Converting an open-back guitar cabinet to a closed cabinet can be a great way to improve the sound quality and projection of your amp. A closed cabinet will trap more sound waves, which can give your amp a warmer, fuller sound. It can also help to reduce feedback.
Here are the steps on how to convert an open-back cab to a closed cab:
- Gather your materials. You will need the following materials:
- A piece of plywood or MDF to fit the back of the cabinet
- A drill
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Measure the back of the cabinet. Use a tape measure to measure the width and height of the back of the cabinet.
- Cut the plywood or MDF to size. Use a saw to cut the plywood or MDF to the dimensions you measured in step 2.
- Drill pilot holes. Drill pilot holes in the corners of the plywood or MDF. This will help to prevent the screws from splitting the wood.
- Attach the plywood or MDF to the back of the cabinet. Use screws to attach the plywood or MDF to the back of the cabinet.
- Apply wood glue. Apply wood glue around the edges of the plywood or MDF. This will help to seal the cabinet and prevent sound from escaping.
- Sand the edges. Sand the edges of the plywood or MDF to smooth them out.
- Paint or stain the cabinet (optional). If you want to, you can paint or stain the cabinet to match the rest of your gear.
That’s it! You have now converted your open-back cab to a closed cab. Enjoy the improved sound quality and projection!
Here are some additional tips for converting an open-back cab to a closed cab:
- Use a thick piece of plywood or MDF. A thicker piece of wood will help to trap more sound waves and give your amp a warmer, fuller sound.
- Use a sound deadening material. There are a number of sound deadening materials available that can be used to further improve the sound quality of your closed cabinet.
- Seal the cabinet properly. Make sure that the cabinet is sealed properly to prevent sound from escaping.
- Experiment with different finishes. You can experiment with different paints or stains to find a finish that you like.

