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JBL 4343 restoration, progress and quite possibly a lot of question along the way
I've had these speakers for approximately two years now and they've been in dire need of restoration. Have not come around to it as they sound so darn good, and I didn't have any good substitutes to use while I put in the work until now.
I don't know everything about these speakers, but as far as I know these began their life in the JBL factory as the grey utility versions, they were then painted black with a blue baffle by Guido in Germany, but later left for Norway and was owned by Rolf. Rolf upgraded the speakers with what I think may be the charge coupled N3145 networks by 4313B on these forums. The networks were built by Guido. The crossover network does not have a passive section between the bass and mid, so they require active crossover. There was also an attempt to put American walnut veneer on the cabinets, but after some time the glue came loose and it has to be redone.
The drivers in these are 2235h for the lows and 2121H for the mid. Other than that they're stock with 2420 on a 2307 horn, and the wonderful 2405 for uhf. The 2308 lenses are also original JBL.
The idea is to restore the speakers into the beautiful walnut version. This is my first attempt at anything like this, so I'm sure there will be a lot of questions as the thread progresses. I also hope that people who see anything that doesn't seem right make some noise so I can correct it. I will spend a lot of time on this project as I want them to be in pristine condition when the job is done. These will be in my possession for the rest of my life and the thread can act as a fun resource for those who end up with them after me. :)
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Pulled the veneer and getting ready to remove the crossover.
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Closeup of one of the networks.
Attachment 67153
Removing the internal insulation and getting ready to remove the front trims and sand the whole thing down.
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The 4343 restoration continues
The restoration is moving forward, albeit a bit slow. As I've said, I want these to be pristine and there are small blemishes which are time consuming to fix here and there. I was thinking about making new upper baffles, but are going to do my best to restore the originals.
Attachment 67352
Got the foilcals off using a heat gun, patience, spackle knife and a women's touch. They've been off before and unfortunately the job was not as gentle as mine, so they are probably due for replacement. Kind of sad, as replacements are expensive and lack the serial numbers... :( Got to think hard about what to do. They will be cleaned up and hidden in a plastic pocket inside the cabinets behind damping if they're replaced.
Attachment 67353
This tear out needs to be fixed, and I had to remove the original gaskets on the baffle to get to it.
Attachment 67354
I is the jiggermeister
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Cut
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It fits! Have glued it with expanding glue and will flush trim the thing later.
4343B on Canuck Audio Mart.
Hi there!
I don't know how to post a new note so I'm using this one! Sorry!
For anyone interested!
Cheers!
Christophe
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...35bf9-70327121
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These baffles are making me thirsty
The baffles are finally done. It has been quite a lot of routing, gluing, sanding and fixing. I've used car body filler to make things flush and will probably paint the rare side as it looks very ugly with all the inlays. Been using very good glue which expands and can't imagine any weak spots on these now.
Have also plugged the hole for the midrange driver as I want to install terminals to make sure it's sealed.
First one.
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Attachment 67460
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Working on model while waiting for veneer
Veneer is on the way and the model is beginning to take shape.
Attachment 67641
I think JBL has routed a grove for the lower baffle in the side panels and the bottom. Will make note of that so people can replicate it. Not sure how deep those grooves are, maybe 1/3" or somewhere around there. The corners are also not just 45 degrees but have a lock miter joint. I will make the model without these details as I'm not skilled enough to model it, but will take pictures and make notes of it together with the plans.
How Much..? That looks about right!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DingDing
http://i.imgur.com/YoGMzZh.png
These cabinets must be routed a bit because the front "lip" extends too much. But by how much?
Can't find plans for 4343 on the site.
The amount you've got there [even going by your pictures] looks about right. What you may be forgetting is that the lens on the front of the baffle sticks out
2 1/2" in front of the 2307 when it's attatched with it's velcro and the grills extend quite a distance out - so what you have looks close... :dont-know:
Those cabinets came with the front trim, didn't they? You haven't changed anything in the boxes for it to 'be' any different have you? Well, you're ok!
Check some pictures in the Kenrick site.
You are doing a mighty job! I didn't mean to sound selfish about my carrying on about the drawings/plans. I know many others would love to be where you are at
having a build going so well!
Just do the drawings when you get time, for goodness sakes...! I meant to say - before it's all together "could you please.. make some measurements" that will
benefit the members.. while you have the chance whilst it is still apart. ThankYou!
DB
Grey Boxes.. Teak Boxes 4343 embellishment!
Ding Ding,
Is this how your boxes started life..[or, something like!] http://jbl43.com/?pid=94861707 ?
Shows no 'trim' at the front - flat front edges.
As against http://blog.kenricksound.com/2015/09/jbl4343bwx_8.html
Shows those edges looking "very close" to what you have...!
In my packing to move.. I just can't quite lay my hands on all my drawings and measurements... :banghead:
DB