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GD70

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Posts posted by GD70

  5. Just finished restoring another set of 3as.

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    I started on these a few months back, just finished them yesterday.

    They needed a good amount of work to the cabs, broken grill frame repair and new cloth installed, new caps, and pots. I sent the tweeters to Chris for rebuilding. Someone had been in them before, bypassing the corroded pots, replaced a mid and tweeter on one with later drivers, and soldered the leads back wards. Upon my initial listen, they were not very good, and no sound from the replaced mid. I first did the recap and new pots to confirm all the drivers worked, which they did. Whew! The tweeters had very low output, so off to Chris they went. Next was the cab and grill work, which was extensive. Three joints had mild moisture separation, most rear corners crunched. One grill broken in two places. Thanks to Kent for sending me two pot knobs that were also missing. 
     

    They are now beautiful, and sounding great! The owner is very happy and will pick them up at the next Frankenfest on April 1st.

    I have a thread on AK I’ll link here with lots of photos. I don’t have any room to post pics here.

    Cheers, Glenn

    https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/ar-3a-restoration-latest.1024859/#post-16268138

  7. Suggestions for AR-3a Cabinet Finish

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    Watcos will not give a high gloss finish unless you apply 8-9-10 applications, which at that point additional applications are just sitting on top of the previous application. Then you will get a glossy finish. I apply 5 wiped on applications, which produces a very nice satin finish. I say 5 applications because this is when the veneer usually stops absorbing the oil. Result will look like waek4teak’s finish.

  8. Finally working on the AR-3. Pics and usual dumb questions.

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Reel Man said:

    I've been sparing with pictures, as I've used up half I can post. These are what the mid and tweeter look like after Roy works his mojo on them. AR speakers are kind of like Nakamichi decks - popular new, lots of parts, and a lot of support if you need servicing. Roy painted these; I wasn't sure the tweeter WAS painted at the factory, as it was so bare. I will Email my wood-working friend, and see what he says about matching the original finish.

    DSC06812.JPG

    I’m also out of room for posting pics, but here’s the link to my 1965 AR3 resto thread on AK. Lots of pics including veneer repairs and the refinish.

    Cheers, Glenn

    https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/toilet-paper-stop-yields-a-pair-of-ar3s.735482/

  11. Need new cloth for AR3

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    Just ordered from Wendell Fabrics, spoke with John. DF-7002. Says White on the site, but it's more of the creme color. Had to buy 2 yards minimum 36" X 72", which is fine. I have to redo the 3s I restored a while ago, and do the grills on the 2nd set with the Mellotone.

    FYI-2 yards is the minimum order, plus a 15.00 handling charge, and shipping cost.

  12. Need new cloth for AR3

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    On 12/11/2022 at 7:10 PM, lARrybody said:

    I was not sure what I wanted to go with on my 3's so I bought the white 7002, the cream 7022 and the tan 6003. Wound up using the original cream color. Not easy to work with. The linen is much more forgiving and looks nice, but these are 3's and I felt they should look like 3's. 

    JuYsAT5.jpg

    I went with the cream as well. Looked closer to original than the white. It is a bit difficult to work with for sure. One word of advice, after you have it attached to your frames and the extra is trimmed off on the back sides, use a match and carefully melt-fuse the cut edges. It prevents it from unraveling.

  13. WTB Early unmolested original set of 3as for restoration with alnico cloth surround woofers.

    in For sale / Wanted

    Posted

    On 12/11/2022 at 8:54 PM, Martin said:

    Glenn, Unfortunately, I'm in Los Angeles. I think shipping these is too risky. (That's based on several horrific past experiences.) You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a good, local pair--fifty years ago it seemed like everyone in Westchester had 3as.  

    Hi Martin,

    Thanks for getting back to me. I agree with shipping issues for sure! My client is in Puerto Rico, so they would ship to me, then to him. Lot's of miles! There are many in the N.E area, and I'm confident we will find a good set.

    Have a great holiday and cheers!

    Glenn

  16. WTB Early unmolested original set of 3as for restoration with alnico cloth surround woofers.

    in For sale / Wanted

    Posted

    Hi all,

    I have a client looking for a set of 3as. He wants an early set, with original drivers in tact. The cabs can need some work, which I’ll restore, but I’m not interested in basket case or anything with moisture damage. I plan to have Chris rebuild the tweeters. I’ll recap the crossovers, and repair or replace the pots, and any other work necessary.
    So if anyone has a set they are interested in selling, please let me know what you’re asking, and most importantly, detailed pics I can send to my client.

    Best regards, Glenn

  17. Potentiometers for AR

    in For sale / Wanted

    Posted

    Hi Kent!

    Happy Thanksgiving! I trust you and your family are well.

    I have a client that has asked me to start a search for a pair of 3as that need restoring, which has just started. Once I find a suitable set, there’s a good chance I’ll need two sets of pots. I have no time table as I could find a set tomorrow, or three weeks from now. I’m not asking you to hold them for me, but seeing you expect more is good news. Thanks for doing this and hope to talk soon.

    Cheers, Glenn

  21. Finally working on the AR-3. Pics and usual dumb questions.

    in Acoustic Research

    Posted

    Those 3s look great!
    Combine the 20 & 4uf caps. I’m a firm believer in matching cap values as it was designed. 
    The bigger issue will be the mids output. It’s well known the white sealer around the base of the mid dome has hardened over the last 50 plus years, greatly reducing output. Roy rebuilds the mids and I have to say the difference is amazing. Tweeters usually hold up fairly well. 
    Glenn

  23. KLH Model Six Restore

    in KLH

    Posted

    Very nice! You’ve done them justice! Once you’re done, you will be amazed at how smooth these sound, that deep buttery bass is so satisfying. 
    I was recently gifted a set, circa 1968, that are in overall nice shape. The gifted also included the caps. These have the crossovers in the epoxy tub, and he wasn’t confident he could do the job, and he’s selling his house. Anyway, I always love seeing these old girls being brought back to the stage to sing!

    Cheers, Glenn

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