JBL 4311 Griile Cloth Frame replacing suggestions anyone?

[posvibe]

Hello all. I have a pair of 4311s and the original grille cloth frames have broken in several places and I'm looking for some replacement advice.

I couldn't help noticing they are made of very non rigid material like particle board that can break very easily. At first I thought I could have some replacements made using similar thickness plywood but questioned why JBL used such material to begin with considering the overall quality and original high cost of these speakers.

Were they intentionally designed to be non rigid to cut down on any sympathetic resonance/vibration problems at high monitoring level?

Any suggestions of proper material to make a new pair from?

All advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks and best wishes, Walter

[BMWCCA]

I couldn't help noticing they are made of very non rigid material like particle board that can break very easily.

Even with obvious abuse, the originals seem to have lasted around 40 years. With a bit of care, your replacements of the same material might outlive you. ;)

[posvibe]

I agree that the speakers will probably outlive me because I don't want to replace them and am lucky to have a pair in home and a second pair in a small demo studio I share.

Problem is, on the pair at home the originals have broken in several places and I will have to have a couple new ones made using the pieces for dimensions, etc.

Do you think a decent grade particle board will do the trick? I have a buddy with jigsaws and woodworking skills to help me. Thanks for your reply and best wishes.