It ain't always as easy as it seems.

@TheHorse (224756)

Walnut Creek, California

January 23, 2025 10:31pm CST

I know I sometimes make it sound like restoring vintage loudspeakers is easy. But that's because I have been doing it for years. It really does require a lot of skill and patience. In the case of the JBL L-100s I am working on now, I discovered a 14" shaft of veneer that had totally separated from the back of the speaker. This morning, I glued it down with wood glue, and clamped and taped it with whatever I had on hand. I think it will be fine in the long run, but it required some thought and planning. One of my students' Grandmas was ruminating today over drainage issues at her property. She has flooding issues when it rains too much. We swapped stories about planning and execution. I reckon it never ends. I may have to put a culvert in at the cabin in Montana. But I don't even want to think about that right now. Wish me luck in getting these JBLs back to their owner.

15 people like this

11 responses

@MarieCoyle (41970)

•

24 Jan

I have refinished regular wooden furniture and it’s a lot of work. Trying to repair veneer can really be tedious! I’m sure it will look wonderful when you present it to the owner.

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@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

@MarieCoyle It is. I enjoy both the process and the product.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

Thanks! I am sanding down the final surface. I think these things will look fine when done.

3 people like this

@MarieCoyle (41970)

•

25 Jan

@TheHorse I am sure they will look very nice. It's fun to fix up old things and make them new again.

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@kareng (71060)

• United States

24 Jan

Great start there. Working with veneer is not an easy task!

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@kareng (71060)

• United States

27 Jan

@TheHorse I can see that!!

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

27 Jan

@kareng Let the oiling begin! I am almost there.

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@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

It can be pretty precise work. But it's gratifying overall.

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@kaylachan (76294)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

24 Jan

I'll wish you that luck, but I don't think you'll need it.

4 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

Thank you. I'll finish up that back tomorrow morning. It should turn out OK.

4 people like this

@kaylachan (76294)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

24 Jan

@TheHorse I hope it does work out.

4 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

@kaylachan It is holding up so far.

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@RasmaSandra (83324)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

25 Jan

Best of luck to you getting them fixed, What is a culvert?

3 people like this

@jstory07 (142658)

• Roseburg, Oregon

25 Jan

A structure of some type that holds water back.

3 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

To me, in my mechanical brain. it is a pipe that you install underground that allows water to flow relatively freely.

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@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

@jstory07 ...and allows the desired amount of water to flow through...

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@JudyEv (349050)

• Rockingham, Australia

24 Jan

If anyone can do it, I'm sure you can.

So many things that seem simple can actually be quite demanding.

4 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

Some projects (not mine right now) can be so frustrating. I spoke with the Grandma of a teen student today. She is trying to get the water to run off of her land properly. It is no easy task.

3 people like this

@ekta54 (1365)

• Delhi, India

24 Jan

Good luck in getting the JBLs back to their owner.

3 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

Thanks. I think I am past the most difficult parts of this restoration.

3 people like this

@ekta54 (1365)

• Delhi, India

28 Jan

@TheHorse Ooooo..

@GardenGerty (162774)

• United States

25 Jan

I have done just a little bit of woodworking and repair. Enough to really admire your skills.

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

Thank you! I really enjoy it. It is my "relaxation time."

@jstory07 (142658)

• Roseburg, Oregon

24 Jan

Good luck in getting those speakers to come out perfect.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

24 Jan

Thank you, Judy.

1 person likes this

@xander6464 (44943)

• Wapello, Iowa

27 Jan

A hydraulic press might help. They tend to be more effective than clamps and tape.

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@xander6464 (44943)

• Wapello, Iowa

29 Jan

@TheHorse Are you trying to ruin the surprise?

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

27 Jan

Is one in the mail?

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@wolfgirl569 (113530)

• Marion, Ohio

24 Jan

They will look great

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@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

25 Jan

That back edge fix seems to be holding up.

2 people like this

@lilacskies (6893)

• United States

1 Mar

You need a lot of patience and dedication to do what you do, and you have those. Good job!

1 person likes this

@TheHorse (224756)

• Walnut Creek, California

1 Mar

Patience really is a virtue. I am glad I can turn my natural laziness into patience.

Here's a pretty song about "saying nothing at all." I am good at that.

www.youtube.com

Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn moreRemind me later

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@lilacskies (6893)

• United States

1 Mar

@TheHorse True. Oh please. You work really hard. There's nothing lazy about you! Interesting. Thank you for sharing. You seem like quite the talker to me.