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View Full Version : Is there a JBL museum anywhere?



SUPERBEE
07-13-2006, 09:56 AM
Just wondering. And if so where is it?

glen
07-13-2006, 02:24 PM
Steve Schell's house.
Well, I guess that's more of a Lansing Museum. (Lansing Manufacturing, Altec Lansing & JBL)

Actually, closest thing I know of was the History Exhibit and systems in storage at JBL Northridge.

There was an Ampex Museum, but that collection was donated to Stanford University and is not exhibited, for scholarly research only.

Seems like I heard of a Museum of Recorded Sound on the East Coast but I don't know if they ever got finances together to open.

I guess this LH site is it unless JBL can be convinced to put some of their items on permanent display in a more publicly accessible area of their building (something I think we'dall love to see)

Titanium Dome
07-13-2006, 03:34 PM
Have you looked in my garage? :rotfl: My GF might characterize it as more of a JBL junkyard, but then many, many members here are in the same plight.

One of the great things about the community is that it takes all of us to preserve the heritage. It's really bigger than one person or one company, even JBL, can perpetuate. However, if Steve S's vintage stuff were combined with JBL dog's, Robh3606's, johnaec's, JBLforever's, vettedrummer's, my own stuff and a couple other members, we'd have just about the entire production catalog covered.

Add on the DIY element (you know who you are) and there's a collection that exceeds the model output of the original lines. Quite a feat, really. :yes:

JBLnsince1959
07-13-2006, 04:26 PM
It's a shame I've sold my stuff over the years......but, then who knew that we would all look back fondly on these speakers

Then again I may start selling again this fall and just clean house of everything and start all over again....

I really wish that JBL would do a complete museum that we could walk thru but then it's not a money maker and the bean counters would most likely nix it. However, it would fit in nicely with the 60th year ann.

Steve Schell
07-14-2006, 12:12 AM
I agree with the sentiments that preserving audio history is largely the role of individual collector/enthusiasts. The public may pay money to tour a car museum, but even that can be an iffy proposition. No collection of amps and speakers is going to be self sustaining, no matter what we LH types think of them.

Peter Hammar was the curator of the Ampex museum for several years. We spoke once on the phone, and he felt that ultimately the history of these technologies will be preserved mostly in virtual form, documents and pictures. Almost no one is willing to underwrite the fixed costs of maintaining an audio museum. Even the Smithsonian is apparently uninterested in most items unless they were owned by a celebrity or have some other connection that would grab the public's attention.

John W
07-14-2006, 08:14 AM
Charging people to look at speakers might not pay the bills, but unlike cars, planes and the like, speaker are something that everyone can really experience just by being in the same room. Here is a program from the type of JBL Museum I would like to see.


• Tonight in the lounge we will fire up the 250ti’s bi-amped with some big McIntosh iron playing “Ladies of Jazz”. Your choice of drinks will be available at the bar, for a nominal fee

• In the “Blue Room” there will be shootout of classical studio monitors. A head to head competition of all your 443* favorites. Bring your “Golden Ear” and vote for the one you like best.

• Out in the barn, we are pulling out the best from the Cabaret line to see if they really can handle 1600w. Dancing till 1:00, then we have to shut it down or the neighbors complain.

• Also, down in the basement, anyone who still hasn’t finished the baffles for their 4435s, needs to bring their router and dust-mask. The shop will be open till 10:00.
Maybe set the museum up on a monthly subscription basis, like a health club or something.

JBLnsince1959
07-14-2006, 09:59 AM
Even the Smithsonian is apparently uninterested in most items unless they were owned by a celebrity or have some other connection that would grab the public's attention.

It's a shame that they don't recognize this as REAL technology that has REALLY shaped/( reflected current state of) our society ( which it has!!!!)

I wonder if they would view TV's, engines the same way

as a person who lived in/and around the Washington and visited Smithsonian alot, it's surprising they don't...

the event of recorded and broadcast sound has shaped our current society in so many ways I can't count it...and the speaker ( and it's development) is at the heart of this.....

Oh well

Thank GOD we have a few brave souls like Steve and the rest to do this......

BMWCCA
07-14-2006, 10:09 AM
[SIZE="1"]Charging people to look at speakers might not pay the bills, but unlike cars, planes and the like, speaker are something that everyone can really experience just by being in the same room. Here is a program from the type of JBL Museum I would like to see.


• Tonight in the lounge we will fire up the 250ti’s bi-amped with some big McIntosh iron playing “Ladies of Jazz”. Your choice of drinks will be available at the bar, for a nominal fee

• In the “Blue Room” there will be shootout of classical studio monitors. A head to head competition of all your 443* favorites. Bring your “Golden Ear” and vote for the one you like best.

• Out in the barn, we are pulling out the best from the Cabaret line to see if they really can handle 1600w. Dancing till 1:00, then we have to shut it down or the neighbors complain.

• Also, down in the basement, anyone who still hasn’t finished the baffles for their 4435s, needs to bring their router and dust-mask. The shop will be open till 10:00.
Maybe set the museum up on a monthly subscription basis, like a health club or something. That is an awesome concept! I actually think it might work. Too bad it would likely end up in California!

JBLnsince1959
07-14-2006, 12:17 PM
[SIZE="1"] That is an awesome concept! I actually think it might work. Too bad it would likely end up in California!

yes, I particularly like the bar part. Maybe we could get the Hooter girls to help out..That way we could get more people than just JBL groupies and maybe it would pay for itself....

fini
07-14-2006, 06:41 PM
I don't know how you all feel about Klipsch speakers, but a month ago I (and 50-75 other Klipsch Forum members) were in Hope, Arkansas for a company-sponsored pilgrimage. This year (it's an anual event) we got a tour of the plant (in production!), a critical listen to their new products, a demo in the lab (very casual, it felt like engineer Roy Delgado had invited us into his home), and a "behind the scenes" tour of the Klipsch museum (by engineer Jim Hunter, himself an avid collector, who even let us wander around the basement, which to the casual enthusiast might seem like a bore, but to myself and the rest of our group felt like treading on hallowed ground). Klipsch even put on a killer BBQ, and a live, 3-band show! Not "glitzy" at all, it felt like a family reunion (without the obnoxious relatives). If anyone is interested, there are plenty of pictures on the Kipsch forum. Yeah, I know, this is the Lansing Heritage site, but to me, it's all good (well, excepting Bose...). Hey, anyone seen those 60th anniversary Khorns? I saw 'em being put together!

hmmmshai_hulud
07-14-2006, 09:21 PM
(well, excepting Bose...)

Some of the older cabinets and xovers are good. Just replace the woofers, and SHAZAM! I found some series 1 501's and replaced the woofers with 4 ohm polks. I must say for some small 2 ways they sound very nice.

Ducatista47
07-15-2006, 09:02 AM
Fini, what a great attitude for a for-profit company to have. Obviously, Harmon employs a much more modern/common corporate culture model.

Wherever the growth model of business rules, every planning decision is made in the shadow of "We owe it to our stockholders to...." The down side of this thinking includes shortsightedness, considering many employees costs instead of assets (IT to India, manufacture to the ChiComs, a nation not the least bit friendly to anything we stand for in the Americas and Europe), and an eternal excuse for saying no to anything without a provable, direct, immediate revenue enhancement.

The growth model is not the best method to safely (and without incurring debt) keep market share already posessed, or to serve customers and employees well. Why is it so "American" to employ it? It makes a few - a very few - wealthy beyond reason or earthly use. The disparity between the haves and the have less's is greater in the US than in most third world nations. Also, one percent of the citizens own - is is not 80% - of the assets and wealth? They are the stockholders, pretty much. Look up the 1930's terms "Plutocracy" and "Plutocrat."

In the global picture, Harmon is not an evil Corporation is any way. It is average or better in its culture and has been very, very kind to this community. But its thinking is firmly in the mainstream.

Don't get me wrong, I am 100% behind Democracies. Democracy without socialism (like India since about 1991) makes citizens unequally wealthy. Communism and radical socialism make citizens equally poor.

