15 August 2016
Designing The Wood Speaker
Designed in collaboration with industrial designer Joey Roth, the Grovemade Wood Speakers and Amp harness the superior acoustic properties of wood to create clear and nuanced sound. The project presented a lot of firsts for our design team. Follow along as we recount the whole process...
The story of our Wood Speaker starts with our friendship with industrial designer Joey Roth. We first met in 2010 when he moved up to Portland from Los Angeles. Roth was already well known for being at the forefront of independent designers bringing their products directly to consumers through the internet. We were huge fans of his ceramic speaker; something that had been a big hit online.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=7d6372a54e33f00827098a5cb27f1116 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e884952b54f43c3d04dce5d39d6b6430 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=6c58865100eacce387294ff4f8fbf340 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=387ce40d5aa818d446291a3caeec9e99 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=403dae5dc14db15d68a8d36ee7ffcea9 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=8da44f1422d4c6d8c009024ace727b47 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=ef0f2c12a8ac465dd201bb000d5ce46e 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=37074c121c7b8a1f9f2c1ea45a3fb3d4 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=ec422dc0b64f23921134e718324238e5 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=515882f7291daf7307bd72a6792cc3b2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=745690e072dece2509b28d3c913c1a63 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=cf02828b0f6da5f0b1deed2598779580 3000w)
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=39e7aebb92f3cfd2a534da1e6beaa1a9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=477ecbeaf2d21e5d3d4b5e07240ad7dd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a968a466bb944793aa8b7a2e779be57c 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b8a91b1ced5a505348963b2416a498ad 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8c3deb511eeb08a7b895e4059f6c3185 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bbf93f44f78be1911b5371bac2728287 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=27e47cbcc71867f668094dd9d326ad94 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=86da8ee049a9d32f6b7baacac71f9627 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=c34184559327f13b8bf647bfc0e28bbb 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ea3603773151a023ecd66be02d151115 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=83699d435401b43ca7ff7fb0d97bfc2d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2a65bca8d31babed82e3e4d79d309ca1 3000w)
"I had admired his purposeful approach to audio design since I was in design school. His form always follows function; He makes things what they need to be and just that."
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8cb21a51f0ebbac022c3a6a47c5216d1 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1ea13918a060767a03c77413f5409041 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a38f5b50c4ad8d766572719464f16a45 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=069f7ffe0ad97d72e50896fa04ee8917 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=2683265ac5ec1650bce24396f114eb29 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=fc560ec834f65b26c301b4d37435dfb6 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=f8ef36346466033667d089912203650a 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=1a51199e7d29192a3ca6e5747e20980b 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=777832ce7dcc38a7d09899374b84ebbf 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=01fd3b466f81d6165d045f3bc8509842 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=bcb3bbdd86b26a046140170577957f4f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=777c007cb3397097fa7ca6b19470078a 3000w)
In early 2015, when we started tossing around the idea of making a Grovemade speaker, it only made sense to pitch him the idea of a collaboration. When we approached Joey, he was equally excited to work with us because he was interested in how we integrate design and manufacturing so closely. As the project got rolling, we started meeting at Joey’s home in NE Portland, brainstorming how we could work together to create an audio product better than anything either of us could create on our own.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=389a2fe5db02139c8f876f8ed104d7fb 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=10981e9b8d0eda556414406950e37e31 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=1bf5ea41bdef97cedfb5ef6cbbfac8c7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=582e1bf8a8efc07d4db781d018eb0bd3 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=e5952a108d9c95d88b4e944134310124 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4f325152cd63ffb7201146be18c33910 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1ab71687bdf748fe791d0ef5ac183e90 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e1fc0af67f0773b2cd9e15faa31809ee 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=235db9db8b69e75610dedfa40713d01c 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=2350797f092d02a2c520b3180af11975 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=03e8ad08af462d1cf69f684a96e49f87 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=d85739fc5914b23a6783f18de8bc57a6 3000w)
"I was considering a shift in my process, using domestic production to have more direct feedback when manufacturing. Having the Grovemade guys approach me was perfect timing."
JOEY ROTH
Designer
We discussed everything from portable, wireless bluetooth-speakers to multi-speaker systems with subwoofers. Ultimately, we decided to make a timeless speaker system that would avoid the digital bells and whistles of the consumer electronics arms race. We looked to create great audio through smart design and utilizing our materials to their fullest potential.
Joey then gave us a little background on wood speakers. He explained to us that manufactured wood products (MDF and plywood) are the most common material for high quality speakers because it has good acoustic properties, is consistent, and is relatively inexpensive. This lends itself naturally to cabinet style construction. However, the weakness of the cabinet style are the many parallel surfaces which allow standing waves to form, causing distortion. Designers use techniques to compensate for this problem but it involves adding more passive components to the signal path further degrading the quality.
Joey then gave us a little background on wood speakers. He explained to us that manufactured wood products (MDF and plywood) are the most common material for high quality speakers because it has good acoustic properties, is consistent, and is relatively inexpensive. This lends itself naturally to cabinet style construction. However, the weakness of the cabinet style are the many parallel surfaces which allow standing waves to form, causing distortion. Designers use techniques to compensate for this problem but it involves adding more passive components to the signal path further degrading the quality.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=69e1b33c0bcec2e8f3f0f091b18bf2e7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3e97114bbc410f254b120ddf7ef0f888 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=0ac462b1ce1aa1901701e5cff348531b 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=2c9cd636bb25b40de1bd22cdf5434563 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=3a3dc5415589aee7cf6a3823594dc170 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=edabcefa74cb192e260bcc4aab441c49 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=bdf13383e8e2326303a993a15e8e5d87 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=0702d3d8d603a7fff2740475b49c7a27 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=b3b20e4c4596b036bf49a65f050a259e 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=65a9ce8df79dbe2d9ea522e631836f82 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=b96e2c9a14431f8ea625555757dc658f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=85420fc74b98fd3e5671305b90951298 3000w)
After hearing this, we had an idea inspired by our friends at Renovo Bicycles, builders of incredible wooden bikes using CNC technology. Their painstaking process involves machining two halves of the frame separately, carving out the inside and outsides of their tubes and then gluing the two halves together to create a full, hollow tube. Using this technique, you can build complex three-dimensional shapes and undercuts that are otherwise impossible.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=8161a7782440835b56dc1fc7af139853 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=b91b2173ac12b0e6984b9913c208863f 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=f28b5fa2e71bc891f2b48cc4583dabc7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=5b2858382d5b2010fa39651b405910f8 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=522adb642cfe2a4278e222543651df60 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=29b0d01b310876823ad0192c14afc633 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=12a50b579a45068ba02afc02f7354b25 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=01498ddc9b9460a39579a26de390e21d 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=096cc4df96b14ecec3d29be06b5a6fae 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=20535d12eaf6ab6c139483a185fdeaf7 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=395cfea2be753b996a297da6dfaf1cf2 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fken-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=08ed6543f605572b1d6a3dd5fcdad124 3000w)
"Years ago I had seen the incredible craftsmanship behind Renovo’s cycles and had a feeling that it could be applicable to our scale somewhere down the road."
KEN TOMITA
Co-Founder
With this technique in mind, Joey excitedly went back to the drawing board. He set out to design something that other companies could not build that took advantage of Grovemade’s unique abilities in advanced wood manufacturing.
Rather than a traditional bass reflex design, Joey came back to us with a back-loaded horn design which we would CNC machine out of thick blocks of solid wood. In this design, the lower frequencies are reinforced and directed out of the horn, and the high and mid frequencies come straight out of the driver, which removes the need for Digital Signal Processing. With the extraneous removed, the speaker would create clear, crisp sound, handling the most subtle details with ease.
A: The full-range driver reproduces the entire range of frequency information, enabling total phase coherency for a true point source.
B: The CNC machined enclosure has no parallel walls and no flat surfaces. Like a concert hall or recording studio, its internal geometry eliminates standing waves that cause distortion and time smearing. This is particularly important because the driver's extremely thin metal diaphragm, which is necessary for its performance, would otherwise let these standing waves and reflections reach the listener.
C: The back-loaded horn couples the driver's back wave with the air at the lower frequencies, reinforcing the speaker's bass response.
B: The CNC machined enclosure has no parallel walls and no flat surfaces. Like a concert hall or recording studio, its internal geometry eliminates standing waves that cause distortion and time smearing. This is particularly important because the driver's extremely thin metal diaphragm, which is necessary for its performance, would otherwise let these standing waves and reflections reach the listener.
C: The back-loaded horn couples the driver's back wave with the air at the lower frequencies, reinforcing the speaker's bass response.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=93adf6c4db5c3a0e4a3b5afe8c283f73 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=f95cb6ba43b864207f6a1b5a6eb9cd97 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=0aee82dbb478dedfb5e8c598ca333236 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=26af527d2936c01de08d03b61f8e0744 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=05bbe45b576f1b41583109e49c5678f3 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4b7424f6f4f7da209ecb351cda4c87b9 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=defab026d8c35dfdb1bbd472656bc2c2 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=c57fe5fe08e033da852ec90693285576 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=3e1293fd4455c7caf9cdfd274935941f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=8624c45342538beb94228388ce9f37c6 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=81dbfce75933df02215e3773c09de822 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=60b46be1dceeec87987268f70a1b47f9 3000w)
The stand and speaker grill were then developed over many iterations in order to enable the speaker to float, and give us complete freedom to develop the best form for the job. We then refined the form of the wood speaker body itself. Joey would send us something in CAD for us to critique, and we’d send him something back in crude, hand made foam or MDF models.
The first day we made full size prototypes out of real wood was very exciting; We all gathered around as it came off of our mill. The wood grain looked amazing on the organic curves, and the inside of the horn looked much better than in computer renderings. As we assembled it we got the idea to intentionally leave the machining marks on the inside of the horn.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=2c75de832ba97d1c55a3a77e93fddb04 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=dac50b7f643ac12f5c5c42667cab3310 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=813a9f96ddea31cd8517bca07c90ab53 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=652d16a972a52c6750c5f8ffdcc1b992 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=e1dd552ab6d99958460a6cb39ad27b63 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=152661c07c16756c7f5302b21545a1bd 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=5b03bbacba5f67ba8f37dacab52a82c7 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=54c2aa35bc60cd1f2dfbcc643ccac7eb 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=842cf920321ce55e22bf5d29b34cc757 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=c61ae1c8be2f70873b384a1499d1ff4f 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=f0dbabcb4ace260b3c25947c9f440f07 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=7cb9d333d18bf5c993be09f2a285c37f 3000w)
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=39e7aebb92f3cfd2a534da1e6beaa1a9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=477ecbeaf2d21e5d3d4b5e07240ad7dd 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a968a466bb944793aa8b7a2e779be57c 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=b8a91b1ced5a505348963b2416a498ad 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8c3deb511eeb08a7b895e4059f6c3185 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bbf93f44f78be1911b5371bac2728287 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=27e47cbcc71867f668094dd9d326ad94 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=86da8ee049a9d32f6b7baacac71f9627 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=c34184559327f13b8bf647bfc0e28bbb 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=ea3603773151a023ecd66be02d151115 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=83699d435401b43ca7ff7fb0d97bfc2d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fsean-A2.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=2a65bca8d31babed82e3e4d79d309ca1 3000w)
"Showing the process of manufacturing rather than hiding it turned out to be one of our favorite design details."
SEAN KELLY
Lead Product Designer
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=32f2d60515cd26674e9fb96bfc8c4fd6 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=ac146afc1e6e566fda8fc84cf3dcf3fc 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=56c10dcffe2a2d0f429a9b063a98b7ab 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=4ddb22f63808879fa397f9da1837958e 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=eb47ba4ef98a9e06bb29009d46d54778 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=d58f0b1e59ee349f574e405ee603a073 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=c2aeef9bdb257cffd962328a50182278 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=56b52a84b9bb03218f05beb0d478acf4 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=79029d2dbb52072a0fa638ec42e857ff 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f6f2b1a59846eea313bb0d68a25aa603 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=e0497da8215e5f029da6268eb1808ad9 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-I1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=5d5c4e260137f8e5e38f3b476c180f28 3000w)
With our first functional unit, we evaluated the speaker using audio testing tools, and also by simply taking it home and listening to it extensively, comparing the audio to other speakers we liked. Different music genres were tested, with feedback logged for the next round of tweaks. The mid-range (e.g. acoustic guitar and vocals) sounded amazing, but lower frequencies felt underwhelming. Joey went back to work optimizing the acoustics.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=389a2fe5db02139c8f876f8ed104d7fb 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=10981e9b8d0eda556414406950e37e31 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=1bf5ea41bdef97cedfb5ef6cbbfac8c7 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=582e1bf8a8efc07d4db781d018eb0bd3 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=e5952a108d9c95d88b4e944134310124 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=4f325152cd63ffb7201146be18c33910 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=1ab71687bdf748fe791d0ef5ac183e90 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e1fc0af67f0773b2cd9e15faa31809ee 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=235db9db8b69e75610dedfa40713d01c 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=2350797f092d02a2c520b3180af11975 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=03e8ad08af462d1cf69f684a96e49f87 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fwood-speaker-maple-galC-D1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=d85739fc5914b23a6783f18de8bc57a6 3000w)
"I adjusted the internal geometry to reinforce the bass response while being careful not to sacrifice clarity in the midrange and highs."
JOEY ROTH
Designer
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=890c8ab8f0da03de5e78e46376d229e4 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=de667bd00355d71c7411bce02bc03792 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=d98e773ba24e010959415d128d270756 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=a53b84a7929d422ee13aa7751ce3b54e 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=90ea633bf7b9d6a794eccf088dc8313d 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=54a3db90cc5e6ff1b4e38c2cf8eae3f3 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=64a88cf62455e11af314363b5c186101 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=28c0c5b97111af1512c14ad786c7aeb6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=3de8686d77353a39e51c5e575969e226 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=d0e7303742e450a044f385877206fe12 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=c2cf403848e2c28c8567f171a0d6a506 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-journal-designing-wood-speakers-J2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=85e9ae1341c9a4b8f166bafa03baef70 3000w)
Through rounds of adjustments, testing and refinement we had fully functional prototypes. Next, we’d have to actually make the speakers at a production level, but that’s a story for another day.
Overall, the design process lasted about a year from beginning to end. Combining forces with Joey Roth enabled us to create an amazing system beyond what either of us could have done on our own. Stretching beyond our individual potential by working as a team was invigorating. Where can we go next?
Overall, the design process lasted about a year from beginning to end. Combining forces with Joey Roth enabled us to create an amazing system beyond what either of us could have done on our own. Stretching beyond our individual potential by working as a team was invigorating. Where can we go next?
Shop The Wood Speaker
Available in Walnut or Maple