El Guapo1
New Member
WARNING: INITIAL POST LONGER THAN INTENDED
Long time listener, first time caller...I've looked through the numerous other model 15 posts and tried to gather as much info to spare the overlap. I'll try and update as I move along. I'm not the handiest person, so forgive me in advance for any mistakes...
I came across a pair of Altec Model 15's this summer in pretty good shape with what I believe to be the original curved horn and driver (033952) only a 2 hour drive away. The woofers were gone and some cheaper ones were installed. I had done a decent amount of research and figured it might be worth my first real project, so this is the start. Truth is, I haven't even listened to them because I don't know if there would be repercussions with those woofers in place. The man that sold them to me was older and gave me a receipt of the shop he took them to, to ensure they produced sound. Let's see how it plays out!
First things first, I have recovered 1 original woofer (still looking for another) and sent to Bill at Great Plains Audio (really helpful and amazingly patient), he will be sending it back soon. I have decided to keep them original:
a.) Because I have never heard the Altec sound and would to judge for myself if I enjoy the original before modifications (I'm a newbie, but have heard other vintage speakers).
b.) I don't know enough about the science of matching proper efficiency to make an educated decision for myself yet and finding an original seems to be the seemingly easiest and cost effective route, although timely.
c.) Also, there seems to be varying opinions on "the best woofers" for the project and I can't try all of them, so we'll just stay with the original 33785... for now.
I've never soldered anything, but have purchased the proper solen caps and dayton resistors from madisound and parts express respectively. The crossover seems simplistic enough and I'll give it some practice before attempting at a later date. All found through other threads... Thanks!
I plan on finding something to keep the horn secure as I've read reverberating may happen. A type of putty was recommended somewhere and parts express has gasket tape that I think would do the trick too. I've also considered dynamat down the road on the plastic horn which I've read can help with acoustics. We'll see if I find it necessary. One of the metal horn mounts is missing and the screw hole where the horn attaches has become loose. this definitely needs to be addressed, as that horn was not snug hanging on essentially 3 screws. Should I find another or replace all mounts.Thoughts??? I saw a few kits on the parts-express site.
https://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-cast-frame-10-32-speaker-mounting-kit--260-776
Risers are toast so I'm going to rebuild those with a possible modification for a wire slot, as I'd like to install new binding posts in the slot.
While getting started on the cabinets I noticed some slight imperfections that made me curious about the direction I should go next. I've used Howard's restore-a-finish and feed-n-wax on other small projects with amazing results (also, found through the forum, you all are amazing), but this project might need a little more attention? It's possible that the previous owner might have restored the cabinets in the past because there are a few spots that look like there is something on them. ... Should I sand down? Can I do a couple spots or do I have to do the entire cabinet? I know you have to be careful because of the veneer. My concern is the the restore-a-finish will make the grain pop more and would bring out the putty beneath. This has gotten long... my bad! Any advice or questions are welcome!
Long time listener, first time caller...I've looked through the numerous other model 15 posts and tried to gather as much info to spare the overlap. I'll try and update as I move along. I'm not the handiest person, so forgive me in advance for any mistakes...
I came across a pair of Altec Model 15's this summer in pretty good shape with what I believe to be the original curved horn and driver (033952) only a 2 hour drive away. The woofers were gone and some cheaper ones were installed. I had done a decent amount of research and figured it might be worth my first real project, so this is the start. Truth is, I haven't even listened to them because I don't know if there would be repercussions with those woofers in place. The man that sold them to me was older and gave me a receipt of the shop he took them to, to ensure they produced sound. Let's see how it plays out!
First things first, I have recovered 1 original woofer (still looking for another) and sent to Bill at Great Plains Audio (really helpful and amazingly patient), he will be sending it back soon. I have decided to keep them original:
a.) Because I have never heard the Altec sound and would to judge for myself if I enjoy the original before modifications (I'm a newbie, but have heard other vintage speakers).
b.) I don't know enough about the science of matching proper efficiency to make an educated decision for myself yet and finding an original seems to be the seemingly easiest and cost effective route, although timely.
c.) Also, there seems to be varying opinions on "the best woofers" for the project and I can't try all of them, so we'll just stay with the original 33785... for now.
I've never soldered anything, but have purchased the proper solen caps and dayton resistors from madisound and parts express respectively. The crossover seems simplistic enough and I'll give it some practice before attempting at a later date. All found through other threads... Thanks!
I plan on finding something to keep the horn secure as I've read reverberating may happen. A type of putty was recommended somewhere and parts express has gasket tape that I think would do the trick too. I've also considered dynamat down the road on the plastic horn which I've read can help with acoustics. We'll see if I find it necessary. One of the metal horn mounts is missing and the screw hole where the horn attaches has become loose. this definitely needs to be addressed, as that horn was not snug hanging on essentially 3 screws. Should I find another or replace all mounts.Thoughts??? I saw a few kits on the parts-express site.
https://www.parts-express.com/parts-express-cast-frame-10-32-speaker-mounting-kit--260-776
Risers are toast so I'm going to rebuild those with a possible modification for a wire slot, as I'd like to install new binding posts in the slot.
While getting started on the cabinets I noticed some slight imperfections that made me curious about the direction I should go next. I've used Howard's restore-a-finish and feed-n-wax on other small projects with amazing results (also, found through the forum, you all are amazing), but this project might need a little more attention? It's possible that the previous owner might have restored the cabinets in the past because there are a few spots that look like there is something on them. ... Should I sand down? Can I do a couple spots or do I have to do the entire cabinet? I know you have to be careful because of the veneer. My concern is the the restore-a-finish will make the grain pop more and would bring out the putty beneath. This has gotten long... my bad! Any advice or questions are welcome!