So, in the corporate culture arena, go Klipsch!:applaud:

Clark in Peoria

JBLnsince1959
07-15-2006, 12:48 PM
Fini

:blink: :rotfl:
that has got to be one of funniest avatars I've seen....however, I hope this isn't the start of a whole rash of naked people avatars ( but then I quess I should talk:D )

I think the attitude that Klipsch and WestLake ( Ken Pachkowski's tour) is a great one that i wish more companies would follow ( hint, hint)

fini
07-15-2006, 05:06 PM
Fini

I hope this isn't the start of a whole rash of naked people avatars.



...or organ avatars...

Maron Horonzakz
07-16-2006, 05:08 AM
That really is FINI playing his organ.:D

glen
07-16-2006, 11:56 PM
There's a Western Electric Museum:

"Here is a link to the Western Electric Gallery (http://www.wec.co.jp/). Matsuo Fujii is the owner of this massive collection of Amps, tubes and theater speakers. It is organized like a museum, with a small entry fee you can listen in the purpose built hall the whole day. The site is multlingual and bears a lot of nice pictures. If you should be in Japan make sure to visit this place."
Referred to by Thomas Schick on his webpage:
http://www.thomas-schick.com/Japan.htm

The Western Electric Gallery (http://www.wec.co.jp/) link is not working right now, I've visited it before, hopefully it's absence is only temporary. I believe there was some Lansing speakers there as well.

Jan Daugaard
07-17-2006, 12:46 AM
Hi fini,

is your avatar taken from a Monty Python show? I distinctly remember Terry Jones playing an organ like that.

fini
07-17-2006, 07:04 AM
Good eye, Jan! I decided for my avatar that I wanted to use something completely different.

JBLnsince1959
07-17-2006, 07:17 AM
That really is FINI playing his organ.:D

Well, thank GOD he's playing the organ and NOT playing WITH his organ....

The LAST thing we need is alot of naked pictures of the members BEATING their organs.....:D

Fini..seriously, that is one demented avatar:rotfl: .... I love it..now whenever I've had a bad day, I can just look at your avatar and have a good laugh...excellent choice...:applaud:

Oh well, back to reality about museums....sorry if we got off track here...

fini
07-17-2006, 07:37 AM
Here are a few shots from last year's Klipsch plant tour (my camera's battery was dead this year:( . The fellow in the blue shirt (in the shot with the La Scala IIs) is engineer Roy Delgado.

fini
07-17-2006, 07:46 AM
I'm not sure who took this picture, but the guy in the maroon shirt is Seadog (screen name) from the Klipsch forum. He hauled his own Cornwalls to Hope, and he wanted to compare them (sound-wise) to the new Cornwall IIIs. The other gentleman is Trey Cannon, tech support (now engineering dept.) for Klipsch. He heard something not quite right, and took Seadog's Corns into the anechoic chamber for testing. They probably spent 2 hours analyzing the problem. Pretty cool, huh?

JBLnsince1959
07-17-2006, 08:13 AM
He heard something not quite right, and took Seadog's Corns into the anechoic chamber for testing. They probably spent 2 hours analyzing the problem. Pretty cool, huh?

VERY COOL.... Nice people to do that.....sounds like they really care about their customers.....and that it's not just a numbers game with them....

JBLnsince1959
07-17-2006, 08:15 AM
Fini...

By the way..when do they have this every year???? I'll love to go to the next one...:thmbsup:

Titanium Dome
07-17-2006, 08:41 AM
Just the fact that they do this makes me want to buy their product.

Okay, Harman, when will we get something like this for JBL fans? I'm here in SoCal and am ready to help in the organizing and promotion of it. Need a registration database, event coordination, scheduling assistance? I'll help.

When you want to contact me you can use this forum's PM capability or e-mail me direct ([email protected]).

I'll come to Northridge in advance for training and orientation, even work a day or two for free to get the lay of the land. How can you lose? This would make a nice 60th Anniversary commemorative event.

JBLnsince1959
07-17-2006, 09:12 AM
Just the fact that they do this makes me want to buy their product.

Okay, Harman, when will we get something like this for JBL fans? I'm here in SoCal and am ready to help in the organizing and promotion of it. Need a registration database, event coordination, scheduling assistance? I'll help.

