HiFi Cabinet Case Study: A Custom Commission in Solid Walnut

Collaborating with the Client on a bespoke HiFi cabinet: Setting the Brief

I thought it would be helpful to walk through a recent commission for a bespoke HiFi cabinet, showing how I approach a project from the first conversation to final delivery. Also see my commissioning page if you are thinking about commissioning your own piece of bespoke furniture. This custom piece was designed to house high-end audio equipment, provide generous vinyl record storage, and tie together an already thoughtful sound system setup.

Let’s start with the client’s review:

“Absolutely thrilled with the custom vinyl cabinet Theo made for me! His craftsmanship is exceptional—every detail is meticulously executed, and the quality speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. What really set the experience apart was how collaborative Theo was throughout the entire process. He involved me at every stage, checking in on key design and production decisions to make sure the final piece was exactly what I had in mind. A true professional and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!”

Alejandro first found my work online and got in touch with an idea for a record player unit that would complement his soon-to-arrive Tannoy Ardens. These speakers were his “forever” setup, and the HiFi cabinet would be the final piece of the puzzle.

Initial Consultation and Design Decisions

We had our first call in March. His brief included:

·       A pair of Technics SL-1200 MK7s to be flush-mounted

·       A MasterSounds Radius 2 mixer

·       A powerful Willsenton R8 Tube amplifier

·       Storage for 12” vinyl

·       A preference for rounded, softened forms to match existing furniture

He had 45 days before moving to Spain, which set a tight but doable schedule. I sketched out a layout while we were on the call to confirm positioning, and he quickly approved it. He also asked if the cabinet could match the finish of his Tannoy speakers, which were in American black walnut.

Matching Finishes and Specifying Materials

Following the call, I contacted several Tannoy dealers to find the exact wax finish used on his speakers. Once I found this out, I was then able to source the same product for an exact match. Alejandro had a clear vision, so I put together some detailed design sketches and gave him a ballpark cost.

I also followed up with a few key questions such as:

·       Should the mixer be recessed or placed on a stand?

·       Would he like a drawer for accessories like a vinyl brush?

·       Did he want integrated LED lighting?

·       Should the legs match the cabinet body or contrast?

We also had an in-depth discussion around cable management. He sent over photos of all his gear and input/output placements so I could design for both clean routing and airflow. I have also written an article setting out a more comprehensive list of considerations regarding the design of a perfect bespoke hifi cabinet - this can be read here.

Finalising the Design and Deposit

Once we’d agreed on the design, I sent over a final render and a pro forma invoice for 50% of the total cost - standard practice for me to cover materials. The cabinet would be made entirely in solid walnut, rather than veneered board, to allow for rounded shaping, long-term durability, and maximum strength.

Alejandro was completely on board. He appreciated the importance of working in solid wood - especially when it came to longevity, potential knocks over time, and the acoustic benefits of a rigid, resonant-free cabinet.

He paid the deposit, and I headed off to collect the timber.

Collecting the wood from Tyler's Hardwoods

Building for Performance: Heat, Movement & Longevity

One challenge of solid wood furniture is accommodating movement due to changes in temperature and humidity. The cabinet would house a hot valve amp and eventually live in Spain - so expansion and contraction had to be taken seriously.

I used locking dovetails for structural integrity, allowing the wood to move without compromising strength. The tube amp bay included hidden ventilation cut-outs at the rear to help circulate air.

These sorts of features are rarely found in an off-the-shelf record storage cabinet or TV unit, which are often made of veneered MDF. But when you're building something for life, the construction has to match the ambition.

All components joined with sliding locking dovetails

Grain Matching and Cabinet Construction

Back at the workshop, I milled the timber oversize and let it rest. This allows any internal stresses to settle before final cutting. I then marked out and selected boards carefully to match grain patterns across the cabinet face and sides - a hallmark of bespoke wooden furniture.

I sent Alejandro some finish samples for approval, including the Tannoy wax and some variations. We kept in touch throughout, exchanging updates and minor revisions. This was a genuine collaboration, not just a delivery job.

One small detail that added a lot was the soft rounding of the legs - a last-minute tweak I suggested to help unify the whole piece visually. I also added a vinyl backstop in each record bay to hide the LEDs and so that the sleeves sit flush with the front edge of the record player cabinet.

The rounded edges of the cabinet and legs

Client Feedback and Delivery

Towards the end of the build, I posted a video on Instagram of the shelves sliding into place. Alejandro saw this and messaged me to say:

“I can’t be anything more than grateful for having found someone with your talent and dedication to deliver a great product.”

That sort of feedback is the reason that I do this and makes all those hours feel so worthwhile.

The cabinet was completed just over four weeks from the start of the build - an intense turnaround, especially with a holiday in the middle. I delivered it in person to Alejandro’s London flat just before his relocation. Sadly he had to take a work call otherwise I would have loved to stay and give those Tannoys a listen.

The completed cabinet installed in the client's home

A Record Storage Cabinet Built to Last a Lifetime

This custom HiFi unit with record storage wasn't just designed to hold equipment. It was made to complement a listening experience, fit seamlessly in a carefully considered interior, and endure. Some vinyl setups are already over 50 years old and I wanted to build a record player stand that would last just as long.

The end result? A deeply personal piece of furniture bespoke to the user and the equipment it holds - made by hand, in solid wood, for a lifetime of music.