BigBadBabyBoomer

Thanks for pointing me to that thread that had Andy speaking about the BLO treatments at the factory - most illucidating. I also noticed that he thread ended with "Piranha" asking a plaintive question, "Should they still be 'sticky' after four applications?" But there was no answer...? Andy said, apply BLO with a "soft cloth" -- i.e. new flannel, cheesecloth, new cotton? And he added, "the heel of the hand is best" -- which is probably the bottom line - the hand will hurt nothing on the cabinet! (The "steel-wool" and "scotchbrite" crowd are most daring and courageous.) As a restorer of antique autos (current project 1926 Studebaker Roadster) and a Northrop Grumman engineer I tend to be very cautious before touching an "elderly" system -- especially if one pathway automatically closes off another pathway (PM me for a sad story of a newbie restorer)! Besides these are a Chrsitmas present for my wife and you know what THAT means! Success is the reward of patience[]

Just received this from the Wood Dr. at www. woodanswers.com Q: I have a pair of black walnut Klipsch speakers with a boiled linseed oil finish. A new generation of factory experts now recommends using Watco Rejuvenating Oil on them once every six-months, but a retired cabinet maker from the factory religiously maintains that the best treatment is a 50-50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. What is best? A: This is a clear case of hair splitting. Either will work just fine, and both you and your wood will be hard pressed to tell the difference. Michael Dresdner 3303 28th St. SE, Puyallup, WA 98374 253 770-1664 janeandmichael@msn.com www.michaeldresdner.com

Right....Success is the reward of Patience. I have an inquiry submitted to Michael Dresdner at www.woodanswers.com which I believe is affliated somehow with WATCO Products, asking him to comment on the BLO vs. WATCO Rejuve question. It will be interesting to see what he suggests. By-the-by....these Belle's are Black Walnut veneer ....not Birch. Beautiful affairs with repeating 4-inch "oysters" and "flame-grains" across the tops and down the center-panels....made to order for the original owner, a US Naval Captain who just moved into smaller retirement quarters and is "down-sizing" everything, poor guy - he hated to see them go and was very careful helping me load them into my old "Burbie". I was almost afraid he would suddenly demand we unload and undo the deal! Just sitting side-by-side in my den awaiting crates and shipping they are made so precisely and accurately that the two tops are almost "seamless" when viewed from a short distance. Incredible....now if I can just get the AB-2 crossovers replaced so they sound "seamless"... COYTEE was right when he said, "You aren't buying a Christmas present...you're starting on a journey."

True...I am in a "preventative maintenance" mode....currently...but, one way closes the door to the other. Use the WATCO oil and actually begin "sealing" the surface ...or.... stick with the BLO that leaves the surface open to further applications over the years. Maybe one of those "You pays your quarter and spins the wheel" deals?[6]

In response to this question directed to Klipsch Customer Support I just received the following... "...Hi Keith, I personally use Watco Rejuvenating Oil and have found it at Lowe's in the past.\ They carry the Watco product line, but may not have the rejuvenating oil in stock, check on ordering it through them. Or if you do a Google search, you will find sources. Application suggestions, Use cheese cloth. Apply once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year, then once a year. Now, I have never kept up with that suggestion myself, but after a few applications, you should notice a difference and depending on how many times you apply, you can very the degree of the satin finish. I put it on, wait about 10 to 15 minutes, wipe off any excess with a clean piece of cheese cloth. Steve Phillips Home/Professional Tech Support 1-800-554-7724 option 2 Klipsch A Legend In Sound ....that sounds about right but I am still wondering about the "dilute with mineral spirits...". THAT would seem logical for refreshing an older factory finish. Any further thoughts....?

The "Belles" seem to be book-matched fine Black Walnut veneer. I think the Old English has some man-made chemical compounds that might not do so well on the veneer/ Anyone...?

I was thinking about the "pantyhose"....I've used that for varnishes. The plastic spacer sounds good too. But just to be sure...two (2) coats of un-diluted BLO. Drying time and buffing between coats?

At the risk of "startin'somethin'" I would respectfully ask if there has been any update on the care and feeding of the Black Walnut Oiled Finish on the "Belle" speakers? I read the archives but would appreciate any current thoughts. I just acquired a mint pair of "Belles" from the original owners and they are very mint and I want to keep them that way (Christmas presents). Questions: 1) To "dilute or not" the BLO with Mineral Spirits ? One coat or two - one diluted followed by one full strength? (No wax though...just the best oil-finish refreshed yearly) 2) Buffing out....0000-steelwool or soft flannel? 3) Tempered, beveled plate-glass tops (with felt washer-spacers) ...any problems? Many Thanks,

...and I threw the seeds out back in '67....who knew?

Thanks to all.... There is a company out in California that alleges to have a few still new Heart (modified) 6000 LE Special Editions (http://www.fsaudioweb.com/menuframe.html) .....look sgreat but do you think they really have some "remaining inventory" ? P.S. Soprry I don't seem to be able to make the link active...obviously a great operator error since only a poor workman would blame his tool []

Appreciate both replies....Thanks

I am assembling a "vintage" tube system and was wondering about CDs. We have many vinyl records, most are on reel-to-reel ....but now the CD is a fact of life... What CD player would you recommend for use in a MC-30, MX-110, Klipsch "Belle" environment ?

Many Thanks to All for the Warm Welcome. Yes...I am the guy putting together a vintage tube system for my wife's Christmas present. So far I have the MC-30's and a great pair of Klipsch "Belles" speakers from the original owners. Still need an MX-110 and an AR ETL turntable to get her started. Again, Thanks for the warm welcome and after Christmas I'm sure Christine will be found in this great forum community. Keith - the original Big Bad Baby Boomer

Hello Folks, I'm down in Baltimore...which is a fair drive to Boston. What price were you looking for on your speakers?

Gary, Please pass on my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Larry, who I was so looking forward to meeting. Best Regards, Keith Pulver

Having never seen the backside of the MX-110 I was wondering if it also has 2 Phono inputs in addition to the standard Line In..??

Gary, Not sure yet how this message system works. I replied to the K-Forum email but not sure if that gets back to you? I would be pleased to accept an invitaion for Saturday 14 October. Please send me some directions from BWI and I'll confirm as we get closer to the actual date. Please remember that I am a complete "newbie" and my wife is the actual "wanna-be"....but I'm beginning to get the bug or is it the buzz? Many Thanks, Keith

Good 'Morning Ya'll.... Coytee is right ...I am impressed by the community spirit you are showing, and I am working fairly long hours (Northrop Grumman down by the airport). Seems like our boys in the Army are putting our equipment to some pretty hard use and need a constant supply of replacements. I do understand perfectly how you might fee about inviting a stranger into your home around the Baltimore area - I'm from Norman, Oklahoma and seems each day my jaw drops further as I watch the local news. But please do keep me in mind if you have some sort of semi-public open house or even a "get-together" at the Holiday Inn or some such. Probably in the Spring is when I'll be more available. Thanks, Keith

Thanks Gilbert...I'm from Norman.

A real newbie question....Is there an Offical Approved place to ask if anyone has equipment for sale? I'm looking for a pair of MC-30's for Christmas. Thanks.[]