Would like to have headshell built for Peavey Amp.

[The Polish Hammer]

I have a Peavey Renown 1-12 (blue stripe) amp chassis in my collection (it's basically a Supreme 160 in combo form) and would like to have someone build me a headshell for it.
Nothing fancy, don't even need tolex, or anything...Basic.
Has anyone here had one built or build them? Would I be better off just buying a cheap rack case and "racking it" and go that route?
Figured I ask here first before venturing off and wasting money... Ya know..

Regards,
Kris...

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Building a headshell is relatively straight forward. All you're doing is making a simple box. I don't know what kind of tools you have available. Power tools make it easier/quicker, but it can be done with simple hand tools and a little extra work.

If you watch some youtube videos on it you'll see a lot of people use box or finger joints. I've recovered several heads and most used butt joints. If I build one I'll use a rabbet joint or butt joint with a couple pin nails. So far that has been strong enough to hold up with no issues.

If you're not planning to cover with tolex it makes things a little easier. Just use a basic plank of straight wood from the big box store. There's even Some videos of people using IKEA shelving to make a shell. Once the shell is done stain it (optional) and a couple coats of wipe on clear finish. Let it dry and done. If you want to go fancier you can use hardwood like maple, walnut, or whatever.

If you're covering it, use plywood or MDF for the shell, it'll be cheaper. Since you don't have to worry about sound like with a cab, you can use whatever plywood is available. You don't need expensive 13 ply baltic birch or anything. You can get a project size of 3/4" Sande Ply from the big box store. For covering you don't have to specifically use tolex, upholstery vinyl will do just fine. I've bough stuff from Big Z Fabrics. They have a good selection of styles and colors.

Covering isn't too bad either, just a little time consuming. The hardest part is doing the corners. Good thing though is they make wrap-around corner protectors that can hide any fuckups there. There's a bunch of youtube videos on how to cover a headshell. Search for Uncle Doug's videos on it. It's one of the better ones. One tip: You can use spray glue, but make sure to get the "industrial strength" one. I've had bad luck with the "normal" strength lifting up. The better option is Weldwood brush on contact cement. Less mess and easier to work with than spray.

Here's a couple I've done.

I went a little fancy with the hardwood here. Shell is walnut and bloodwood with maple for the "piping".

This is the most recent one I've finished for the Modulus Marshbar amp I'm trying to get working.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

Those are absolutely gorgeous..
That's what I'm looking for. Someone who knows what they are doing and already has the stuff to do it.
I honestly can fix anything, but when it comes to woodworking I am lost.
For me to go out and purchase the stuff to make a headshell it would be ridiculous.
Just putting some feelers out there for anyone that might have converted a Peavey or just in general knows what the hell they are doing.
I appreciate your time for the response, way cool of you.
I can measure some specs- width, depth, mounting nut distances, etc. And if anyone (yourself included) would like the "challenge" I'm all for it...

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I'm all about doing things yourself if you can. Woodworking isn't bad. Like anything else it just takes patience and practice. That and it can be just as much of an artform as it can be a technical endeavor. I've been hobby woodworking for 20 years so I'm used to the challenges. For a newcomer; like when I first started, I can see how some basic aspects can seem daunting at first.

As far as the headshell goes if you're not up to DIY; There are several here that have/do build shells. Though I don't know how many do it as a side business. Unfortunately don't have enough free time to be able to do work for other's in a timely manner. I'd end up being the new Larry. You'll get your shell in 5-7 years.

If no one here can do it for you, the next best bet is to contact a place like Mojotone or Sourmash that can do custom work.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

It's all good.... Never hurts to ask..
No, we don't need any more "Larry's" running around lol.
I think you spelled "Decades" wrong. Hahah...
Again, thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

[griff10672]

I make my own also ..... but I have a Laser that'll cut through 3/4 Birch plywood .... perfect finger joints everytime

even with the laser ... I find making headshells a pain in the ass ..... maybe if my shop was more designed to do it I could crank them out easier ..

