About Sam Hill Custom
Introduction
My principal aim, in designing and building these cabinets, is to provide you with a product that allows you to freely create music unhindered by the limits of your equipment. Although I hand build each of these cabinets myself, I do rely on a number of musician's inputs to address the wants and needs of those in the trade, and to fine tune the aspects of each cabinet to best suit its purpose. Each model has been prototyped, tested and rebuilt multiple times to achieve the goals set for each design and to deliver a quality of build and sound that aides your search for the perfect tone.
Materials
The type of material, and thickness of material, can have a huge effect on the final sound and tone of a speaker cabinet. For this reason, I have chosen to use Baltic Birch plywood in most of my cabinet builds. Its uniform plies, thicker face veneers and stringent production process means that it is virtually free of voids and goes toward creating a product that is stronger, more reliable and far more consistent than regular plywood. These attributes also allow Baltic Birch plywood to have a warmth that is missing in manufactured materials such as particle board or MDF, whilst maintaining a repeatable consistency that is absent in (especially new growth) solid woods.
Joinery
Although each of these speaker cabinets has been designed to achieve different voices, they do still share basic principles. Beyond their ability to withstand everything, from a comfortable studio life to a rigorous tour schedule, they also need to be a joy to play through and faithfully replicate your tone at any volume. These attributes are made possible, in no small part, by the joinery I utilize in their manufacture. The nature of Baltic Birch plywood means that a combination of rabbet joints and grooves can be used to create a substantially stronger (than traditional) speaker cabinet that is able to resonate, project and fill a room without losing quality or adding noise that can sully your sound.
Customization
Excepting a few products, that are currently available, each of the cabinets I build are made to order. The listed prices are for the models shown and are the base price for those models. Any of these cabinets can be customized to suit your aesthetic desires by switching out tolex or grill cloth, changing handle styles or adding corners. Additional fees for these changes will be based on material costs and confirmed prior to construction. Changing speaker configuration or cabinet dimensions is also possible, though I may not be able to verify the attributes of such a customization until the cabinet is built.
Speakers
If you're choosing a loaded cabinet, I will be using Warehouse Guitar Speakers (excepting the Eminence Delta 15A in the bass cabs).
The WGS speakers listed with each model are based on my personal preferences and feedback from musicians testing the cabs. With tone being so subjective, these combinations may not be exactly what you're looking for. With the variety of offerings from WGS I am sure you can find the perfect match, and I can install something more appropriate for your desired sound. Click on the button below to check out the Warehouse Guitar Speakers website, and feel free to contact me regarding the pairing of cab and speaker to best suit your needs.
Traditional
The Traditional is my take on the classic guitar speaker cabinet. By combining 5/8" Baltic Birch with its slightly oversized interior and off set speaker placement, this cabinet adds just a little voice to your tone and enhances the character of your driver of choice. These benefits can be further utilized by choosing between an open or closed back, ensuring that you can fine tune your sound and truly do justice to the rest of your rig. Handle positioning was chosen to make load in/out as comfortable as possible and it's hard to find a situation where the classic styling would look out of place. A 4x12 may be in this line's future but, because of the materials and construction methods, these cabinets produce a wide tonal range with the ability to project a full, rich sound that will fill a surprisingly large venue for their size.
