Source for Tweed?

[django49]

I am curious whether anyone knows a source for getting "genuine" DARK tweed material?

I really like the look. It is easy to find vintage type light (yellowish) tweed as used in classic amps by Fender and others. The genuine cloth type is about 3 times as pricey as the tolex (vinyl) replica, but is some much better looking, not to mention more durable. All the more so if the proper shellac finish is applied.

I have used the dark tolex, but would like to upgrade if/when I build another.

Thanks!

[RobB]

[joshoowah]

Gerald Weber sells tweed, tolex and grillcloth from Kendrick's online store:

https://www.kendrick-amplifiers.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=KOS&Category_Code=0606

[django49]

29 minutes ago, RobB said:

 

Might work for dressier gigs.....

[Hbom]

These guys might help  Genuine Tweed Amp Covering Tutorial - DIY Installation Tips (westcoastpedalboard.com)

 

[crunchee]

Mojotone has a  'Charcoal Tweed Pattern Vinyl Tolex', but it's 'Vinyl Tolex' though.  They do have three pages worth of coverings to choose from, some of them are pretty retro/funky, you might find something else you like:

https://www.mojotone.com/cabinets/cabinet-parts-hardware/tolex-carpet-and-tweed?page=3

[django49]

I appreciate that link. Mojotone is a really good source. So me of the pictures I have posted (like in the background above, with a brown "croc" and black tooled western) are from either Mojotone or Amplified Parts. In fact, that charcoal tweed (tolex) is what I used on the Forte-type cabinet pictures above. I do like it, but it is not nearly as pleasing as the fabric tweed (vintage color) that I used on a similar cab......My shop built is shown prior to applying amber shellac and leather corners, but you get the idea of the effect I am looking for. My cab vs the Swart original.....Their version is a great build, with speakers angled out at 45 degrees. Mine has them aimed straight ahead, but with reflecting ports that create an even wider sound stage.

.

The fabric version has a nicer depth and feel. Superficial maybe, but....If I could, I would like to get closer to the Swart version of the dark tweed. I think it is possible to just use a black dye in a shellac and denatured alcohol blend over the vintage fender type tweed. But it would be nice to get something in the right color to start. All of which suggests I just try giving Swart a call on Monday to see if they will disclose their secrets. 😉

[Bennyboy-UK]

How about Zilla over in the UK?

https://www.zillacabs.com/options

 

They are super helpful and sell internationally.

 

cheers,

Ben.

[joshoowah]

Kendrick ain't cheap, but that's real-deal vintage-correct tweed, and he's built amps with black tweed and darker brown, as well, all real fabric, and also dyed or stained. I own three. A 2410 (Bassman), 2210 (2×10 Bassman),and a model 1000 (6G15 reverb replica). All are from 1991-2 and have aged beautifully.

[joshoowah]

I would also just offer this piece of advice: find out who Cedar Creek gets their tweed from, and avoid it like the plague! I have two tweed cases from them, and both have frayed and worn ridiculously fast.

[Jakeboy]

Contact Jim at Lil Dawg or any of the other tweed amp builders and ask who they get their tweed from. There’s gotta be a lot of it out there these day…you cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a tweed covered amp these days!

[scottcald]

On 4/16/2022 at 1:12 PM, RobB said:

Are you sure I couldn't interest you in a plaid or a herringbone?

[django49]

Anything is possible

[stobro]

3 hours ago, scottcald said:

Are you sure I couldn't interest you in a plaid or a herringbone?

Shoppin' For Clothes - cover of a Coasters tune