AR3 grille warped

[biminyrd]

My AR3 grilles are warped enough that the support piece in the middle is contacting the woofer and causing sound distortion with heavy bass even at lower volume.

I tried some different speakers and took off the grill and it took away the “distortion” vibration.

Besides just using them without the grille installed any suggestions for fixing them?

 

[gkimeng]

It appears that someone replaced the original plastic AR-3 grill frames with the masonite frames for the AR-3a. These are the wrong size, which is why the frame touches the woofer. It probably touched the woofer even before it warped. The fix is to make new frames with the middle support properly located so it doesn't touch the woofer, and to put some small shims and Velcro on the speaker face to retain it instead of trying to bow the frame into the groove meant for the original grill.

 

[biminyrd]

It appears that someone replaced the original plastic AR-3 grill frames with the masonite frames for the AR-3a. These are the wrong size, which is why the frame touches the woofer. It probably touched the woofer even before it warped. The fix is to make new frames with the middle support properly located so it doesn't touch the woofer, and to put some small shims and Velcro on the speaker face to retain it instead of trying to bow the frame into the groove meant for the original grill.

Thanks. After reading your post I think maybe the grilles are just installed upside down.
I’ve had these speakers in my possession for 37 years. Got them from my father. It’s possible as young kids we destroyed the old grills and he got them replaced but I don’t think so.
I rehabbed them and cleaned the pots 10 years ago.
Only recently have I actually been able to play them.

Is there a certain type of Velcro or saver you recommend?

 

[gkimeng]

Not really. The grills don't need anything industrial strength. But don't use the self adhesive stuff, it just doesn't stay stuck on. Staple it on.