TR-112
- 5/8" cabinet
- 5/8" rear load baffle
- 5/8" closed or open back
- top mounted recessed steel handle
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- black Bronco tolex
- black jute weave grill cloth
- 24"w x 18"h x 10 3/4"d
- $490 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $590 + tax/shipping - Retro 30
TR-212
- 5/8" cabinet
- 5/8" rear load baffle
- 5/8" closed or open back
- top and side mounted recessed steel handles
- 3/4" x 1 1/2" rubber feet
- black Bronco tolex
- black jute weave grill cloth
- 29"w x 20"t x 11 3/4"d
- $580 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $680 + tax/shipping - Retro 30 and ET65
Studio
The Studio is the result of a project that started life as an experiment to improve on a classic by changing construction methods and tweaking material thicknesses. The goal was to create a cabinet that would be passive enough to highlight the tone of your amp and emphasize the voice of the speakers, whilst also adding a warmth and fullness that would add just enough of its own color. After many trials and tests, the final product ended up using mixed material thicknesses, slightly adjusted dimensions (compared to that of the inspiration), a 2 degree slant to the baffle and a floating grill. The creation of a floating grill is testament to how much thought went into this cabinet. There was a noticeable difference, slight but noticeable, between the cabinet having a grill, and there being no grill. By using rubber grommets and moving the grill frame in from the edge of the cabinet, the isolation manages to avoid the harshness, created by removing the grill, whilst avoiding the audible oddities created by introducing a regular grill. Another benefit of raising the grill, in this way, is that we could set the most efficient distance between speaker and grill cloth for mic'ing the cabinet. Although many of these aspects lend themselves to studio use, because of the cabinets range and clarity, it is more than capable of covering any musical style, and enhancing the tone created by the rest of your rig
ST-112
- 5/8" cabinet
- 1/2" rear load, angled baffle
- 1/2" closed back
- top mounted lay-flat handle
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- black Taurus tolex
- black and tan weave grill cloth
- 15 1/2"w x 18 3/4"t x 14"d
- $510 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $610 + tax/shipping - Veteran 30
ST-212
- 5/8" cabinet
- 1/2" rear load, angled baffle
- 5/8" closed back
- top mounted lay-flat handle
- 3/4" x 1 1/2" rubber feet
- black Taurus tolex
- black and tan weave grill cloth
- 30"w x 18 3/4"t x 14'd
- $630 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $830 + tax/shipping - Veteran 30's
Contemporary
The Contemporary began it's journey as a commission for someone who wanted to replicate an iconic speaker cabinet. The resulting 1x12 had a surprisingly big sound and appeared robust enough to be dropped off the back of any number of pick-up trucks or loading docks. Some fine tuning of construction methods and a few tweaks to a couple of the dimensions leads us to the ultimate touring workhorse. Essentially, it's a heavy duty monocoque speaker cabinet that, with the right driver, will just keep getting louder and louder whilst retaining clarity and definition. The originals had a panel, to protect the speakers whilst in transit, which is available with these. Though I also offer a grill cloth option or just the grill frame, that could be wrapped with some tie-dye fabric maybe, or your favorite band T-shirt. Because the cabinet is designed to be glued up as one piece, the speaker needs to be loaded from the front and is held, firmly, in place with aluminum clips clamping the speaker's frame. Upon request these clips can be exchanged for a standard T-nut and machine screw, utilizing the speaker's existing mounting holes.
CO-112
- 3/4" cabinet
- 3/4" front load baffle
- 3/4" open back
- top mounted recessed steel handle
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- teak oil finish
- 1/2" transport panel or black Somweave grill cloth
- 15"w x 15"t x 14"d
- $440 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $550 + tax/ shipping - ET90
CO-212
- 3/4" cabinet
- 3/4" front load baffle
- 3/4" open back
- side mounted recessed steel handles
- 3/4" x 1 1/2" rubber feet
- teak oil finish
- 1/2" transport panel or black Somweave grill cloth
- 15"w x 30"t x 14"d
- $560 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $780 + tax/shipping - ET90's
Fugue
The Fugue range is greatly influenced by the classic back lines that adorned the heavy rock/metal stages of the 70's. Being oversized, heavy and a little awkward to carry, they're not everybody's first choice for a speaker cabinet but they provide a sound and tone that is almost transcendental.
The 115 is a 15" vented bass cabinet that will, just as happily, take a 15" guitar speaker and elegantly turn its hand to slide or lap steel.
The three panel back of the shallow, oversized 212 allows multiple configurations of closed or open back, meaning that you can easily fine tune it to your choice of speakers and playing style.
There's not much to say about the vertical, staggered 412. It's big, clear, loud, and hits in every way you want it to.
The 212115 is a whole different beast, based on the happy coincidence of stacking the 212 and 115. This cabinet is a sealed 2 x 12" and a vented 15" in one unit. It can be used as either a bass or guitar cabinet and combines the sustain of the 15 and the punch of the sealed 12's to create a huge sound that holds its tone and gets right to your very core.
