Been planing on doing this for a long time. It’s almost finished. test fit for tomorrow Made out of 3/4” Solid Walnut.
MAC 4100 solid walnut wood case done
- Thread starter psychoaudio
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
I like the single piece construction over the original design having three separate pieces. What I would like most of all is if someone could make a 4100 cabinet that also has a bottom panel as was done with L cabinets used with separates. That would make for the ultimate finishing touch.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
Such as you say like the L Model Cabs would then eliminate the need for the 4 Side Screws.
Such a Cab could then simply be secured with longer Screws for the 4 Original Feet, correct?
And like the original Cab, no need for a Vent Screen as the 4100 already has a vented Metal Top Cover.
Not long back I ordered a Walnut Case from AC, but a thanks to Richard our forum member here advised-cautioned me quickly that day that the top panel was likely made from 2 pieces of wood. I was fortunate that I was able to cancel the order with no penalty.
Last edited:
That's what I was envisioning.
To my knowledge, the top panel is a single piece on A/C's solid wood cabinet.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
To my eyes, this does not look like a 1 piece top panel to me. I know, this is their Tiger Maple Cabinet pictured. They offer Cherry and Walnut also.
I just shot a message off to Chris at AC, I'd like to hear what he says?
As Richard wisely advised me, to ask AC to send me pics of the actual wood Cabinet Pieces prior to purchase.
I wouldn't think this would be an unusual request, that I'm sure many customers afar wish to see the actual pictures of any particular used Unit they're considering purchasing.
As the old saying goes, "A picture tells a 1000 words".
Shipping for these Cabs from them runs about $80! Factor in return shipping as well if not pleased, that to me is a costly chance to take.
I just shot a message off to Chris at AC, I'd like to hear what he says?
As Richard wisely advised me, to ask AC to send me pics of the actual wood Cabinet Pieces prior to purchase.
I wouldn't think this would be an unusual request, that I'm sure many customers afar wish to see the actual pictures of any particular used Unit they're considering purchasing.
As the old saying goes, "A picture tells a 1000 words".
Shipping for these Cabs from them runs about $80! Factor in return shipping as well if not pleased, that to me is a costly chance to take.
Last edited:
On the walnut A/C cabinet on my 4100, the top panel is a single piece- FWIW.
Something doesn't seem right about that shipping quote. I'd double check on that as well.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
I'm not kidding, when I say the price of the Cabinet, State Taxes, (which they have to charge you), and shipping, the total cost was almost close to $500. I believe a tad over $480 total to Chicago, Ill.
I then started liking my original stock Case better and better by the day!
It's bone stock, as God (McIntosh) intended! LOL
If a Metal Case and Cover wasn't monkeyed up like I can see mine is with minor slight scrapes on the sides with the side Panels off, maybe the 4100 wouldn't look so bad totally nude?
But I do know, the Metal Case and construction doesn't exactly look like a Marantz 2285B, or a pair of MC-601's either, it is quite ugly in the Nude. Unless you particularly like the "B-29 Look". LOL
I recognized with my ole "audio eyes", there is something a bit wrong with Rack Handles and Wood Cabinets combined. They clash. I feel you should either do one, or the other, but not both.
All of of Mac freaks will agree, being nude was never a bad thing!
Last edited:
Let me know if it can be done without the biscuits. I'd be interested.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
I did get a response back from Chris Bailey at AC, and here was his response when I asked if the Top Panel was made from 2 Pieces.
"That's correct. The top piece is a total of 13 3/4" long, so to
construct these out of solid wood it made more sense for our
manufacturer to use two pieces. I've included a picture that shows the
final look that was achieved with all three finishes."
Thank you,
Chris
So, as you say that your Cabinet from AC does have a 1 piece Wood Top, this is likely true, as it then might depend on when, and how far back you purchased yours?
Perhaps some time back, and when they were much less expensive also, they were being made from 1 piece. Then later they cut corners, made it easier for their manufacturer, and made it less expensive for themselves by utilizing narrower pieces of woods that cost less, and then increased the price to boot likely because more labor required.
I know there was a time, they were $199, and possibly once were $149.
At $349 plus tax-shipping today, and the top is made from 2 pieces glued together, no thanks, I'll pass.
"That's correct. The top piece is a total of 13 3/4" long, so to
construct these out of solid wood it made more sense for our
manufacturer to use two pieces. I've included a picture that shows the
final look that was achieved with all three finishes."
