Designer:
Mc3DesignsbyMcGill

Project Category:
Bookshelf Speakers

Project Level:
Beginner

Project Time:
8-20 Hours

Project Cost:
$100 – $500

Project Description:
First time making a speaker, although I have made several cutting boards.

Design Goals:
I initially had this type of a design in my head for quite a while. The concept actually came about from my girlfriend at the time, who really liked to play music in the bathroom. The mono speaker was because of space considerations of a small room.

Driver Selection:
I settled on this driver because of its wide spectrum and how well it paired with the tweeter on sound and looks.

Enclosure Design:
Basically its a cutting board hollowed out. There are about (I lost count) 14 2/3″ black walnut board stacked vertically and hollowed out.

Enclosure Assembly:
Lots of glue, and sanding which is never done. I used Minwax brand Dark Walnut stain with a tinted (Mixol Copper and Mixol Black) Varathane Clear Satin polyurethane finish. I found the Mixol tints at a guitar website. It was pretty cool coming up with my own custom tint. It actually has some metal flake look in certain lights.

Crossover Design:
I choose a Parts Express off the shelf one and confirmed the correct crossover with one of the techs at Parts Express. Kevin or Nick I can’t remember

Tips & Tricks:
Take your time.

Conclusion:
A fun little project that actually sounds really good for a mono speaker. I’ve worked with wood and finishing a fair bit, but between using reclaimed black walnut and trying to use a gloss urethane was a bit of a cluster. Satin definitely is the way to go for a less than pristine wood.

About the Designer:
I’ve built a few homes and have done a fair bit of finish work. Been into home theater for quite a while and appreciate a good sound system. Currently have a set of Paradigm Reference speakers which I love and a well love set of SVS barrel subs.

Project Parts List: