For musicians, especially guitar players, the quest for the perfect tone is a never-ending journey. While guitars and amplifiers often take center stage in this pursuit, the often-underestimated guitar cabinet plays a crucial role in shaping the sound that reaches the audience. Enter Warlock Guitar Cabinets, a company born from passion and dedication in the heart of the hardcore music scene, crafting high-quality, custom guitar cabinets that are making waves among discerning guitarists.
Founded by Aaron Sjostedt, Warlock Guitar Cabinets emerged during the global pandemic, a testament to the creative spirit that often flourishes in times of adversity. Like many, Aaron found himself with time and a yearning to create. For him, that creative outlet was woodworking, specifically, building guitar cabinets. What started as a personal project quickly evolved into a thriving business, fueled by word-of-mouth and the endorsement of prominent musicians in the hardcore and punk rock communities.
From humble beginnings in November 2020, Warlock Cabinets has rapidly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Used by members of bands like Slapshot, Hard Target, Cinderblock, and Boundaries, Warlock cabinets are becoming synonymous with robust construction and exceptional sound. But Warlock is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of Aaron’s deep-rooted passion for music and his dedication to providing fellow musicians with the tools they need to express themselves fully.
Aaron Sjostedt, CEO and founder of Warlock Guitar Cabinets
From Hardcore Roots to Cabinet Craftsmanship
Aaron’s journey into the world of guitar cabinets is as unique as the cabinets he builds. His story is deeply intertwined with the hardcore punk scene, a subculture known for its DIY ethos and unwavering passion. Growing up immersed in music, Aaron’s initial influences ranged from 70s funk to 90s R&B, courtesy of his mother. However, it was the rebellious energy of punk rock and hardcore that truly resonated with him.
His introduction to hardcore came through skateboarding and the local skate scene, a common gateway for many into alternative music genres. Hearing bands like Livin’ In Exile for the first time was a revelation, sparking a lifelong connection with the raw power and community spirit of hardcore. Later, his exploration of the skinhead subculture further solidified his understanding of working-class values and anti-racist stances, principles that subtly influence his approach to business and community engagement with Warlock Cabinets.
Despite being surrounded by music and even having musically inclined family members, Aaron didn’t pick up the guitar until later in life. This late start, however, didn’t diminish his appreciation for musical instruments and the gear that shapes their sound. This appreciation, combined with a chance encounter and a desire to create, ultimately led him to the craft of building guitar cabinets.
The Spark of Inspiration: Nomad Cabinets and a DIY Ethos
The catalyst for Warlock Guitar Cabinets was Aaron’s friend Marco, owner of Nomad Cabinets. Marco, a skilled cabinet builder and musician in the doom metal band Mother Iron Horse, served as both an inspiration and a mentor. Impressed by the quality and sound of a custom 4×12 cabinet he commissioned from Nomad Cabinets, Aaron was inspired to try his hand at building his own.
Initially self-taught, Aaron’s first attempts proved surprisingly successful. His background as an electrical lineman provided him with a foundational understanding of woodworking and construction, albeit not to the level of a professional cabinet maker. However, his innate drive and Marco’s guidance helped him overcome the initial learning curve. Soon, friends within the music scene started requesting custom cabinets, and Warlock Guitar Cabinets was officially born.
Aaron Sjostedt working on a Warlock Guitar Cabinet
Crafting Tone: The Warlock Cabinet Building Process
Warlock Guitar Cabinets prides itself on a personalized approach to crafting each cabinet. Aaron emphasizes direct communication with every customer, ensuring that each build is tailored to their specific needs and sonic aspirations. He recognizes that guitarists have diverse musical styles and tonal goals, and his process reflects this understanding.
The initial consultation is crucial. Aaron engages with customers to understand their musical genre, desired sound, and aesthetic preferences. He guides those who are unsure, offering suggestions on speaker types, cabinet sizes (from 1×12 to larger configurations), and tolex colors. For customers who know precisely what they want, he meticulously notes down their specifications, ensuring every detail is captured.
Once the specifications are finalized and the customer approves the quote, Aaron meticulously orders all necessary materials, from high-quality plywood to specific speakers and tolex coverings. He typically works in batches, building multiple frames simultaneously before moving onto the finishing stages. This efficient workflow allows him to manage his time effectively while maintaining a consistent level of quality.
