Historical Watermarks on Loudspeakers.

[Hodges]

My Spendors are now 52 years old and with new bass/midrange drivers they continue to excel. The cloth on the front of one has a small tear and I decided to replace both with some material I bought on-line. Years ago, JBL had really startling foam front panels which looked really modern - the colour I particularly liked was Red. However there were some fabulous colours to choose from - obviously made in China., given the price is really, really good and pretty similar to those JBL's.

I have yet to fit the material as I can't yet decide whether to strip off the old material (the tear isn't that obvious) and use the plywood frame, or keep them and make up some replacements.

This job will have to wait as we are about to exchange contracts on our new apartment. However, when settled I shall get the job done, along with removing some water - marks where plant pots have left rings in the veneer. They aren't bad and the veneer hasn't lifted so I should be able to rub them down and re - finish them.

The question is - what type Lacquer/Varnish/oil have Spendor used on the Teak Veneer?

If anyone knows the answer, it would be much appreciated.

 

[sktn77a]

If they are typical speaker grille foam, just glue some Velcro dots in the corners of the baffle to hold the foam. Then you won't need to destroy the old grilles.

1970s and earlier would likely have been a Watco oil finish or an oil-based laquer. Later versions may have been finished with a matte or satin polyurethane finish.

 

[Hodges]

Thank you for that. We have now sold our house and our belongings are in storage awaiting completion on our ne apartment

Although the new material is the same thickness as the original cloth, the idea of using foam is a a good one, particularly if it is as thick as JBL's. That could then be velcro-ed to the front of the cabinet with the new material covering it like a cushion.

Thanks too for the heads up on refinishing the walnut veneer.