Making a wooden guitar amplifier stand is a great DIY project, and it can be a fun way to personalize your gear. Here’s a basic guide on how to make a simple wooden amplifier stand:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wood (preferably plywood or hardwood) – 1/2 inch thickness works well
- Wood screws (or nails)
- Wood glue
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular saw, jigsaw, or hand saw)
- Sandpaper (medium to fine grit)
- Drill with screw bits
- Wood finish (optional, for sealing and aesthetics)
Basic Steps:
Design & Measurements:
- Start by deciding the dimensions of the stand based on your amplifier’s size. For example, if your amp is 20 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 15 inches high, you’ll want a stand that comfortably fits these dimensions.
- Height: Consider how high you want the amp to sit. A common height is around 6 to 8 inches off the ground for better sound projection.
- Angle: Some stands are angled slightly upward to project sound toward the player. A typical angle is around 15-20 degrees.
Cut the Wood Pieces:
- You’ll need four main parts: the top piece (to hold the amp), the base (to support the stand), and two side pieces to form the frame.
- Cut the wood using your saw:
- Top Piece: This should be slightly larger than the bottom of your amp (e.g., 2-3 inches on each side).
- Side Pieces: These will be the vertical supports, typically around 6 to 8 inches tall (depending on your height preference).
- Base: A simple rectangular piece that will hold everything steady.
Assemble the Stand:
- Start by attaching the side pieces to the base using wood screws or nails. Apply wood glue at the contact points for extra durability.
- Next, attach the top piece to the side supports, ensuring it is level and secure. You might want to use screws for added stability.
- If you want to angle the amp, you can cut the top piece at an angle (use a protractor to measure the desired angle).
Finishing Touches:
- Sand down the edges and surfaces to smooth out any rough spots.
- If you like, apply a wood finish to protect the wood and give it a polished look. Staining or painting the stand is optional, depending on your aesthetic preferences.
Optional Design Tweaks:
- Adding legs: If you want more height or style, you could attach small wooden legs to the bottom of the stand.
- Amp tilt: For an amp that faces upwards at an angle, you could either adjust the side pieces or create a slanted top piece for better sound projection.
Tips:
- If you’re unsure about measurements, it’s always a good idea to measure your amp multiple times before cutting.
- If you’re new to woodworking, you can start with basic designs and then experiment with more complex features (like adding a shelf for accessories or cable management).
This DIY project can be adjusted to fit your specific needs, whether you want a basic or more decorative amp stand! Do you have any specific measurements or amp model you’re working with?