Old Shearer Horn, Altec, VOTT Found, And Question

[Flamingo]

I am new to the forum, but have lurked on and off over the years. My company is finally updating a sound system (a ten-year process!) in a 1941 Navy base gym. One of the requirements is to remove the old sound systems, which was as far as we were told was a basic Soundsphere-TOA affair.

In the process of establishing conduit routes a few years ago, I see the first picture attached (could not get directly to it, just on a ladder from about 10' away). I thought, "cool, we'll have to check that out if we ever get this contract."

Long story short, we started work last week, and finally got into that loft. Sitting there for who knows how long are one of the single Shearer Horn modules (A4), its two old 415 bass drivers, a 288-8G HF driver on I think a 45x60 horn, a single A8 and a singe 816A. No multi-cell horns though...

We will fulfill our contract obligations and remove these old sound system parts as well I'll make sure these items get to good homes who can restore them properly, put correct cones on the field effect drivers, etc. The only thing I'm not sure about is the actual plywood horn - is that worth getting out of there for someone to work with? For sure I'd want to get the dividing network and schematics, but the logistics of getting the big horn down are significant.

To see this stuff in the wild, some with 80 years of dust on them but still surprisingly intact blows my mind. Reading up on the history of these again makes me realize just how we stand on the shoulders of giants, Hilliard and Olsen in this case.

We're installing Danley GH60 and TH212 with SM60F for center and sidefill. I feel like we're maintaining a respectful legacy by installing the current generation of horn-loaded goodness, but I can't help but wonder what it was like for the sailors and shipyard workers to come into that big gym to watch Casablanca or Bambi, or The Flying Tigers on the big screen and big speakers!

[Flamingo]

Her's the main question - is there anyone in the Puget Sound region who would want this A4 for the cost of what it will cost me to get it out in one piece?

Of course if anyone is interested in the other items, I'll be selling them. I couldn't ascertain from my first read of forum rules what the appropriate place is for that, so I apologize if I'm out of turn here.

I am just in awe of seeing a real Shearer bass horn in person, and how the high sensitivity of the system with efficient amplifiers could actually fill up the 2500-seat gym and its balcony!

[4345]

Do I see a paper label on the wood cabinet? If so, that would make it absolutely a factory made cabinet. That is not a A4 211 enclosure, which is fairly common. That is an older folded horn enclosure. I think one like that is much rarer and would definitely be worth the effort. PLEASE try to save it. I am sure you can sell it. Maybe some other members know more than I.

[Flamingo]

Do I see a paper label on the wood cabinet? If so, that would make it absolutely a factory made cabinet. That is not a A4 211 enclosure, which is fairly common. That is an older folded horn enclosure. I think one like that is much rarer and would definitely be worth the effort. PLEASE try to save it. I am sure you can sell it. Maybe some other members know more than I.

Thanks for the reply 4345! Yes, those are actual little blueprint papers on the back inside of the folded horn. The model number on those says 30W5, and I believe it is one of the bass horns shown in this picture. I have the rear cover with the elongated slots in it, as well. I don't see any of the baffle wings, but the pedestal to get the horn to the height of the opening is sitting upside-down on top of it in one of the pictures in my first post.

[Earl K]

Calling Steve Schell ( one of the originators of this site ).

Great stuff there !!!

The woofers will easily sell ( highest $$$ most likely from the Asians ).

Thanks for the pics ( BTW ).

[Flamingo]

Calling Steve Schell ( one of the originators of this site ).

Great stuff there !!!

The woofers will easily sell ( highest $$$ most likely from the Asians ).

Thanks for the pics ( BTW ).

Thanks for the pointer to Mr. Schell, hopefully he can chime in with some regional contacts who would be interested in the components or better yet restoring the system.

Does tagging work in the threads, hopefully this gives Steve Schell a direct notification
Steve Schell

[4345]

I hope you can sell it to someone from the forum. I wish I had the space. I am not sure if both cones on the 415 woofers are bad. I would not rip out the cones. Just preserve them as best you can exactly as you found them and do let any surface (like the metal of the magnet area) get scratched or scraped. Do not have them re-coned or attempt a repair at all. Let the buyer do that. Since they are field coil drivers you need a power supply for them. If you see that, it is important to keep it together. The wiring looks really nice. You should preserve all the pieces associated with the cabinet exactly as it was. Do not just cut wires and trash them etc. Those things are important to collectors. I would also try to sell the woofers with the cabinet. At least keep them together at first. I think it is nice to have the original woofers that came in that exact cabinet.

[Flamingo]

I hope you can sell it to someone from the forum. I wish I had the space. I am not sure if both cones on the 415 woofers are bad. I would not rip out the cones. Just preserve them as best you can exactly as you found them and do let any surface (like the metal of the magnet area) get scratched or scraped. Do not have them re-coned or attempt a repair at all. Let the buyer do that. Since they are field coil drivers you need a power supply for them. If you see that, it is important to keep it together. The wiring looks really nice. You should preserve all the pieces associated with the cabinet exactly as it was. Do not just cut wires and trash them etc. Those things are important to collectors. I would also try to sell the woofers with the cabinet. At least keep them together at first. I think it is nice to have the original woofers that came in that exact cabinet.

Thank you for the reply and the confirmation of my gut instincts, 4345! I agree wholeheartedly it should be preserved intact, but I may even have to take parts of it off to keep them from being damaged during the removal process. If I have to do that, there will be copious pictures taken, and all original screws and nails kept. The plywood is in reasonably good shape, I've seen touring road speakers in much worse!

Both 415s are torn, but they are otherwise intact. I know enough about reconing to know these are not a typical size, and I would want them to be done by someone with specific experience with this vintage of Altec.

I'm guessing like most on this forum, I've been fascinated with audio for a long time. I've had more than a few chances to hear the unique sounds of well-restored vintage equipment - that is, put into as close to original condition as possible, without trying to "improve" it - but rather to let it speak accurately for its place in audio history.

How many of us have heard one of these horns in action? I know I want to! I feel I have something of an obligation to help make that happen somehow, but I'm not in a position to do it myself at this time.