JBL 1000 Array sonoglas damage.

[Mr. Widget]

I think the rubbery paint on top of the bass enclosures is Nextel Anthracite

http://www.nextel-coating.com/techni...&ab_bereich=2#

JBL seems to have an affinity for it, even though it grabs dust and won't let go, yet scratches off the cabinet easily.

Unfortunately I agree with you... it is not a practical finish. I treat my 1400 Arrays with extreme care because I know how fragile this stuff is and it is a PITA to keep clean.

A simple satin finish would look the same and be far more durable as well as much easier to repair.


Widget

[HCSGuy]

i am not that interested in using powertools on the speaker, so if i can't get the horn of without having to drill or saw new holes in the speaker i just leave it on. it should be possible to paint the top without dismounting the horn, if i can get the exact same paint. otherwise i probably get a high-gloss plait made as suggested in this thread, or use some film to hide the damage.

If you are the JBL factory, and are tasked with servicing this speaker, you would first remove the JBL adhesive emblem at the bottom of the horn's face. Once you've done that, you have easy access to the screw head underneath it, and the Allen bolt that holds the horn on from the rear. The difference is that when JBL would put it back together, they would throw away the old adhesive emblem and put a new one on. However, this part is not available for separate purchase, and is probably not even available to a JBL servicer. Maybe one of the Array1400 owners that have had to assemble theirs (that model ships with the horn separate from the bass enclosure) can chime in on the emblem - I assume it is plastic and of some (1mm?) thickness so that you may be able to very carefully remove it with fishing string, clean the adhesive off, and re-use it with new adhesive.

Turning this thread a little, I think that unless you are extremely devoted, restoring it isn't going to work. The paint has thickness to it, so if it is scratched, you can't just paint over it - you'll still see where the finish is thinner in the scratch. Because it's soft, you cannot just sand back a patch - I think you have to remove the finish from the whole piece and refinish the piece in entirety. Then, I'm going to guess that the Nextel finish has to dry in a dust free environment so that you get a smooth finish, without dust or hairs embedded in it. I would love to hear from someone who has experience with it.

[Mr. Widget]

The 1400 Array logo is actually a very thick metal badge. I was told to only peel back a small area of the adhesive tape when I put my logos on as removal without damaging the logos is nearly impossible (Thank you 3M!) My guess is that the smaller horns are similar. If you plan on repainting the soft touch you should be able to use a solvent to remove the tape adhesive from the back of the badge and make horn removal easier.

I agree about your assessment on paint film thickness and repair. I would strip all of the soft touch finish and re-spray the entire horn... actually it is too much work, I would live with it or sell the speakers, but if I was inclined to repair these, I would completely disassemble them, strip the soft touch and then re-spray them with something else.

Widget

[eag1]

Thank you for all the good advise.
You might be right, that i just have to live with it.
But the other idea i had, where i put a film over it, maybe in the design of carbon, could be a better soulution than painting, though i cant feel the stain, but it requires me to get the horn off. I might try the trick with the fishing-string later and se if i can get the emblem of, without dammage.