If you’re a guitar enthusiast or musician, you know that tone is everything. And what better way to achieve your desired tone than by building your own guitar cabinet. In this article, we’ll be discussing the wiring diagram for a 2×12 guitar cabinet, including the necessary tools, materials, and step-by-step instructions to make your own cabinet and achieve your perfect tone.
What is a 2×12 Guitar Cabinet?
A 2×12 guitar cabinet is a speaker enclosure that houses two 12-inch speakers. It’s a popular choice for guitarists who want to achieve a full, rich sound without the bulk of a larger cabinet. Unlike a 1×12 cabinet, a 2×12 cabinet allows for more air movement and a wider sound dispersion, resulting in a bigger and more open sound.
When wiring a 2×12 guitar cabinet, there are two main wiring configurations to consider: series and parallel. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Series Wiring
Series wiring is the most common wiring configuration for a 2×12 guitar cabinet. In this wiring configuration, the two speakers are connected in a daisy chain, with the positive terminal of one speaker connected to the negative terminal of the other. The remaining positive and negative terminals are then wired to the input jack of the cabinet.
Series wiring results in a higher impedance, which can be beneficial for certain amplifier and speaker combinations. It also has the effect of reducing the overall volume of the cabinet, making it a good choice for smaller venues or practice spaces.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Series Wiring
| Materials Needed: | Tools Needed: |
|---|---|
| Two 12-inch speakers | Soldering iron and solder |
| Speaker wire | Wire cutters/strippers |
| Input jack (mono) | Phillips head screwdriver |
| Soldering flux | Drill |
| Soldering stand | ¼-inch drill bit |
1. Begin by disconnecting any existing wiring from the speakers and input jack of the cabinet.
2. Use a wire stripper to remove approximately 1 inch of insulation from the ends of the speaker wire.
3. Insert one end of the wire into the positive terminal of the first speaker and solder it in place.
4. Insert the other end of the same wire into the negative terminal of the second speaker and solder it in place.
5. Take a new piece of wire and insert one end into the negative terminal of the first speaker and solder it in place.
6. Take the other end of the same wire and insert it into the positive terminal of the second speaker and solder it in place.
7. Use a wire stripper to remove approximately 1 inch of insulation from the input jack wires.
8. Solder the positive wire to the tip connector of the jack.
9. Solder the negative wire to the sleeve connector of the jack.
10. Drill a hole in the back of the cabinet and mount the input jack using the screws provided.
11. Test the wiring by plugging in your amplifier and playing through the cabinet.
Parallel Wiring
Parallel wiring is the second wiring configuration commonly used for a 2×12 guitar cabinet. In this wiring configuration, both speakers are connected directly to the input jack of the cabinet, with the positive terminal of each speaker wired together and connected to the tip connector of the jack, and the negative terminal of each speaker wired together and connected to the sleeve connector of the jack.
Parallel wiring results in a lower impedance, which can be beneficial for certain amplifier and speaker combinations. It also has the effect of increasing the overall volume of the cabinet, making it a good choice for larger venues or outdoor performances.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Parallel Wiring
| Materials Needed: | Tools Needed: |
|---|---|
| Two 12-inch speakers | Soldering iron and solder |
| Speaker wire | Wire cutters/strippers |
| Input jack (mono) | Phillips head screwdriver |
| Soldering flux | Drill |
| Soldering stand | ¼-inch drill bit |
1. Begin by disconnecting any existing wiring from the speakers and input jack of the cabinet.
2. Use a wire stripper to remove approximately 1 inch of insulation from the ends of the speaker wire.
3. Insert one end of the wire into the positive terminal of the first speaker and solder it in place.
4. Insert the other end of the same wire into the positive terminal of the second speaker and solder it in place.
5. Take a new piece of wire and insert one end into the negative terminal of the first speaker and solder it in place.
6. Take the other end of the same wire and insert it into the negative terminal of the second speaker and solder it in place.
7. Use a wire stripper to remove approximately 1 inch of insulation from the input jack wires.
8. Solder the positive wire to the tip connector of the jack.
9. Solder the negative wire to the sleeve connector of the jack.
10. Drill a hole in the back of the cabinet and mount the input jack using the screws provided.
11. Test the wiring by plugging in your amplifier and playing through the cabinet.
FAQ
What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring connects the two speakers in a daisy chain, with the positive terminal of one speaker connected to the negative terminal of the other, resulting in a higher impedance and reduced volume. Parallel wiring connects both speakers directly to the input jack, resulting in a lower impedance and increased volume.
What type of wire should I use?
You should use speaker wire, which is specifically designed for connecting speakers to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
Can I mix speaker sizes in a 2×12 cabinet?
While it’s possible to mix speaker sizes in a 2×12 cabinet, it’s generally not recommended. Mixing speakers of different sizes can result in an uneven sound and may cause damage to the speakers.
What tools do I need?
You will need a soldering iron and solder, wire cutters/strippers, an input jack (mono), soldering flux, a soldering stand, a Phillips head screwdriver, a drill, and a ¼-inch drill bit.
What is impedance?
Impedance is the resistance to the flow of electrical current in a circuit. In the context of a guitar cabinet, impedance is measured in ohms and determines the compatibility between the amplifier and speakers.
Can I use this wiring diagram for other speaker sizes?
While this wiring diagram is specifically for a 2×12 guitar cabinet, the principles can be applied to other speaker configurations by adjusting the wiring accordingly.
Conclusion
Wiring a 2×12 guitar cabinet may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and materials, it’s a manageable project that can result in a customized cabinet capable of delivering your desired tone. Whether you choose series or parallel wiring, always remember to test your wiring before use to ensure proper functionality and safety.