.

Dome...exactly what I was thinking...even when you were trying to organize something earlier this year...I'm sure that the main reason it fell apart was the cost of the rooms ( and JBL didn't come to the rescue....I thought maybe they would)

Sometimes I think JBL has become more of a company for the numbers and lead by accountants and not for the people....not realizing the potential for increased sales via good relations.

And ya know, there's no sense brow-beating them into it...It doesn't appear to be in their hearts like it is with the other companies......

SUPERBEE
07-17-2006, 10:31 AM
He heard something not quite right

Isnt that always the problem with Klipsch?




OK.......Sorry, Sorry!

I just couldn't resist

Storm
07-17-2006, 11:29 AM
Isnt that always the problem with Klipsch?




OK.......Sorry, Sorry!

I just couldn't resist

:applaud:
Nice one!

Huge Altec fan here...had a pair of Cornwalls and they definately do not sound right!

:banghead:

JBLnsince1959
07-17-2006, 12:15 PM
Originally Posted by fini
He heard something not quite right




Isnt that always the problem with Klipsch?



Good one:D

Titanium Dome
07-17-2006, 01:13 PM
Yeah, that's a good one. Now turn around so I can snap you on the ass with this wet towel. :p

(fini: I saved the trouble of needing to sink to our level.)

Titanium Dome
07-17-2006, 01:20 PM
I go to antique stores sometimes. Don't ask me why; I never buy anything. I guess I enjoy looking at nostalgic but (to me) fundamentally worthless stuff. I really like the antique malls because of their supersized selections from various dealers.

I wonder if a JBL Heritage Mall would work? Of course, we're talking SoCal again, but what if there were a large retail space in a relatively safe place where we could put our excess JBL and other gear kind of on display and have it safely stored as well? I truly have a sh!tload of JBL, Soundcraftsmen, Technics, Hafler, Fosgate Audionics, and other gear that I'd put in place where it would be safe, on display, under controlled use, and easy to access and appreciate.

Just a wild idea...

fini
07-17-2006, 04:45 PM
:applaud:
Nice one!

Huge Altec fan here...had a pair of Cornwalls and they definately do not sound right!

:banghead:

Heh, probably the crap you were driving it with...

GOTCHA!;)

The Klipsch pilgrimage has been going on since '01, when the first group of forum members were treated to an invitation into Paul & Valerie's home! I'm pretty jealous, but I did manage to hook-up (not romantically...I brought my wife) with Miss Valerie at her new place. Charming lady. How many of y'all even know JBL's wife's name? I'm not trying to be crass here, both JBL and Klipsch have extremely rich histories, and intensely devoted fans. Like I said before, it's all good (especially my '77 Khorns...;) ).

BTW, thanks for the fun welcome!:applaud:

fini
07-17-2006, 04:58 PM
Anyone know what that yellow button (on the middle guy's {Ross V. Taylor}) shirt says? Not you, Maron...I know you're full of it...;)

SUPERBEE
07-17-2006, 05:43 PM
Anyone know what that yellow button (on the middle guy's {Ross V. Taylor}) shirt says? Not you, Maron...I know you're full of it...;)


Yes........... It says.....


"PLEASE HELP ME, I OWN KLIPSCH"




I have SO got to stop this.
:applaud:

JBLnsince1959
07-18-2006, 05:36 AM
BTW, thanks for the fun welcome!:applaud:


Our pleasure, it has been a hoot..and alot of fun....

You know some companies have a heart and care about their customers ( and fans) and some don't.....

or maybe I should say some companies care enough to do something about it....or maybe some companies get so big that they can't afford it....

I'll just leave it at "it's kind of disappointing when I see other companies welcome their fans with open arms...and others keep their fans at arms length"

then again maybe things will change...

I had a good come back about the yellow button BUT I can't top what SUPERBEE wrote:rotfl:

anyway.....welcome to the forum......