FU-115
- 3/4" cabinet, 1 1/4" front edge
- 3/4" vented, rear load baffle
- 3/4" closed back
- side mounted spring loaded inset handles
- 3/4" x 1 1/2" rubber feet
- black Nubtex tolex
- black/silver/white grill cloth
- 24"w x 22"t x 15"d
- $570 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $690 + tax/shipping - Eminence Delta 15A
FU-212
- 3/4" cabinet, 1 1/4" front edge
- 3/4" rear load baffle
- 3/4" adjustable three panel back
- side mounted spring loaded inset hinges
- 3/4" x 1 1/2" rubber feet
- black Nubtex tolex
- black/silver/white grill cloth
- 24"w x 29"t x 11 1/2"d
- $530 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $730 + tax/shipping - Veteran 30 and ET65
FU-412
- 3/4" cabinet, 1 1/4" front edge
- 3/4" rear load baffle
- 3/4" closed back
- side mounted spring loaded inset handles
- 2 1/2" swivel wheels
- black Nubtex tolex
- black/silver/white grill cloth
- 24"w x 40"t x 15"d
- $840 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $1190 + tax/shipping - Veteran 30's and ET65's
FU-212115
- 3/4" cabinet, 1 1/4" front edge
- 3/4" two part rear load baffle, vented lower
- 3/4" closed back
- side mounted spring loaded inset handles
- 2 1/2" swivel wheels
- black Nubtex tolex
- black/silver/white grill cloth
- 24"w x 40"t x 15"d
- $950 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $1350+ tax/shipping - Veteran 30, ET65 and Eminence Delta 15A
Mod
The Mod was built with profilers and IR loaders in mind, but ended up being a versatile, all-round cabinet that sounds much bigger than it looks.
The 12" speaker is offset, to avoid soundwave interference, the cabinet is mid-sized to avoid too much voicing, and the 5/8' Baltic Birch construction creates a balance between brightness and warmth. With a closed back, and loaded with an FRFR speaker, it was designed to faithfully replicate your profiles, whilst keeping the 'in the room' amp and cab feel. With the open back, it's transparency really emphasizes your choice of speaker. If you want break-up and growl, installing a WGS Green Beret will do that, if you're looking for a soulful, American tone, a G12C/S will get you there. If you run pedals, or want to focus on your amp, an ET65 will spotlight your tone and make your rig shine.
Whilst we are on profilers, many are available in rack mount sizes or floor/stage versions, but if you have a Kemper toaster model, and want a little more protection for your investment, I make a shell. It extends at the front, to protect the knobs and buttons, and requires no modification to the Kemper for fitment. It even utilizes the unit's strap/handle, to keep the Kemper aesthetics, and replaces the feet for a little more clearance when placed on a cabinet. The standard shell is made with 5/8" Baltic Birch, and can be wrapped with your choice of Tolex or Tweed, but it is also available as a solid wood shell.
MO-112
- 5/8" cabinet
- 5/8" rear load baffle
- 1/2" open or closed back
- top mounted lay-flat handle
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- green bronco tolex
- black woven grill cloth
- 18"w x 20" t x 9 1/2"d
- $390 + tax/shipping - unloaded
- $490 + tax/shipping - ET65
- $560 + tax/shipping - Celestion F12-X200
- $570 + tax/shipping - Kemper Kone Neo
Kemper Toaster Shell
These head shells are provided with all hardware necessary to fit your existing Kemper, toaster style, Profiler.
The tolex version is constructed of 5/8" Baltic Birch and is available in many different tolex/tweed colors and styles.
The natural finish, pictured above, is Sapele with maple splines and is finished with Teak oil. Many different wood species are available, as are multiple stains, lacquers and oil finishes.
Please contact me regarding further options and pricing for specific finishes.
- $270 + tax/shipping - green tolex
- $300 + tax/shipping - Sapele
Pedal Boards
Pedal boards may not be the most important part of your rig, regarding tone, but they can make your life much easier and tidier, and bring another element of style to your home, studio or stage.
As well as offering these models, at a standard size, just about every aspect can be customized to suit your needs. Whether it's a basic board, with an open underside and simple slots for wiring, or a full case with stepped levels, pass throughs and dedicated space for an expression pedal. Sizes, finishes and hardware can all be adapted to fit your specifications. The pedal surface is lacquered to allow use of hook and loop tape and is 1/2" thick, so that brackets or power supplies can be firmly screwed in place. A wide range of tolexes and finishes are available, and the Baltic Birch plywood can be stained, before lacquer, if that's the aesthetic you're after.