The construction process itself is a blend of traditional woodworking techniques and meticulous attention to detail. Aaron builds each cabinet frame with precision, ensuring structural integrity and optimal acoustic performance. He then expertly applies the chosen tolex, a skill he honed over time, recognizing its importance in both aesthetics and cabinet durability. From start to finish, Aaron handles every aspect of the build personally, guaranteeing a level of craftsmanship rarely found in mass-produced guitar cabinets.
Customization and Sonic Versatility: Tailoring Cabinets to the Player
A key differentiator for Warlock Guitar Cabinets is the emphasis on customization. Aaron understands that a guitar cabinet is not just a box; it’s a resonant chamber that significantly impacts the overall tone. By offering a wide range of customization options, Warlock empowers guitarists to fine-tune their sound to their exact preferences.
Speaker selection is a critical aspect of cabinet customization. Different speakers impart distinct sonic characteristics, influencing factors like frequency response, breakup, and overall tonal color. Aaron guides customers through the speaker selection process, offering recommendations based on their musical style and desired sound. For instance, he might suggest Celestion Vintage 30s for rock and metal genres or Jensen speakers for blues and cleaner tones. He also recommends speakers like Ted Weber Gray Wolf for doom metal, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Cabinet size and configuration also play a vital role in shaping the sound. Larger cabinets generally produce a fuller, more resonant tone with enhanced bass response, while smaller cabinets can offer tighter, more focused sound. Warlock Cabinets offers a range of sizes, from compact 1×12 cabinets for practice and smaller gigs to imposing 4×12 and even 6×12 cabinets for larger stages and louder genres.
Beyond speakers and size, Warlock Cabinets offers aesthetic customization options, allowing players to match their cabinets to their guitars and amplifiers. Customers can choose from a wide array of tolex colors and grill cloth options, ensuring their Warlock cabinet is not only a sonic powerhouse but also a visually striking piece of gear. This dedication to both sonic and visual customization makes Warlock cabinets truly unique and highly sought after.
A custom Warlock Guitar Cabinet
Balancing Passion and Business: A Sustainable Approach
Running Warlock Guitar Cabinets is not Aaron’s sole occupation. He balances his passion for cabinet building with his full-time job as an electrical lineman and family life. This requires careful time management and a sustainable approach to business. To manage workload and maintain quality, Aaron operates with a 4-6 month turnaround time for custom orders. He also limits the number of builds he takes on at any given time, ensuring he can dedicate sufficient attention to each project.
This approach reflects Aaron’s commitment to keeping Warlock Cabinets a passion-driven endeavor, not just an obligation. He emphasizes the importance of personal connection with his customers and vows to remain the primary point of contact, avoiding the impersonal nature of larger, corporate businesses. He draws inspiration from small, customer-focused businesses like Union Music, valuing long-term relationships and personalized service over rapid growth and mass production.
Advice for Aspiring Creators: Follow Your Heart
Aaron’s journey with Warlock Guitar Cabinets serves as an inspiration for anyone pursuing their creative passions. His advice is simple yet powerful: “Do what your heart desires and do not listen to anybody else.” He acknowledges the inevitable naysayers and doubters but stresses the importance of self-belief and perseverance. For Aaron, Warlock Cabinets is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and staying true to one’s vision.
A Community of Support: Shout-outs and Gratitude
In closing, Aaron expresses deep gratitude to his mother, his biggest supporter, and to the bands and musicians who have embraced Warlock Guitar Cabinets. He specifically mentions Justin from Hard Target, Jake Kaufman from Cinderblock, Ryan Packer from Slapshot, and Colin Campbell from C.O.A., among others, acknowledging their crucial role in promoting and endorsing Warlock. He also thanks every follower and customer, recognizing that the Warlock community is essential to the brand’s continued success.
Warlock Guitar Cabinets is more than just a manufacturer of guitar cabinets; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship, the power of community, and the unwavering pursuit of perfect tone. For guitarists seeking handcrafted quality and personalized sound, Warlock Guitar Cabinets offers a unique and compelling option, built with passion and expertise from the ground up.
Connect with Warlock Guitar Cabinets: Instagram
