Freek Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 Hello, I'm new to this forum. Yesterday I bought a pair of 3A's. The cabinets are finished in black. Was that an original color? Or were they painted by the previous owner? Thanks in advance for the feedback! Freek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickB Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 I don’t think so, but if from Europe maybe. Look on the back of them for any paperwork and where are you located? Unfinished pine and birch were available I believe. The pine was semi-easy to paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freek Posted May 16, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 I’m from Belgium, Europe. The papers on the backside do not mention the finish of the cabinets. I took some more photo’s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ar_pro Posted May 16, 2021 Report Share Posted May 16, 2021 Hello, Freek - Someone probably just painted over the walnut veneer and molding. Unless it's an automotive urethane finish (doubtful), it should be possible to strip and refinish the cabinets. There are some real experts on this site who can provide excellent guidance, if you want to do this. How much does the AR-3a sell for in Belgium? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freek Posted May 23, 2021 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2021 The AR-3A are very rare in Belgium. There is a pair of 3A improved on eBay in Germany for about 1000 EUR (1215 USD). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AR55 Posted May 24, 2021 Report Share Posted May 24, 2021 I agree with AR_pro. It looks like you have a veneer over particle board under that black paint. I would recommend sanding off some of the paint from the bottom of the speaker to confirm. If you do have a veneer under the paint, my own experience says that is worth the effort to refinish the speakers. A while back I acquired a pair of AR-15’s that also had been painted black. The photo below shows black paint vs. refinished. With that veneer, I could never understand why anyone would have painted them in the first place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Posted May 25, 2021 Report Share Posted May 25, 2021 AR 3a were not available new in a black finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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