Rivervalleymgb Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 (edited) I would be willing to trade for any Klipsch speakers with Gary Wheelington's signature on them. I sold my Belles, thanks to my ex-wife, that had his signature on the tag. Other people's signatures from '73 to '80 would also be desirable. I missed a pair of Klipschorns last year on the 'bay. Lots of stuff for trade. Just want to get back something signed by people that I know and have known (folks that are no longer with us). Edited July 1, 2014 by Rivervalleymgb 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 While I never knew them, I'm a fan of Gilley, Bradford, and McClellan... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted July 1, 2014 Author Share Posted July 1, 2014 Gary was killed in a car wreck in the '80's. He bought Belle's Mercedes from PWK. I have some pics of that Mercedes going down an old logging road in the Ozarks to get to a swinging bridge over Big Piney. One of my best friends in Hope. I have seen Bobby Barham's sig on several pair. He was plant accountant later and sold me my first pair of Heresy's. I paid $400 for a pair in raw birch direct from the factory. I had done a lot of environmental work for Klipsch at that time. People that know a lot about the plant know that in the '70's the rendering plant that was located at the neighboring chicken plant was causing a LOT of odor problems. I was able to get the EPA to finally take some action to correct a slew of problems. Took several years. The State refused to act, and the EPA had to be dragged kicking and screaming to enforce anything. Long story. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scallywagger77 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Hey friend of GW: Nothing for sale with the signature of Gary but I will share a story with you. I moved to the city of Hope in 1976 after taking a job at K&A as a LaScala builder. Found a farm house to rent quickly and was informed by friends that the final assembly foreman was wanting to move out from moms place so we became roommates. Gary had Heresys and I had Advents and Gary turned me on to Pure Prairie League and introduced me to lots of the locals and invited them out for parties and visits. I became interested in building a pair of LaScala's for myself quickly and had collected all the matching boards by Christmas and received the cost of the pair $510.00 from Mom and Dad for Christmas. Gary opened the plant for me on the 31st at 8:00 am and when he returned late that afternoon the last pair of speakers built in 1976 were ready for Gary's viewing. He was so blown away that he offered components he had matched and tested for a Khorn project he had planned but wanted to use them in my LaScala's. When we returned to work after the holidays he personally escorted the pair through sanding and finish (five coats clear lacquer)and completed the build with his hoarded components. They ended up being displayed in packaging that afternoon for everyone to view and marvel over. The Reps were hanging out that afternoon and Jack wanted to take them to Nashville and offer them to one of his accounts for $2000.00. I declined the offer, watched them get boxed up and loaded onto Andy's truck (shipping and receiving foreman) for delivery home. Gary and I unpacked them, hooked them up and auditioned them for the neighbors. They are still the centerpiece of my home entertainment system and remain in their original condition. Thanks for reminding me of a friend and putting a whole new level of value on something with a touch of Gary on it. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budman Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) great story Larry, bet you have a bunch more Edited July 2, 2014 by Budman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 Hey friend of GW: Nothing for sale with the signature of Gary but I will share a story with you. I moved to the city of Hope in 1976 after taking a job at K&A as a LaScala builder. Found a farm house to rent quickly and was informed by friends that the final assembly foreman was wanting to move out from moms place so we became roommates. Gary had Heresys and I had Advents and Gary turned me on to Pure Prairie League and introduced me to lots of the locals and invited them out for parties and visits. I became interested in building a pair of LaScala's for myself quickly and had collected all the matching boards by Christmas and received the cost of the pair $510.00 from Mom and Dad for Christmas. Gary opened the plant for me on the 31st at 8:00 am and when he returned late that afternoon the last pair of speakers built in 1976 were ready for Gary's viewing. He was so blown away that he offered components he had matched and tested for a Khorn project he had planned but wanted to use them in my LaScala's. When we returned to work after the holidays he personally escorted the pair through sanding and finish (five coats clear lacquer)and completed the build with his hoarded components. They ended up being displayed in packaging that afternoon for everyone to view and marvel over. The Reps were hanging out that afternoon and Jack wanted to take them to Nashville and offer them to one of his accounts for $2000.00. I declined the offer, watched them get boxed up and loaded onto Andy's truck (shipping and receiving foreman) for delivery home. Gary and I unpacked them, hooked them up and auditioned them for the neighbors. They are still the centerpiece of my home entertainment system and remain in their original condition. Thanks for reminding me of a friend and putting a whole new level of value on something with a touch of Gary on it. I moved to Hope in '76. Knew Andy well, also! It was a great counterculture in Hope in the late '70's. Nothing like it. What a wonderful time period to have been there. When i moved back to Prescott in '96 (worked at the Industrial Park so I went by the factory everyday), it just wasn't the same place. I have an ex-sister-in-law that lives in Oakhaven and has for many years. Did you go to any of the "Harvest Festivals"? I need to find the pics I took at the last one put on. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 My first Heresy's were signed by Gwen Cox. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Great stories. I checked what I have, nothing here. I will keep a look out and will let you know if something shows up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opusk2k9 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 (edited) I'm a fan of Gilley, Bradford, and McClellan... Is this the Bradford you were mentioning? Edited July 2, 2014 by opusk2k9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max2 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Hey friend of GW: Nothing for sale with the signature of Gary but I will share a story with you. I moved to the city of Hope in 1976 after taking a job at K&A as a LaScala builder. Found a farm house to rent quickly and was informed by friends that the final assembly foreman was wanting to move out from moms place so we became roommates. Gary had Heresys and I had Advents and Gary turned me on to Pure Prairie League and introduced me to lots of the locals and invited them out for parties and visits. I became interested in building a pair of LaScala's for myself quickly and had collected all the matching boards by Christmas and received the cost of the pair $510.00 from Mom and Dad for Christmas. Gary opened the plant for me on the 31st at 8:00 am and when he returned late that afternoon the last pair of speakers built in 1976 were ready for Gary's viewing. He was so blown away that he offered components he had matched and tested for a Khorn project he had planned but wanted to use them in my LaScala's. When we returned to work after the holidays he personally escorted the pair through sanding and finish (five coats clear lacquer)and completed the build with his hoarded components. They ended up being displayed in packaging that afternoon for everyone to view and marvel over. The Reps were hanging out that afternoon and Jack wanted to take them to Nashville and offer them to one of his accounts for $2000.00. I declined the offer, watched them get boxed up and loaded onto Andy's truck (shipping and receiving foreman) for delivery home. Gary and I unpacked them, hooked them up and auditioned them for the neighbors. They are still the centerpiece of my home entertainment system and remain in their original condition. Thanks for reminding me of a friend and putting a whole new level of value on something with a touch of Gary on it. Gary was killed in a car wreck in the '80's. He bought Belle's Mercedes from PWK. I have some pics of that Mercedes going down an old logging road in the Ozarks to get to a swinging bridge over Big Piney. One of my best friends in Hope. I have seen Bobby Barham's sig on several pair. He was plant accountant later and sold me my first pair of Heresy's. I paid $400 for a pair in raw birch direct from the factory. I had done a lot of environmental work for Klipsch at that time. People that know a lot about the plant know that in the '70's the rendering plant that was located at the neighboring chicken plant was causing a LOT of odor problems. I was able to get the EPA to finally take some action to correct a slew of problems. Took several years. The State refused to act, and the EPA had to be dragged kicking and screaming to enforce anything. Long story. Great pastime stories guys. I have a signature from PWK on one of my K speakers, but I cant tell if it was printed on a label or his actual signature. I think the label says "purchased from the legend himself" and then his sig is below. Have you guys seen anything like this? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I'll look at a pair of Cornwalls that I have tonight and see who signed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scallywagger77 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Hey folks: Want to put a face to some of those signatures or just step back in time? Go to the official site and at the bottom go to site map (be patient) then all the way down to "Who's That". You will find photos from way back but find 75 employee photo with Paul and also 76 employee photo. Gwen Cox was mentioned in a post, she appears in the 76 photo as #26. The list identifies #26 as Billy Gibson but Billy wasn't present for the photo. Gary can be found in both photos having a good time as usual. I must admit we may appear to some to be a motly crew but the people seen in these photos were proudly building the finest loudspeakers in the world, The Heritage Line. Happy Listening, Larry #11 "76" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 I have inspected and tested by Greg Parish and Terry Willis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TasDom Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 My Belle's are missing the tags but they've been inspected and tested by Tasdom...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted July 3, 2014 Author Share Posted July 3, 2014 I somehow missed the '76 photo. I will make sure to send a link to John Jones daughter. The '75 picture I posted she did not have and has very few of his time at Klispch. He was one of Paul's first employees. I think, in the first 5. You are right, BG is not in the picture. Boy, those names sure bring back some memories! A LOT of good times!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivervalleymgb Posted July 3, 2014 Author Share Posted July 3, 2014 (edited) Played a lot of poker with BG, Bobby Joe, and Gary, and others. In those years, fun times, Hope was. Edited July 3, 2014 by Rivervalleymgb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 I'm a fan of Gilley, Bradford, and McClellan... Is this the Bradford you were mentioning? Absolutely, YES! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mungkiman Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Hey friend of GW: Nothing for sale with the signature of Gary but I will share a story with you. I moved to the city of Hope in 1976 after taking a job at K&A as a LaScala builder. Found a farm house to rent quickly and was informed by friends that the final assembly foreman was wanting to move out from moms place so we became roommates. Gary had Heresys and I had Advents and Gary turned me on to Pure Prairie League and introduced me to lots of the locals and invited them out for parties and visits. I became interested in building a pair of LaScala's for myself quickly and had collected all the matching boards by Christmas and received the cost of the pair $510.00 from Mom and Dad for Christmas. Gary opened the plant for me on the 31st at 8:00 am and when he returned late that afternoon the last pair of speakers built in 1976 were ready for Gary's viewing. He was so blown away that he offered components he had matched and tested for a Khorn project he had planned but wanted to use them in my LaScala's. When we returned to work after the holidays he personally escorted the pair through sanding and finish (five coats clear lacquer)and completed the build with his hoarded components. They ended up being displayed in packaging that afternoon for everyone to view and marvel over. The Reps were hanging out that afternoon and Jack wanted to take them to Nashville and offer them to one of his accounts for $2000.00. I declined the offer, watched them get boxed up and loaded onto Andy's truck (shipping and receiving foreman) for delivery home. Gary and I unpacked them, hooked them up and auditioned them for the neighbors. They are still the centerpiece of my home entertainment system and remain in their original condition. Thanks for reminding me of a friend and putting a whole new level of value on something with a touch of Gary on it. Gary was killed in a car wreck in the '80's. He bought Belle's Mercedes from PWK. I have some pics of that Mercedes going down an old logging road in the Ozarks to get to a swinging bridge over Big Piney. One of my best friends in Hope. I have seen Bobby Barham's sig on several pair. He was plant accountant later and sold me my first pair of Heresy's. I paid $400 for a pair in raw birch direct from the factory. I had done a lot of environmental work for Klipsch at that time. People that know a lot about the plant know that in the '70's the rendering plant that was located at the neighboring chicken plant was causing a LOT of odor problems. I was able to get the EPA to finally take some action to correct a slew of problems. Took several years. The State refused to act, and the EPA had to be dragged kicking and screaming to enforce anything. Long story. Great pastime stories guys. I have a signature from PWK on one of my K speakers, but I cant tell if it was printed on a label or his actual signature. I think the label says "purchased from the legend himself" and then his sig is below. Have you guys seen anything like this? Thanks! That's super cool! Many people think that the Portus Gilley signature is that of PWK (especially eBay sellers!!), but printed or not, you have a special pair for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budman Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 (edited) just some of the sigs i have the 77 heresys i got from Larry employee #11 NW Bradford my 79 heresys- looks like Ginny Hunt & Rick Fawcett my 79 cornwalls - Paul Ward & Harold Wright early single H-700 - Portis Gilley & Lloyd McClellon https://www.flickr.com/photos/klipsch_audio/9193090877/in/set-72157634446215003 Edited July 3, 2014 by Budman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDBRbuilder Posted July 4, 2014 Share Posted July 4, 2014 Do you know anybody in this pic, which was taken by somebody else using my camera about 35 or so years ago?? SOME of these folks WORKED at Klipsch back then...and others were just friends. This was taken at Shreveport right before we all went to See Willie with Leon Russell at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. I am also IN this pic. Unfortunately, a number of the people in this pic are no longer with us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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