WATKINS DOMINATOR CABINET

Mr_dB · Post by **Mr_dB** » Mon 03/05/07 5:36 pm

http://www.vintage-radio.com/trg/index.html

Sid Chaplin was the guy, but the samples on his page aren't particularly interesting.

user669 · Post by **user669** » Mon 03/05/07 9:01 pm

I found this stuff here.

It's vinyl wall covering which said it was fabric backed and it is the same weight as most tolex (18oz) . I ordered a sample to check it out.

There are thousands of this vinyl wall covering out there and its cheap.

I just hope it's workable on a cabinet.

I have blue tolex but it's not the same as what is on the dominator.

Strat · Post by **Strat** » Mon 03/05/07 9:28 pm

Don't know if these folks can sort you out but the BL 45 looks very close.

http://www.fjratchford.co.uk/shades.asp?product_id=6

It's listed as Rexine RX 15 and RX 17 which I presume are weights.

Mr_dB · Post by **Mr_dB** » Mon 03/05/07 9:46 pm

The Rexine used on the old Brit amps was a paper-backed material, not cloth-backed. It's quite thin.

Mr_dB · Post by **Mr_dB** » Mon 03/05/07 9:47 pm

user669 wrote:I found this stuff here.

It's vinyl wall covering which said it was fabric backed and it is the same weight as most tolex (18oz) . I ordered a sample to check it out.

There are thousands of this vinyl wall covering out there and its cheap.

I just hope it's workable on a cabinet.

That texture looks good.

user669 · Post by **user669** » Mon 03/05/07 10:36 pm

Here is the back panel, I had to make some ajustment to the vent cutout due to the chassis not being the same. I have to order some thin gold pipping to finish this you can see the lower right ran out of pipping.

Strat, thanks for the help. I do have some tolex that shade of blue.

The only thing left to do is buy up all the old books with that type of Rexine and rip the covers off!

Mr_dB, If it glues down on a cabinet well I think it will look good.

Strat · Post by **Strat** » Tue 03/06/07 9:48 pm

True the majority of Rexine was thinner than the Tolex we use but not all was paper backed. This 58 Selmer is definitely cloth backed. I'll have a look at an early 60's Dansette record player I have in the loft and check that.

user669 · Post by **user669** » Sun 03/11/07 7:30 pm

The Dominator Cabinet is almost done. I have the tolex on and the piping, feet, handle.

I had to put in a special order for some white grillcloth and that comes in on Thursday.

By next weekend I will have it completed and will post a photo.

tarzanalog · Post by **tarzanalog** » Mon 03/12/07 1:00 pm

Please do... I'm very interested in the outcome.

user669 · Post by **user669** » Thu 03/15/07 11:07 pm

Here it is everyone! black and gold Dominator style cabinet! OH and it has 2-12" speakers.
It sounds great with my bassman head and I bet a 36 watter would be killer in this cabinet.

<img src="http://www.ampcabco.com/pics/dominator1.jpg">

What do ya think??

Mr_dB · Post by **Mr_dB** » Fri 03/16/07 2:20 am

Neato!

I see that on stage with a Gretsch 6120, an upright bass, and a cocktail drum set.

user669 · Post by **user669** » Fri 03/16/07 11:32 am

Here are more photos...
If you are interested in this cabinet and need help with building or tolex e-mail me and I can send you the dimenisons and methods that I used to make this cabinet.

<img src="http://www.ampcabco.com/pics/dominator2.jpg">
Here is the back of the cabinet.
<img src="http://www.ampcabco.com/pics/dominator3.jpg">
And the top

gene · Post by **gene** » Fri 03/16/07 11:39 am

That is beautiful! Not being a real woodworker, I am interested in when these will be available to order from you.

Thanks.

gene

echuta13 · Post by **echuta13** » Fri 03/16/07 12:32 pm

That really turned out nice user669! The piping, and other accents really look slick.

I'd be interested in getting some details on the construction/dimensions you used. I"ve done one cab that is loosely based off the Dominator (very loose), but I always liked the retro look of the Dominator itself.

tarzanalog · Post by **tarzanalog** » Fri 03/16/07 12:41 pm

Great job Mike!!!

Needs a swanky slipcover now...

I would definitely be interested in the construction details... particularly how you attached/braced the angled corners. Would the chassis just fasten to the back... or did you build in a chassis shelf to support it?

Poppatwang · Post by **Poppatwang** » Fri 03/16/07 1:01 pm

3 Homina rating (homina scale runs 0 to 3).

user669 · Post by **user669** » Fri 03/16/07 6:10 pm

Thanks for the great comments everyone!

Gene, if you go to my website I have a page for the Dominator cabinet go check it out!

The construction of the prototype was done using 1/2" Baltic birch for the 5
" sides and 3/8" BB for the front panels. Top and bottom were done with 1/2" BB also. The 2 speaker baffles are 3/8" BB

where the chassis mounts there is a piece of 1/2" BB glued to the top 1/2"BB 1" total to support the chassis and protect the control knobs.

On the prototype I made 2 front panels with the edges cut at the correct degree and made a rabbited cut on the top and bottom area so they had a place to sit. Behind the front panels there are wood supports for extra hold.

I got a blank chassis from turretboards.com that will fit this cabinet very well and I made the inside shelf brackets so you can just slide it in and tighten it down. The chassis is not going anywhere that way. I really put a lot into this and it is VERY well made.

It may take me a little time but I will have to draw some plans up if anyone wants them.
If you are wondering why someone that builds cabinet would give out plans to build cabinets... well one: there are people that are going to build their cabinets no matter what and there are people that are going to have someone else build them. AND two: Handing over my plans lets people see just how much I put into my work.

Thanks Again Everyone Keep the Comments Rolling!

Here is a photo of the chassis I am going to build the amp on. It's nice and shiny.

<img src="http://www.ampcabco.com/pics/combochassis.jpg" />

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Fri 03/16/07 9:49 pm

user669 wrote:
If you are wondering why someone that builds cabinet would give out plans to build cabinets... well one: there are people that are going to build their cabinets no matter what and there are people that are going to have someone else build them. AND two: Handing over my plans lets people see just how much I put into my work.

Thanks Again Everyone Keep the Comments Rolling!

/>

Mike,

This is TOO true. Many folks start out planning to build a cab, but if the price is fair and the product is high quality, buying a cab is so easy and desirable! And if you don't have the tools or a good shop, it's a no brainer. Let's us build more amps.

If you build them, I'll buy one!

tarzanalog · Post by **tarzanalog** » Sat 03/17/07 12:12 am

HEY! That's sounds like a pre-order! I had mine in first!!!

user669 · Post by **user669** » Sat 03/17/07 1:33 am

I am glad to have such a good response to the cabinet!!

I am finishing the details on this cabinet and need your help on some things.

1. The corners for the baffle. The original dominator had 90 deg. corners and I have curved corners on the prototype. Should I keep it that way or do you like it better with sharp corners?

2. If you had a dominator cabinet what colors would you choose?

I would be interested to know what everyone’s responses are!

I am getting ready to build a small run of Dominator style cabinets and would like to know what people think!

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WATKINS DOMINATOR CABINET

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