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

@TheHorse (206361)

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.

11 people like this

11 responses

@wolfgirl569 (95626)

• Marion, Ohio

18 Sep 19

I am sure you will do a great job.

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@wolfgirl569 (95626)

• Marion, Ohio

18 Sep 19

That would be a good read.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

19 Sep 19

@wolfgirl569 You know I'm prone to slight exaggeration.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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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ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• 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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ElusiveButterfly

@ElusiveButterfly (45939)

• United States

19 Sep 19

@TheHorse it is a dark wood. That's all I know.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

18 Sep 19

Do you know what kind of wood it's made of?

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

19 Sep 19

@ElusiveButterfly Send a picture if you can!

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@LadyDuck (458976)

• Switzerland

19 Sep 19

Repairing wood is something that I also love to do.

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@LadyDuck (458976)

• Switzerland

19 Sep 19

@TheHorse The part I like more is re-painting.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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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@MALUSE (69409)

• Germany

18 Sep 19

I'm sure you earn well with your restoration work and can afford a manicure/pedicure for your hooves!

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

18 Sep 19

I am frugal. I try to keep them neat by walking on pavement, but I always wind up with chips.

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@MALUSE (69409)

• Germany

18 Sep 19

@TheHorse Fish and chips?

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

18 Sep 19

@MALUSE Actually, that sounds pretty good right now! But I think I'm going to opt for all-you-can-eat Indian today for lunch.

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@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

18 Sep 19

Knowing your high standards you will make a perfect restoration!

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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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.

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@andriaperry (116860)

• Anniston, Alabama

18 Sep 19

I learn something everyday.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

18 Sep 19

Mwa mwa mwa.

@FourWalls (62424)

• United States

19 Sep 19

I'm beginning to wonder why you're always talking about your woody work.....

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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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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@JudyEv (326093)

• 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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@TheHorse (206361)

• 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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@JudyEv (326093)

• Rockingham, Australia

19 Sep 19

@TheHorse For the rewards, you wouldn't do it if you didn't enjoy it.

@CarolDM (203451)

• Nashville, Tennessee

19 Sep 19

You are a horse of many talents.

@debjani1 (7207)

•

19 Sep 19

All the best.

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

19 Sep 19

I have the hardest parts done now. I think.

@samysotelo18 (7744)

• Mexico

18 Sep 19

omg good luck!! i hope it goes well

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@TheHorse (206361)

• Walnut Creek, California

18 Sep 19

Thank you! So far so good. I have the veneer glued in.