Pelican Image Creation Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 I have been approached to buy a pair of Klipsch Cornwall's from the 70's. They do not appear to have any veneer, or be unfinished. I have no experience with vintage speakers and I would like to make sure I'm not getting ripped off. Guy is asking $700 for the pair. Any advice for a newbie who really wants a pair of old-school speakers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzydog Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 BR = Birch Raw...i.e. they're unfinished birch. $700 is a touch high in my opinion for the raw birch version. You can find them in walnut veneer for that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pelican Image Creation Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 What would be the reason this version is so much less expensive than the newer models? Better components? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 Because they're 40+ years old and used. Doesn't mean they're a rip-off whatsoever, but you most certainly should not expect to pay current (or original) MSRP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pelican Image Creation Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Do you think it would be worth while to put a veneer on them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frzninvt Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) 1979 models. They do appear to have some type of finish on them from the sheen on the wood. Better photos would help. But look at the nice dark woofers and they appear to be very clean. If the wood is free from damage and scratching on all four sides they should easily be worth $500 to $700. Take a good look or get better photos I would offer $600 and see if he takes after you get a closer look at them though. Edited January 8, 2016 by Frzninvt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pelican Image Creation Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Thanks Frzninvt. I was just looking up the serial #'s etc. and how common that particular finish is. Found a really helpful guide. https://2d73e25b29782b6d6766-9c8af5cbfef16739445bc76457060528.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/Codex_V3_130823_635128700889860000.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 If you're not into the look of raw birch with 40 years of character, I would suggest you pass and leave them for someone who is. It would be a shame to cover those up with modern veneer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budman Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) if they are local to you and you can pick them without shipping i say go for them if you like the look of raw birch ( i love the look ) 700 is reasonable if the cabinets are not beat up and no shipping charges or damage from shipping you have to make sure the tweeters, midrange drivers and woofers work in both speakers Edited January 8, 2016 by Budman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete H Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 I think I paid $500 for mine a few years ago, but they were veneered and there were some issues with the veneer so they have been refinished. If everything is working and the cabinets are in nice shape I would agree with making an offer on them but as Budman stated, if you want them and it's all working and local, I don't think I would get hung up on $100-$150 bucks one way or the other. Welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arrow#422 Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 The other 3 pictures in the CL ad show cabinet damage, mostly confined to the edges. There may be more, as the tops are not clearly shown. OP, if you like 'em, get them. Your cost of ownership may be next to nothing if you can negotiate a better purchase price - should you decide to sell them later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 If you're not into the look of raw birch with 40 years of character, I would suggest you pass and leave them for someone who is. It would be a shame to cover those up with modern veneer. Agree wholeheartedly with this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pelican Image Creation Posted January 8, 2016 Author Share Posted January 8, 2016 Once I see these in person all will be decided. Hoping they look and sound decent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 (edited) If you're not into the look of raw birch with 40 years of character, I would suggest you pass and leave them for someone who is. It would be a shame to cover those up with modern veneer. Agree wholeheartedly with this Quoting for the sake of posterity and to prevent against future edits. (because of Jim's overwhelming agreement with me on something ) Edited January 8, 2016 by Thaddeus Smith 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 I'm on the east coast and most ads I see start at $700.00 and go up to $1100.00 for mint,I don't know where you are located though. I have only sen 2 pair less than $700 and they were beat to crap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricktate Posted January 8, 2016 Share Posted January 8, 2016 If the drivers all work and you like them make an offer. Yes you can put veneer on them but only cost effective if you do it your self . Veneer is not cheap. If there is damage that will have to be repaired and a complete sanding for veneer to stick. If you veneer the motor board that could give you an awesome set of speakers. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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