Curved (Lute shaped) Loudspeakers

[SteveT2]

Hi!

I am in the process of making some lute shaped loudspeakers. The sides are made from alternate layers of 3mm MDF and 3mm Birch Faced Plywood. 9 layers thick in total. I was wondering if it might be prudent to dowel through the sides into the braces inside the speaker to make sure that they do not delaminate in the future as well as gluing the braces to the inside surface of the speaker.

My question is this - am I being over cautious and giving myself extra unnecessary work and will it allow internal vibrations travel to the outside of the speaker and impact on the quality of the sound? So many questions! This is a complicated and expensive build and I do not want to sit down and think ....if only.....

Any time and thought spent on this will be much appreciated.

SteveT

 

[Greg B]

If the sides are going to be 27mm thick and curved, you have little to worry about. Still, there will always be some sound transmission from the cabinet. Don't obsess over this issue.

Is the back of the cabinet going to be arched like a lute back? or simply flat with an ovoid profile from the front?

RE dowels: IMO don't bother, but use a good adhesive.

 

[SteveT2]

Cheers Greg for your prompt reply. I have made three of the sides so far, fourth one tomorrow, and I have used a good quality cross linked PVA glue. The back will be flat.

SteveT

 

[Greg B]

Sure thing. That should do the trick. Be sure and post pictures when it's together!

 

[SteveT2]

I have made the four sides and the backs. I have also rebated the back edge of the sides to fit the back in. When I work out how to post images I will load some up of my progress so far.

SteveT