Amy's Blog : khorn

The Legend of the Glass Klipschorn

Amy Unger — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:25:00 GMT

Once upon a time in the early 70’s, a Plexiglas artist paid a visit Klipsch, deciding this would be a great project. The president of the company at the time, along with the artist and some help in the cabinet shop by the Khorn builder, spent over 1000 hours building it. Very tight tolerances were required for the gaps to be almost imperceptible. To adhere, solvent was injected into the joints with a hypodermic syringe. They were having a sticking-issue with one of the joints when PWK came by, grabbed the offending part, and slathered it with epoxy. The artist broke down in tears…literally.

Apparently they corrected the issue, as there is no sign of PWK’s handiwork.

And they lived happily ever after.

PWK - Pre-"The Feminine Mystique"

Amy Unger — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:45:00 GMT

From the Pine Bluff Commercial, Wed, April 12, 1961. I love the use of Barbie to help explain the oh-so complicated positioning issue to the fairer sex.

My favorite quote in the article: "He (PWK) warned against the temptation of getting too close to one speaker, commenting, 'If you stuck your head in a tuba, you wouldn't expect to hear the whole orchestra!'"

Classic.

PWK: Used Both Sides of His Brain

Amy Unger — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:31:00 GMT

Although I cannot divulge the contents of the folder (translation: Hunter did not let me open it), I can share this PWK-scribbling on the cover featuring what looks to be an early logo prototype...which, it turns out, was likely created by the man himself. Who knew?

The 1947 Brociner Klipschorn, Snug as a Bug

Amy Unger — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:49:00 GMT

The newly restored Brociner Klipschorn has found a home in one of our listening rooms, all tucked away in a corner. We listened to Hotel California on it yesterday. Sweetness.

Restored to Greatness

Amy Unger — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:51:00 GMT

Back in January I showed you the Brociner Klipschorn, in dire need of TLC. Now restored to former glory, this Klipsch classic c. 1947 is proudly on display in our engineering lobby. I even jumped a little this morning when I walked by and heard sound coming from it. It actually crossed my mind that it could be haunted by the ghost of Khorns past.

Ok, so I hadn't had my coffee yet.

About this Khorn: Serial number 18. This is one of the 7 units built after the 12 Baldwin units, but before Paul had his own factory. It was built at Reed’s cabinet shop prior to acquiring the Proving Grounds building (currently the Museum, originally the first factory). It was shipped to Victor Brociner, as was serial #20, also in the Museum. Brociner added the crossover network and the cloth covering, and on #20 he added a major amount of “facade cabinetry” to make it look like a liquor cabinet..

The Warmth of the Khorn

Amy Unger — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:30:00 GMT

While most of us prefer the cool side of the pillow, cats seem to be partial to areas that generate a bit more heat. Exhibit A: these two felines appear to be enjoying the warmth of the vintage radio immensely...or maybe it's the vibe from the Khorns that's keeping them cozy. Either way, it doesn't look they want to go anywhere quickly after this photo shoot.

I wonder if PWK was a cat person?

LBJ, Air Force One, Edwards AFB, and.... Khorns

Amy Unger — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:57:00 GMT

From the archives:

Retro-fabulous

Amy Unger — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:25:00 GMT

Love this ad.