Doing tolex isn't my favorite thing to do either ....... even though the results can be quite worth it

 

[The Polish Hammer]

 

[blackba]

Because you are going from a combo to a headshell, you want to look for a head cabinet that will have the amp chassis on top of the headshell (Fender style). This will make your controls readable.

In my case I am looking for a headshell for a Peavey Triumph 120, which will have the chassis on the bottom (Marshall Style). If you have the dimensions, you can look to see what Mojotone and sourmash might already offer.
In my case the amp chassis is 18 3/8in wide by 8in deep and 6.5in tall. I am emailing mojotone to see what they tell me.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

Sourmash looks promising but mojo is expensive. I don't think mojo does "custom" stuff. The website just shows generic marshall/fender styles.
I'm thinking maybe just getting a inexpensive 3 space rack case is the way to go.
Peavey used to sell head and combo cabs but they stopped years ago.
Bummer....

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Sourmash looks promising but mojo is expensive. I don't think mojo does "custom" stuff. The website just shows generic marshall/fender styles.
I'm thinking maybe just getting a inexpensive 3 space rack case is the way to go.
Peavey used to sell head and combo cabs but they stopped years ago.
Bummer....

I think Mojotone will do custom headshells. You just have to contact them about it. I'm sure it would be more expensive than their normal products, but from what people say they do good work.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

I'm gonna keep looking and see what I can find. I can't see spending more on a empty cab than the amp was worth.
If it was a new cabinet for my Marshall or something I'd be all for it.

 

[Music&Chaos]

I'm gonna keep looking and see what I can find. I can't see spending more on a empty cab than the amp was worth.
If it was a new cabinet for my Marshall or something I'd be all for it.

Summary: I want a custom hand made headshell for very cheap. I am unwilling to build a rectangle myself and also refuse to pay another builder what they ask, so I will 'keep looking'. Gotcha.

Maybe you can look up people selling gear as nonworking or just for parts that is close enough in size/dimension you can swap it in there.

Barring that, the cheaper rack space idea will also work.

 

[blackba]

I just contacted Sourmash as well.
Both Sourmash and Mojotone don't list the openings on their head cabinets and that is the key with what I am looking for on the triumph 120.

Drilling the mounting bolt holes in the bottom shouldn't be too bad.
Not looking forward to trying to find the reverb tank, but I do have the reverb cable.

Servicing this amp for a friend, who said it let the smoke out.

 

[blackba]

Got a response for Mojotone and they said their openings are 16 3/8, not the 18 3/8 I need on the Triumph. They referred me to Sourmash who said they can do custom work.

The alternative is I getting a production cab from Mojotone and just cutting a larger opening, but getting that to look right with an already tolexed cab would not be super easy.

 

[The~Kid]

Got a response for Mojotone and they said their openings are 16 3/8, not the 18 3/8 I need on the Triumph. They referred me to Sourmash who said they can do custom work.

The alternative is I getting a production cab from Mojotone and just cutting a larger opening, but getting that to look right with an already tolexed cab would not be super easy.

I think MojoTone can do custom stuff based on their builds. VBoutique is another option and hell Griff here at RT looks like he does amazing work as well.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

Summary: I want a custom hand made headshell for very cheap. I am unwilling to build a rectangle myself and also refuse to pay another builder what they ask, so I will 'keep looking'. Gotcha.

Maybe you can look up people selling gear as nonworking or just for parts that is close enough in size/dimension you can swap it in there.

Barring that, the cheaper rack space idea will also work.

Woah...
I never said I was unwilling to build one. I just don't own the tools to cut and assemble one. And I never said "custom" or "very" cheap.
I'm not keen on paying 450 bucks for a empty headshell (that's not even guaranteed to fit) that's just going to be used to hold an amplifier I spent way less money on.
I just need something basic.... Not all frills and tolexed...Those two companies wont do that.... gotcha??
Yes, the rack idea might have to be a option.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

I just contacted Sourmash as well.
Both Sourmash and Mojotone don't list the openings on their head cabinets and that is the key with what I am looking for on the triumph 120.