Maron Horonzakz
07-18-2006, 06:32 AM
Hey FINI.....I represent that remark !!!!!;)

Maron Horonzakz
07-18-2006, 07:05 AM
Both Klipsch and JBL have there dark side. Klipsch has the true family linage. The Klipschorn is still in production for 60 years ...JBL has droped the 075 after its longest run. What have they replaced it with? A $ 1500 tweeter. :D

SUPERBEE
07-18-2006, 09:17 AM
BTW Fini


Just funning with ya.........Welcome to the board.


Everyone is into what they like. Just get me wound up about the JBL Olympus and see how stupid I get.


Besides.........I owned a set of Klipsch once....................ONCE!

fini
07-18-2006, 10:56 AM
Superbee,
That was a great comeback! Hey, I saw a pair of JBL Olympus speakers (S7? w/o the 075??) at an estate sale a couple years back (I think I even posted here about them...maybe a different screen name?). Trouble was, they knew they were special, and were asking $1500 per speaker! I went back on the last day of the sale, and they'd sold them for $1500 for the pair. Still too much for me to cough up (and hide from SWMBO...)!:banana:

Titanium Dome
07-18-2006, 11:37 AM
Would you mind activating your location with your avatar? It always adds to the intrigue when we know where you're located.

Thanks.

Maron Horonzakz
07-18-2006, 06:34 PM
FINI.....Dont give them your location. They,l steal your gold, silver, & JBL,s;)

fini
07-18-2006, 06:58 PM
Ah, heck, I don't mind. Anyone that'd break into my house would get to see me at the organ...

Specifically, I'm in Rohnert Park, "The Friendly City®" As they say, go North until you smell it, East until you step in it...

johnaec
07-18-2006, 08:16 PM
Specifically, I'm in Rohnert Park.Holy Smokes! Ya' mean I gotta' start watchin' out for some naked organ player running around here?? :blink:

John

fini
07-18-2006, 08:30 PM
Heh, ya might want to bring the kids in before dark...

Don't worry, I only have a piano. What section are you in? I'm in "D"...

Zilch
07-18-2006, 08:32 PM
What section are you in? I'm in "D"...A town with wards?

[O.K., I get it, now.... :p ]

johnaec
07-19-2006, 08:13 AM
I'm in "D"...Over in the high-rent section, I see. I'm in "C" myself...

John

Titanium Dome
07-19-2006, 03:42 PM
Heh, ya might want to bring the kids in before dark...

Don't worry, I only have a piano. What section are you in? I'm in "D"...

I thought you were in "XXX."

fini
07-21-2006, 05:40 AM
Nah, closer to "ZZZ"...

JBL 4645
04-14-2007, 03:11 AM
That really is FINI playing his organ.:D


I guess he’s goanna get the Horn next.:D

JBL 4645
04-14-2007, 03:16 AM
Well, thank GOD he's playing the organ and NOT playing WITH his organ....

The LAST thing we need is alot of naked pictures of the members BEATING their organs.....:D

Fini..seriously, that is one demented avatar:rotfl: .... I love it..now whenever I've had a bad day, I can just look at your avatar and have a good laugh...excellent choice...:applaud:

Oh well, back to reality about museums....sorry if we got off track here...

Man I’m eating do you mind stop playing around with your organ.:rotfl:



Dome...exactly what I was thinking...even when you were trying to organize something earlier this year...I'm sure that the main reason it fell apart was the cost of the rooms ( and JBL didn't come to the rescue....I thought maybe they would)

Sometimes I think JBL has become more of a company for the numbers and lead by accountants and not for the people....not realizing the potential for increased sales via good relations.

And ya know, there's no sense brow-beating them into it...It doesn't appear to be in their hearts like it is with the other companies......

Hmm, lucky for you guys JBL only few hundred miles away there a bit of water in my way called the Atlantic Ocean:blink: . I think JBL should open there doors to the JBL owners no matter how big small old or new there JBL is I think they should at least do an annual tour of the plant each year.:)


Ah, heck, I don't mind. Anyone that'd break into my house would get to see me at the organ...


fini

Welcome to the forums mate you’ve provided us with a few laughs at that organ of yours is funny and thou I’m partly stark naked while typing this it’s been rather jolly, quite frilling on the whole please stick around.:applaud: