Crossman

This may not be the appropriate place to post this but I thought some of you might find it interesting. I graduated from college with a music degree and did my student teaching at Hope, Arkansas, since it was only a 30 minute drive from the college. The person I was interned to was a good personal friend of Paul Klipsch. I had listened to a pair of Klipschorns several years earlier and was awed by them, however I didn't really learn to appreciate them until my Hope, AR tenure. The older teacher and myself would go out to the Klipsch factory at least once a week and listen to the Klipschorns. I was always amazed at the amount of detail that could be heard from the vinyl recordings (thats all there was at the time) that I had not ever heard after repeated listenings. At that time the group Blood, Sweat, and Tears had come out with their 2nd album. Cymbal decay and background voices could be heard that were not audible on everyday devices. At that time the "listening room" was the living room of an old house that set on the property close to the original factory (not the one that is there now). On several occasions Mr. Paul Klipsch would see our vehicle and come out to chat. That was many years ago and a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then. I wish I could remember some of the things that he talked about but unfortunately I can't. I do remember that he had a great sense of humor and never seemed to talk down to us even though we asked some fairly ignorant questions. Since that time I have always wanted a pair of Klipschorns but could never afford them or justify having them. However recently I came across a pair of 1974 Khorns on Ebay at a price that I couldn't believe. I am currently in the process of refinishing them. By coincidence, for the past 24 years I am again living 30 minutes away from Hope, AR, only in the opposite direction from before. I pass by the factory on occasion but it just isn't the same anymore. A current friend of mine, who at one time was on the board of directors at Klipsch, had a brand new set of Khorns installed in a room acoustically designed by the Klipsch engineers (more money that I have) and they sounded tremendous. I hope mine sound as good when I get them correctly mounted. Thanks, Crossman

On disassembly of my khorns for renovation purposes, I noticed that several places have what might at one time been some sort of rubberized gasket or seal - ie around the woofer access opening. Does anyone know what this stuff is and can it be replaced? If so with what? Thanks, Crossman

Mr. Crites sells the Atlas PD-5VH Alnico Midrange drivers as a replacement for the K-55V and K-55X. I have an opportunity to buy 2 a quite a reduced price, especially since I won't be paying sales tax. (I live in Arkansas as well) Is replacing the drivers as simple as unscrewing the old and screwing on the new? Thanks, Crossman

A couple of questions if you don't mind. 1. What tool do you use to initially cut the veneer? 2. Do you cut your veneer sections to fit or do you cut a larger piece and then trim? 3. If you trim do you trim after gluing or before gluing? 4. If you trim after gluing what tool do you use to trim? 5. Will there be a problem with veneer shrinkage while bonding? Thanks, Crossman

I checked your website. You do some great work. You apparently are referring to the 10 Mil paperback - I suppose in 4' x 8' sheets? How many sheets would it take to cover a pair of Khorns? Thanks, Crossman

I have come to the conclusion that you are absolutely correct. My next question is: How did you remove the old veneer? Thanks, Crossman

Another question - your patience appreciated. I just recently bought a pair of original Khorns that sound OK but need updating (such as the question about woofers in my previous post) To the point - there is also some veneer damage on some of the smaller strips around the top sections where the horns are located and I would like to know what kind of wood veneer / stain combination would be best for replacement. So far I haven't been able to produce a dark enough match in my shop. Thanks again, Crossman

Thanks to everyone for the prompt replies. I will get in contact with Bob Crites.

What would be some recommended replacements for original Khorn speakers? I have seen speaker spec sheets listing some woofers as being 4 ohm or 8 ohm. Is there a difference when replacing? If so which ohm rating does the khorn require? I'm not very speaker literate, so any actual recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks, crossman