunk of 2" x 2". How does this contact with the back panel? Is there some type of padding to prevent the baffle support from buzzing against the back? Maybe there's a screw that screws into the support from the back?
Update: I've looked around more and the support seems to be pretty common at least on the good ones, so I'm gonna add it. It has a screw that goes in from the back, no padding, with the consensus saying it should be perfectly centered.
3. Another thing that looks interesting to me is the four triangle shaped wood pieces on the baffle corners on the old cab pic. Looks like they're there for additional baffle support. This would be another easy add-on. Anyone ever seen this? Looks like they're stapled to the baffle.
Update: this may be unnecessary if you caulk the baffle as suggested in the Youtube video I posted below, not sure yet.
4. Why does Marshall use those crappy rivets on the corners and anti-skid plate instead of screws? Would there be any drawback to using screws instead?
Update: Still no definitive answer on this one, but I'm starting to think it maybe just for cosmetic reasons. I'm starting to think I'm going to leave off the corner guards, make it look like the HW cab.
Also, if anyone has any other general cab modding or tweaking tips or something I haven't thought of, please share.
Thanks!
