Again, my comments reflect examples from the Mini-III model, but I think this all translates to the larger Rect. III as well. Pics show examples of at least two of the dark grille cloths used by Rectilinear, and also some product literature that shows this was later revised to off white.
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As far as the Highboys go, from what I can tell they used the off-white first, then went to the brown stuff.
Question for you finish guys; my Highboys have their original finish intact. They feel a bit dry and there are a few minor imperfections. To me, they look much lighter than other pairs I've seen. When I bought them the seller told me they were teak, but all of the literature I have seen described the veneer as walnut. So, perhaps they are walnut and have experienced some UV fading over the 51 years of their existence. Honestly, I like them the way they are, but want to freshen up the finish (there are a few small blems here and there). Here's what they look like now:
What approach and what finish would you recommend? I want to keep this look and not apply anything that will make them darker. My original plan was to sand them down to the veneer and then apply a few coats of natural Danish oil, but I've also considered the JBL standard recipe of 75% boiled linseed oil + 25% turpentine. The drawback there is I will have to wait a few months for some better weather. I moved into a townhouse in December and only have an unheated 1-car garage to work in. I have applied Danish oil indoors in the past, but with the BLO + turp, I'd want to be able to work outdoors, or at least in the garage with the overhead door open.
I'll look them over closely tonight to see if they actually require much sanding. If not, is it possible to just freshen up the original finish by applying a new coat or two of Danish oil?
I'd say the reason the speakers are light is because they've been very well preserved and protected. Probably as close to original as one could ask. Typically, wood and wood finishes darken with age and exposure (I have a flame mahogany Empire dresser that's almost black... didn't start life like that 185 years ago). And most UV damage I've seen is very inconsistent and uneven. One speaker would be darker than the other, or one side on a speaker would be darker/lighter than the others. I've never tried to refresh an existing oil finish, (most my projects have been all or nothing affairs), but I've heard that when a Danish oil finish get a little dry, all you need to do is do a wipe down with some more to refresh. And they look like walnut to me.
MCM Fan said:
Yeah, this is a more common example of uneven UV fading (tan lines):
And a very common example of the need to refoam that woofer!
Goodness! And from JBL! Shame!
It's all looking good, and it appears you've selected Mundorf E for mid and Dayton poly for tweeter - - very sensible choices. Did you ever measure the caps from the other cabinet?...... and what values did you end up using here?