Klipsch Modifications
- Thread starter Mike Gibson
- Start date
RFP
Active Member
Serious Klipschorn Modifications:
Long ago, when I had more hair and didn't have cancer, I bought a gorgeous pair of 1972 Klipschorns. I had already been through a couple sets of Klipschorns but these 1972 (pre MDF) speakers were truly special: they had TAD 2001 Mid drivers on Martinelli wood tractrix horns and JBL 2404 tweeters. All the juice was funneled to the right place by Al Klappenberger's Extreme Slope" crossover networks (120 db/octave). The sound was simply stunning in its detail and clarity.
Never having been one to leave anything alone, I decided to rebuild the wooden parts in an effort to make them look as special as they sound. The work was significant. I completely rebuilt the "top hat" using baltic birch and poplar where reinforcement seemed wise. There is now no eedge veneer anywhere on the speakers, top or bottom. All edges were routed back to allow 3/16" strips of clear white ash to be used instead of veneer.
The very top was made with an overhang, giving a hint of Asian or even Arts & Crafts period looks. A small black "spacer" was added to the space between thew top and bottom fo complete the look.
I absolutely love these things. They have ben an important part of my life for years.
The black curvey things over the speakers are an amateurish attempt at some sound reflectvity control. Inside the black “grille cloth” is ROXUL 60 sound absorbing material. Do they work? Who knows, but they look really good!
Robert
PS: The photos are awful and in no particular order. Sorry 'bout that!
Long ago, when I had more hair and didn't have cancer, I bought a gorgeous pair of 1972 Klipschorns. I had already been through a couple sets of Klipschorns but these 1972 (pre MDF) speakers were truly special: they had TAD 2001 Mid drivers on Martinelli wood tractrix horns and JBL 2404 tweeters. All the juice was funneled to the right place by Al Klappenberger's Extreme Slope" crossover networks (120 db/octave). The sound was simply stunning in its detail and clarity.
Never having been one to leave anything alone, I decided to rebuild the wooden parts in an effort to make them look as special as they sound. The work was significant. I completely rebuilt the "top hat" using baltic birch and poplar where reinforcement seemed wise. There is now no eedge veneer anywhere on the speakers, top or bottom. All edges were routed back to allow 3/16" strips of clear white ash to be used instead of veneer.
The very top was made with an overhang, giving a hint of Asian or even Arts & Crafts period looks. A small black "spacer" was added to the space between thew top and bottom fo complete the look.
I absolutely love these things. They have ben an important part of my life for years.
The black curvey things over the speakers are an amateurish attempt at some sound reflectvity control. Inside the black “grille cloth” is ROXUL 60 sound absorbing material. Do they work? Who knows, but they look really good!
Robert
PS: The photos are awful and in no particular order. Sorry 'bout that!
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Dr Morbius
Well-Known Member
Fascinating project, is it totally done now?
RFP
Active Member
Oh yes, complete since 2007 (I am really late in posting this )