Prepwork for the most difficult part of my current loudspeaker restoration (sure to be a fascinating read for all).

@TheHorse (220068)
Walnut Creek, California
September 18, 2019 1:00pm CST
As I mentioned a few posts ago, a fellow vintage audiophile nut (actually, a younger guy, which is good to see) brought me a pair of 1970-ish Acoustic Research AR-4xs for restoration a few days ago. The hardest part of this restoration will NOT be the horribly scratched up top shown in that post. It will be replacing a 1" x 3" piece of missing veneer on one of the corners. The speaker was probably dropped at some point in it's 50-year life. Right now, what I am doing is filling in the area (to the left in the photo) with Elmer's wood filler, such that I can have a smooth surface for the veneer itself. I bought enough walnut veneer to last a lifetime for something like $10 on eBay several years ago. Once I have the veneer glued in, I will sand it flush with the rest of that surface, and then do my best to "color-match" using the various oils and stains I have here. Wish me luck! And remember that you learned the art of vintage loudspeaker restoration from a horse on MyLot. "Fine motor" work is not easy when your hooves have not been trimmed recently.
10 people like this
10 responses
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Sep 19
I am sure you will do a great job.
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
18 Sep 19
Me too. But it's fun to create pretend-drama. Maybe I'll go all Mark Twain on my next post and make it seem like the world may fall into the sun if I fail.
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Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
19 Sep 19
@TheHorse That would be a good read.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
@wolfgirl569 You know I'm prone to slight exaggeration.
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ElusiveButterfly
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
18 Sep 19
I've never thought to replace the veneer on my vanity. It is beautiful, but weary looking for the wear and tear on it. You have given me hope that I can make it look spiffy again. Then maybe the old man won't keep bugging me to get rid of it.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
18 Sep 19
Do you know what kind of wood it's made of?
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ElusiveButterfly
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
19 Sep 19
@TheHorse it is a dark wood. That's all I know.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
@ElusiveButterfly Send a picture if you can!
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Anna
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 19
Repairing wood is something that I also love to do.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
Do you have a "specialty"? Sanding wood is my meditation, but I also like the problem-solving that goes with broken corners and such like.
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Anna
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
19 Sep 19
@TheHorse The part I like more is re-painting.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
@LadyDuck Do you use more paint than stain? With my speakers, it's mostly stain. Up in Montana (on the cabin), it was spray paint.
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Gary Marsh
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
18 Sep 19
Knowing your high standards you will make a perfect restoration!
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
18 Sep 19
I worked on the corner shown last night and this morning. I think it looks (and feels) good. I hope color-matching is not a pain.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (341743)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 19
I found it interesting to know more about the steps you have to go through to turn out a very attractive speaker. I'm sure others are interested too even if it's not really their 'thing'.
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The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
Thanks, Judy. It really is a lot of work. I'm glad I enjoy every step.
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Judy Evans
@JudyEv (341743)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Sep 19
@TheHorse For the rewards, you wouldn't do it if you didn't enjoy it.
Angie
@andriaperry (117130)
• Anniston, Alabama
18 Sep 19
I learn something everyday.
2 people like this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
18 Sep 19
Mwa mwa mwa.
Four Walls
@FourWalls (68888)
• United States
19 Sep 19
I'm beginning to wonder why you're always talking about your woody work.....
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
Oh dear! Generally those who talk too much about such things...are...having...issues. I need a drink.
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CarolDM
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
19 Sep 19
You are a horse of many talents.
DEBJANI BASAK
@debjani1 (7202)
•
19 Sep 19
All the best.
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
I have the hardest parts done now. I think.
Sam218
@samysotelo18 (7744)
• Mexico
18 Sep 19
omg good luck!! i hope it goes well
1 person likes this
The Horse
@TheHorse (220068)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Sep 19
Thank you! So far so good. I have the veneer glued in.