Not only does the number, and size, of pedals matter, also consider cable access. If the standard slots and holes don't work for you, we can get more specific with the cable routes.
Different power supplies have different requirements, regarding space and access, be sure to check specifications.
If you are not planning on using your first and last pedal directly, as guitar in and amp out, there are many pass-through options. If you need much more than 1/4" in and out I would suggest one of the Mod products, from Rockboards. These units offer a wide range of pass throughs, including 1/4 jack, XLR, USB, midi, and various power options, and these boards can be adapted as necessary.
Because of the variety of options available, please contact me with any questions you have regarding custom sizes, finishes or requirements.
Classic
Classic
Classic
Simple and stylish. If you're goal is to keep your home or studio rig accessible and tidy, this is the board for you. The sloped deck makes pedal switch access more comfortable, and leaves space underneath for cable routing and to mount a power supply.
- sloped deck, 1 1/4" to 2 1/2"
- tolex wrapped sides
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- pre-catalyzed lacquer finish on deck
- 17 1/2"w x 2 1/2"t x 13 1/2"d
- $175 + tax/shipping
Tray
Classic
Classic
A no-frills, flat board with the option of a removable lid. This straightforward design is perfect if you are regularly changing up your pedal chain, with easy access to all pedals and wiring, whilst still maintaining an organized, professional rig.
- flat deck
- tolex wrapped sides
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- pre-catalyzed lacquer finish on deck
- 17 1/2"w x 1 1/4"t x 13 1/2"d
- $105 + tax/shipping
- $185 + tax/shipping, with lid (lid is tolexed, with lay-flat handle, butterfly latches and lift-off hinges)
Tourer
Classic
Tourer
This model comes with a removable lid as standard. Your choice of either a sloped, one-piece deck or tiered, with a 2/3 or full-length shelf. The deck/shelf is hinged to allow access for cable routing, or space for power supply.
- sloped sides, 1 1/2" to 2 3/4"
- tolex wrapped sides and lid
- lid has lift-off hinges
- lay-flat handle
- butterfly latches
- 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet
- pre-catalyzed lacquer finish on deck/shelf
- 17 1/2"w x 6 1/4"t x 13 1/2"w
- $230 + tax/shipping
Rack Cases
Customization options for this product are almost endless. You can choose the number of rack units, depth of the cabinet and even the material thickness. Pick from stained wood, clear coat or tolex finishes, add corners if the mood takes you, and pick handles and appropriate placement.
starting at $175 + tax/shipping
My standard rack cases are 9 3/4" deep, built with 5/8" Baltic Birch and 10/32 rails. The starting price includes tolex, lay flat handle and 1/2" x 7/8" rubber feet.
Currently Available
In Stock
When building cabinets, I will often add a couple more units to the cut-list, meaning that I will occasionally have a few cabs in stock, and ready to go.
Currently available, from Sam Hill Custom;
- Pine 112, open back, carbon Tolex
- Mod 112
Bluesman Vintage Guitars
Located in Spring Hill, TN, Bluesman Vintage Guitars offers high-quality vintage replicas and boutique guitars and basses. Whether you're looking for something custom built or off the shelf and ready to play, this is your destination for a unique instrument.
Currently available in store, from Sam Hill Custom,
- Traditional 112
- Studio 112
British Audio
This store has been a staple in Nashville, TN, since 2003. As well as carrying all the essentials, whether for touring or playing at home, and offering service and repair for all your gear, British Audio is also your destination for anything Kemper.
Currently available in store, from Sam Hill Custom;
- Kemper Head Shells
- Rack Cases
Eastside Music Supply
Based in east Nashville, TN, Eastside Music Supply is the place to go if you want to nerd out on a huge selection of new and used pedals, guitars and amps. Their goal, and achievement, is to be a traditional brick and mortar music store where you can learn about, and experience, the gear that defines your individual tone.
Currently available in store, from Sam Hill Custom;
- Studio 112
- Traditional 212
Music City Vintage Guitars
Located in Berry Hill, TN, Music City Vintage Guitars is Nashville's new home for authentic vintage instruments. With their finely honed authentication and consignment process, whether buying or selling, you can be sure of the best possible deal.
Currently available in store, from Sam Hill Custom;
- Traditional 112