Thank you,
Chris
So, as you say that your Cabinet from AC does have a 1 piece Wood Top, this is likely true, as it then might depend on when, and how far back you purchased yours?
Perhaps some time back, and when they were much less expensive also, they were being made from 1 piece. Then later they cut corners, made it easier for their manufacturer, and made it less expensive for themselves by utilizing narrower pieces of woods that cost less, and then increased the price to boot likely because more labor required.
I know there was a time, they were $199, and possibly once were $149.
At $349 plus tax-shipping today, and the top is made from 2 pieces glued together, no thanks, I'll pass.
Last edited:
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
I think the simplest and most correct way to go with any Mac Cabinets at minimum, and like they were commonly done, was again just simple quality MDF, with a real wood veneer.
The assortment of variable wood veneers today is vast. I'll save space explaining, that we all understand about woods, wood working, veneers, laminates
Boys and Girls, raise your hands that you had the pleasure of cutting open brand new boxes of the vintage Mac, The MC's the MX's, and the MR's, the Cases, etc. I have.
I remember the 2 cases I bought for my 2105's, and yeah, they were not cheap either in '74.
But they were so nicely done. Not a mark-flaw to be found, Panloc Rails all in place, the 2105's slipped in and locked in with quality precision! Never had issues with the Panloc's on any of my Mac gear.
One could think outside of the box too with something like this:
I had a buddy in NM, a master machinist, but such is not out of the realm of any high quality Machine Shop today.
I walk in with my 4100, like I would've did with my buddy Andy, tell him I want 3 Panels made from solid Billet Aluminum, routed, drilled, polished-smoothed then brushed, then Black Anodized, throw in a quad of custom machined befitting feet.
A garage machinist like him basically could make such, he could make pretty much anything he put his mind too, like once made a time era correct antique table-top Gattling Gun once that fired, a work of art. Imagine a state of the art facility using uber expensive CNC.
Maybe I'll be "the first kid on the block!?" LOL
The assortment of variable wood veneers today is vast. I'll save space explaining, that we all understand about woods, wood working, veneers, laminates
Boys and Girls, raise your hands that you had the pleasure of cutting open brand new boxes of the vintage Mac, The MC's the MX's, and the MR's, the Cases, etc. I have.
I remember the 2 cases I bought for my 2105's, and yeah, they were not cheap either in '74.
But they were so nicely done. Not a mark-flaw to be found, Panloc Rails all in place, the 2105's slipped in and locked in with quality precision! Never had issues with the Panloc's on any of my Mac gear.
One could think outside of the box too with something like this:
I had a buddy in NM, a master machinist, but such is not out of the realm of any high quality Machine Shop today.
I walk in with my 4100, like I would've did with my buddy Andy, tell him I want 3 Panels made from solid Billet Aluminum, routed, drilled, polished-smoothed then brushed, then Black Anodized, throw in a quad of custom machined befitting feet.
A garage machinist like him basically could make such, he could make pretty much anything he put his mind too, like once made a time era correct antique table-top Gattling Gun once that fired, a work of art. Imagine a state of the art facility using uber expensive CNC.
Maybe I'll be "the first kid on the block!?" LOL
lightcapture
Super Member
beautiful workmanship
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
As for the whole thing in a nutshell, and like Sherlock would say, "It's all elementary Watson".
As for Cabs on the 4100, most definitely you have to admire a woodworker's art. Such beautiful work done.
Looks like some is done for Marantz, but little to none for Mac.
Again, I think the best theme is what is befitting, and again feel to just leave all alone stock, and not to alter-mod. Or veer to far.
The 4100 is not the Gryphon Mephisto. Simply pull out $60K, and you can own one of these 238 lb babies.
As for Cabs on the 4100, most definitely you have to admire a woodworker's art. Such beautiful work done.
Looks like some is done for Marantz, but little to none for Mac.
Again, I think the best theme is what is befitting, and again feel to just leave all alone stock, and not to alter-mod. Or veer to far.
The 4100 is not the Gryphon Mephisto. Simply pull out $60K, and you can own one of these 238 lb babies.
Last edited:
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
Congrats.
Here's an image link to the case on my 4100, so as you can see it is not flawless.
Many I'm sure are much worse. I've somewhat lessened such with some walnut stain, looks a little better.
I would think someone who is masterful with veneers could restore these original cases to look much better.
Last edited:
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
Similar threads
