Popsicle AR2 Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 I was fortunate to successfully remove both grilles from my early AR2's ( 20+ staples AND 6 globs of glue on each cabinet) without inflicting much damage to either of the grilles or the grille cloth, but since I'm restoring these speakers as close to original as possible, it sure would be nice to have some fresh OEM grille cloth. I understand from the Forum plus a web search, that there is little to none of the grille cloth available now that's a close match. I am new to this admittedly, but it looks to me like this grille cloth pattern and other early AR grille cloths like it are pretty simple weaves that could be fairly closely replicated with the right threads and proper looming technique. So, my question is...Do y'all feel there is enough demand for early AR grille cloth to warrant producing or finding a producer for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKent Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 I kinda doubt it, but who knows? The linen fabric available from 123 Stitch is correct for most AR-3a era speakers (4x, 2ax, othrs) and looks right even on those speakers that originally had different cloth. And the AR-3 material is still manufactured by Mellotone. There may be some demand for the other styles but I'm sure it's limited. My 2a's have the material with gold thread. Cool for MCM fans but otherwise certainly dated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAWSME Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 Which color and thread count from 123 Stitch is considered the most authentic replacement cloth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKent Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 Welcome Bawsme If you are restoring AR speakers be sure to download the AR-3a restoration guide. Most of the information there is appropriate for all AR speakers of that era http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/library/acoustic_research/original_models_1954-1974/original_models_schematicss/restoring_the_ar-3a/ On page 17 of that booklet it says to use 18-count Wichelt lambswool linen from 123Stitch.com https://www.123stitch.com/item/Wichelt-18-Ct-Lambswool-Linen-Needlework-Fabric-27x36/59-135X For less valuable speakers, an acceptable cloth is the CharlesCraft Irish Linen Needlework fabric available at Michael's https://www.michaels.com/tissu-de-lin-irlandais-pour-le-travail-à-l’aiguille-charles-craft/10357706.html It is 28-count and thinner than the Wichelt. Also, although it used to be made in Ireland it's now from Poland. And the color (tea) varies from roll to roll. But it's $8 for a 20" x 24" roll and Michael's always has 40% off coupons, so for $6.40 it's not bad. I built a pair of speakers using some salvaged cabinets and inexpensive drivers. Wanted them to "look" like classic KLH or AR so I used the CharlesCraft (pic below). Kent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ADVENTAGIOUS Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 2 hours ago, JKent said: I kinda doubt it, but who knows? The linen fabric available from 123 Stitch is correct for most AR-3a era speakers (4x, 2ax, othrs) and looks right even on those speakers that originally had different cloth. And the AR-3 material is still manufactured by Mellotone. There may be some demand for the other styles but I'm sure it's limited. My 2a's have the material with gold thread. Cool for MCM fans but otherwise certainly dated. JKent, those woofer surrounds appear untreated. Can you confirm? Thx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKent Posted January 16, 2020 Report Share Posted January 16, 2020 The whole speaker is untreated. I'm selling them as-is 100% original (except the badges) in our local electronics store. Figured a restorer would want unmolested. Even so, they sound good. I did pull one grille (obviously) to take a peek inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAWSME Posted January 17, 2020 Report Share Posted January 17, 2020 14 hours ago, JKent said: Welcome Bawsme If you are restoring AR speakers be sure to download the AR-3a restoration guide. Most of the information there is appropriate for all AR speakers of that era http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/library/acoustic_research/original_models_1954-1974/original_models_schematicss/restoring_the_ar-3a/ On page 17 of that booklet it says to use 18-count Wichelt lambswool linen from 123Stitch.com https://www.123stitch.com/item/Wichelt-18-Ct-Lambswool-Linen-Needlework-Fabric-27x36/59-135X Thank you JKent. Yes, I’m almost done with some 2ax. Wish I had come across the restoration guide sooner. When I looked at 123 a while back I thought the lambswool linen came in different shades but maybe not. I will look again. I very much appreciate the feedback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKent Posted January 17, 2020 Report Share Posted January 17, 2020 “Lambswool” is the shade. The fiber is linen. I was confused by that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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