Drilling the mounting bolt holes in the bottom shouldn't be too bad.
Not looking forward to trying to find the reverb tank, but I do have the reverb cable.

Servicing this amp for a friend, who said it let the smoke out.

I believe there is a site called Amplified parts or something and they sell the exact peavey spec reverb tanks. If I remember the triumph uses the short three spring tank.

 

[Music&Chaos]

Woah...
I never said I was unwilling to build one. I just don't own the tools to cut and assemble one.

"Those are absolutely gorgeous..Someone who knows what they are doing and already has the stuff to do it.
I honestly can fix anything, but when it comes to woodworking I am lost.
For me to go out and purchase the stuff to make a headshell it would be ridiculous."

Sounds unwilling to me.

I can measure some specs- width, depth, mounting nut distances, etc. And if anyone (yourself included) would like the "challenge" I'm all for it...

Willing to provide measurements to have someone else build it for you - that makes it custom, regardless if the product is tolexed or not at the end.


"Those are absolutely gorgeous." + "That's what I am looking for."

Doesn't sound like you wanted just a plain rectangle of wood.

Also: "Sourmash looks promising but mojo is expensive. I don't think mojo does "custom" stuff. The website just shows generic marshall/fender styles."


Probably why the response you received multiple times is to contact a custom builder for a custom cabinet and the end result is you stating it is too expensive.

 

[The Polish Hammer]

"Those are absolutely gorgeous..Someone who knows what they are doing and already has the stuff to do it.
I honestly can fix anything, but when it comes to woodworking I am lost.
For me to go out and purchase the stuff to make a headshell it would be ridiculous."

Sounds unwilling to me.


Willing to provide measurements to have someone else build it for you - that makes it custom, regardless if the product is tolexed or not at the end.


"Those are absolutely gorgeous." + "That's what I am looking for."

Doesn't sound like you wanted just a plain rectangle of wood.

Also: "Sourmash looks promising but mojo is expensive. I don't think mojo does "custom" stuff. The website just shows generic marshall/fender styles."


Probably why the response you received multiple times is to contact a custom builder for a custom cabinet and the end result is you stating it is too expensive.

Do you know me? Have we met?...
You are coming off with a bit of 'tude and seem like you are looking for a "fight"..
We don't know each other. So it would be best if you eased up a bit...
You reposting what I've said is exactly my points.
Someone who knows what they are doing.
They ALREADY own the tools/router/jigs for cutting mating areas.
I'm not going to go out and spend over I would guess 1500+ dollars on all the stuff to make a box (once) to hold a amplifier that cost a fraction of that new.
Why wouldn't I say those headshells looked nice? They do look great, he does awesome work.
Again I'm looking for something basic, I never said I wanted frills.
Providing basic dimensions isn't what I would call all that crazy. Am I supposed to leave someone just guessing the size of something I'm looking for????
And my "Multiple" responses??? One person said they didn't have the time and wouldn't want me waiting forever. And the other showed me his work and left it at that.... Not what I would call telling me to get bent and take my business elsewhere.
Yes mojo and sour ARE too expensive. 450 for a cab with frills I don't want and THEN have to screw with it more to make things fit... No thank you.
So yes, the rack case might have to do.
Finally... The fact I took the time to explain/defend myself pisses me off to no end...
I recommend this conversation between us about a stupid box of wood is done.

 

[griff10672]

New empty cab shells are way too expensive IMO ......

I had bought a couple of Sourmash ones .... but wasn't impressed with them .... but that's just me .... I know a lot of people get the Sourmash stuff

you can buy enough 3/4 inch Birch to build an 800 size head for under 100 bucks .... tolex will cost you maybe 40