Since the last post, I finished staining the cab. I used Minwax Red Mahogany on the box and Varathane Summer Oak on the speaker baffle. Before staining soft woods like pine, it’s important to use a wood conditioner so that the wood stains evenly. I used Varathane wood conditioner, but any will do.
After staining, I applied three coats of semi-gloss polyurethane to the box, sanding lightly between each coat with fine sandpaper (220 or 320 grit). I’m really happy with the color and sheen. I debated between semi-gloss and glossy; while I liked the glossy look, I was afraid there would be too much reflection off the cab from stage lighting. After three coats of semi-gloss, I’m glad I went with that finish.
In this picture, the box has been stained and polyurethaned, but the speaker baffle has not.
Rear braces with a hole cut for the jackplate…
I added casters to the bottom of the cab. It will be much easier to move that way. If they rattle when I play, though, I’m taking them off. Basically, they’re on probation. We’ll see if they get chucked or not.
