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JBL L-100 restoration project ahead

RS Steve

RS Steve

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I lucked into (2) pairs of L-100's stored in a closet when visiting an estate sale. Overall they look very restorable, so I plan on getting them back to their glory in the near future. I need to do some testing to see if all the drivers are working first, then consider my plan of attack. Grills are present, one set has just grill cloth, the other has a picture frame type with notched foam. Anyone know what versions they are?

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Screws used as grill pegs. Lol. Haven’t seen that before! Also that same set looks like it was stored in moisture area as all screws look rusty. Also one tweeter looks like it’s got a smushed dome. The set on the left looks like a much easier resto job. Those grill pegs can get expensive!
 
RS Steve said:
Anyone know what versions they are?
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I believe the pair on the right is the original L100A, and the pair on the left is the L100A late model. Post some pics of the grilles. I doubt any have the original foam.

Don't lose those hang tags, they're probably worth something.
 
The later L-100's cleaned up nice and are working correctly. Foam grills need replacing, but the cabinets are in very nice condition. Earlier pair will take some effort.

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Those foam grilles—or what's left of them—look like the ubiquitous Radio Shack replacements with the partial cubes down one side.
 
RS Steve said:
I lucked into (2) pairs of L-100's stored in a closet when visiting an estate sale. Overall they look very restorable, so I plan on getting them back to their glory in the near future. I need to do some testing to see if all the drivers are working first, then consider my plan of attack. Grills are present, one set has just grill cloth, the other has a picture frame type with notched foam. Anyone know what versions they are?

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Wow Steve! At the rate your going, you’ll need a warehouse soon! Nice save and fun projects!
 
Dswankey said:
It's hard keeping up with him, he's got some serious mojo going on.
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The family was considering putting all the old electronics out at the curb since most of it was so big and heavy. If not for a friend giving them my number, who knows what would of happened to it all. There was much more equipment, including two sets of magnaplaners. I had my time with those back a few years ago and did not want those knowing the potential issues. I gave them a few people to contact that would though. They had multiple sets of the little Bose satellite systems with separate subs, none in very good condition.

I'm glad I was able to save most of the good pieces, it just shows there is still things hiding out there just waiting to be brought back, and appreciated again.
 
^ I hear you, It's good to know you're out there saving/restoring/enjoying all the interesting gear you've been able to find. I always look forward to your new threads and the nuggets you're able to come across.
 
Dswankey said:
^ I hear you, It's good to know you're out there saving/restoring/enjoying all the interesting gear you've been able to find. I always look forward to your new threads and the nuggets you're able to come across.
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I have some 4311B's and super 88's to compare with these L-100's, supposedly very similar. I notice heavy bass with these L-100's so far.
 
OTOH the L100 Centurys were designed and voiced with the grilles, JBL claimed that there was no sonic change with the (original Quadrex II) grilles, so to the owner goes the choice.

Without quadrex foam they’re just another speaker IMO.
 
I see on the auction site they have cloth panel inserts to install into the original wood frames. Curious to know if anyone else has used those, the foam replacements are a bit pricey that include the frame.
 
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