JBL 4350B rebuild/restoration question

[R-Carpenter]

Hi Guys and Gals. First time posting on this forum.
I am rebuilding/restoring a pair of 4350B JBL for a client.
He wants to veneer case work in Ebony Macasar and possibly the front as well (may be in fiddle back maple) No question, they will look fantastic after I am done, but in this case whats the "Heritage" point of view? Would it be looked at as a nice work but the owner made mistake of not restoring the loudspeaker to the original state with Walnut veneer and blue front baffle?
Pleas advise folks, this is my first time in the antique JBL country.

[BMWCCA]

I'm guessing some might call it a sacrilege to do custom work to a rare and desirable vintage JBL pro monitor. Those same folks would likely praise the same custom work if it were used in creating a new clone of the original.

It's really up to the owner who will, hopefully and ultimately, use the finished product to enjoy the sound of music. And that's really what it's all about, right?

[hjames]

If the intent is to maintain collector's value, then it needs to be refreshed with stock looks, as that is what most collectors favor. But many times, its hard finding just the right collector to get maximum return on your investment.

If its meant to be just enjoyed, maintain the stock parts and use the veneer and finishes that work for you.

Really big speakers like 4350Bs are personal statements anyway - there is NOT a hot mob of fans chasing after them - their sale its very much dependent on the market at a given moment.

ED: Just added the link to these 4435s that Dan redid a while back -
with the economy sliding, they didn't bring nearly the money he put into them, but - they sure looked nice in the pix!



http://www.audioheritage.org/vbullet...-Wytheville-Va

[teddsterr]

Do know the client, speakers are utility gray version. Certainly a huge upgrade finished in 2-tone ebony macasar and maple...if done right! Veneer guy comes highly recommended. Heard this man also builds speakers from scratch, so that's a huge advantage (having the knowledge and physics). Bottomline....... As long as the crossovers, components, inside packing and wiring is all original, i see this to be a wonderful restoration and upgrade. The value will only exceed. Would love to see the progress pictures

[R-Carpenter]

Pictures are posted on this forum.
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/sh...d.php?t=217646
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi...storation.html
Curious to collect opinions of other tech people.
I am researching technical aspects of this design while doing prep work.Very curious to listen to this monsters after they are done as well as taking a FR, waterfall and distortion with and without crossover of each driver and system all together. Off axis response will be a pita to measure, speaker is to big to be placed on my stand.

[R-Carpenter]

bit more work done. Pics on PE forum.

[R-Carpenter]

work continues. All sandwiched skins are ready. Backer mahogany veneer is cross grain laminated. Next step is to map out screw holes and make 2 more skins for front baffles.

[R-Carpenter]

older pictures of the veneer before and while process.

[R-Carpenter]

starting to look good

[R-Carpenter]

faces are ready to go

[CountD]

Simply amazing work...I do believe you improved them, if not made them more desirable. Can't wait to see them when they are finished.

[R-Carpenter]

Thanks!
Here's some more pictures.
Screws are traced on vellum paper. Skin is cut to size and glued in.

[louped garouv]

Thanks!
Here's some more pictures.

certainly an upgrade in finish, in my opinion.

[dkalsi]

Wow!! - unbelievable workmanship!

Please continue posting pictures.

[Tim Rinkerman]

If you were going to go that far with them, you should have left the un-used tweeter and horn holes covered...just my opinion...

ooops! I better duck.....