When building or upgrading your guitar rig, choosing a quality empty 1×12 speaker cabinet can enhance your tonal options and speaker customization. An empty cabinet allows you to install speakers of your choice, tailoring sound and power handling to fit your style. Below is a comparison table of some of the top empty 1×12 guitar speaker cabinets available, followed by detailed reviews and a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Town 1 x 12″ Empty Guitar Speaker Cabinet | Sound Town | Birch plywood, black tolex, compatible with Celestion/Eminence speakers |
| Seismic Audio 1×12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty, Orange Tolex | Seismic Audio | 7-ply birch plywood, removable front grill, front or rear speaker loading |
| Seismic Audio 1×12 Cube Cab Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty | Seismic Audio | Birch plywood, orange tolex, wheat cloth grill, front loading |
| Seismic Audio 1×12 Vintage Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty | Seismic Audio | 7-ply birch plywood, orange tolex, wheat cloth grill, front or rear loading |
| Goldwood TR12F 12″ Single Truck Box Speaker Cabinet | Goldwood Sound, Inc. | Sealed, CARB compliant MDF, slanted front, universal fit for 12″ woofers |
Sound Town 1 x 12″ Empty Guitar Speaker Cabinet
The Sound Town 1 x 12″ Empty Guitar Speaker Cabinet offers a robust build with birch plywood construction ensuring durability and resonance. This model features a classic black tolex covering paired with a wheat cloth grill for a vintage look. It is designed to be compatible with well-known Celestion and Eminence speaker models, making it easy to customize your setup with quality audio drivers. Its straightforward design makes it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a reliable, sturdy frame to house their preferred 12″ speakers.
Seismic Audio 1×12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty – Orange Tolex
This Seismic Audio 1×12 cabinet stands out for its 7-ply birch plywood construction, offering both light weight and high durability. It includes an orange tolex cover and a black cloth grill that is removable for easy front speaker loading or installation. The design also incorporates removable back panels enabling rear speaker loading for additional flexibility. Ideal for DIY enthusiasts and professionals aiming to build a custom cabinet with quality materials and aesthetic versatility.
Seismic Audio 1×12 Cube Cab Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty
The Seismic Audio 1×12 Cube Cab is a compact and functional option with the same sturdy 7-ply birch plywood frame seen in other Seismic Audio models. Wrapped in bright orange tolex and topped with a removable wheat color cloth grill, this cabinet allows for convenient front loading of your preferred 12″ speaker. The cube design aids in efficient sound projection and tight bass response, suitable for a variety of musical styles.
Seismic Audio 1×12 Vintage Guitar Speaker Cabinet Empty
This vintage-style Seismic Audio 1×12 cabinet features 7-ply birch plywood wrapped in classic orange tolex and a removable wheat color cloth grill. It allows for either front or rear speaker loading due to its easily removable grills and back panels. With its versatile loading options and strong build, it fits well whether you want a traditional aesthetic or functional convenience for speaker installation.
Goldwood TR12F 12″ Single Truck Box Speaker Cabinet
The Goldwood TR12F is a sealed single 12″ woofer speaker cabinet designed originally for vehicle audio but applicable as a speaker housing for guitar setups needing a compact box. It features a slanted front panel for speaker mounting which can affect sound directionality. Constructed with CARB compliant MDF, black aviation grade carpet covering, and gold binding posts, it provides a sturdy and universal option for users measuring accordingly to fit a 12″ woofer with specific mounting dimensions.
Buying Guide for 1×12 Empty Guitar Speaker Cabinets
Choosing the right 1×12 empty speaker cabinet depends on multiple important factors to ensure compatibility with your build and desired sound quality:
Material and Construction
Birch plywood cabinets are often preferred for their durability, resonance, and professional-grade quality. Cabinets made from thick plywood (usually 7-ply) deliver better tone and longevity than cheaper particle board alternatives. Look for cabinets with reinforced corners and high-quality coverings like tolex or carpet for added protection.
Loading Options and Accessibility
Cabinets with removable front grills and back panels offer greater flexibility in speaker installation. Choose models that allow for front or rear speaker loading depending on your comfort and the speaker’s requirements. Easy grill removal also enables cleaning and upgrades without hassle.
Compatibility With Speakers
Ensure the cabinet size and mounting hole dimensions match your intended 12″ guitar speakers such as those from Celestion or Eminence. Some cabinets specify compatibility, helping you avoid ill-fitting installations. Also consider the cabinet’s volume since it affects the tonal characteristics and speaker performance.
Aesthetic Preferences
The cabinet’s finish influences your stage presence and personal style. Common choices are black or orange tolex with cloth grills in either wheat or black color. Vintage looks with wheat grills often appeal to blues or classic rock players, while black finishes suit modern and metal genres.
Weight and Portability
If you gig frequently, prioritize lighter cabinets like those constructed from birch plywood without heavy metal parts. Compact designs such as cube cabs or truck boxes may also offer better portability without compromising too much on sound quality.
Additional Features
Look for extra conveniences such as metal corners for protection, comfortable carrying handles, and high-quality binding posts or input jacks for reliable connections.