Restore woofers/midrange OA-116 R

[ColesKing]

... thank you for adding in your experience here.

This is what makes CarlssonPlanet such a nice place - we all have something to bring to the table.

I have a second pair of OA2212 that really are in WONDERFUL condition - I would say very close to "Brand new" - one almost cannot believe it until you see the boxes themselves.

For these I would actually love to re-edge them and at the same time retain the Sonab markings - they would then look really unique and good. I have to start the work in the next little while - although it really is something which is best done in wintertime.

My other pair I re-edged according to the description I gave Jorge with very good results. However, with what Snoopy posted and your words of caution for what to look out for etc. I may consider doing this second pair by the "battery method".

If the battery method fails, is it still possible to remove the edges - later once they are dry - and do it according to the original "shim" technique? I would think, yes.

Have you actually used both methods yourself? I ask because I also would like to gather as much information before I start.

ColesKing

[Snoopy]

Hi !

I have used the "1.5V battery method" on a number of speakers ( > 10), and it has never failed.
As already said, the spider has to be in good order, but that goes for the "shim" method as well !

The good thing with "1.5V battery method" is that you don't have to remove (and more important DESTROY) the dust cap with the "Sonab" logo !! And it saves time...


If the "battery method" should fail, you can always redo the speaker with the more complicated "shim" method...
The opposite is also possible, but then you have lost the original dust cap with the “Sonab logo…

Regards,
/Erland

[ColesKing]

... thank you for the reassurement on the number of speakers that you have restored like this.

This is exactly the sort of experience that helps me. Like I said the second pair of OA2212 that I have - if I could restore them without destroying the Sonab logo - they would then look as if they were unpacked yesterday. The boxes are in superb condition and then the cones would also look "brand new".

One other thing - I have another thread on how many OA2212 were ever made. Would you like to give an opinion on how many made or perhaps as a start just look at the serial number on the bottom of your boxes?

ColesKing

[Snoopy]

Hi !

I have no clue of how many 2212 that was made, but I’ll post my serial # in the other thread.

There are different views on the restoring the Carlsson speakers.
One is restoring them to “original” condition, another is to modify them to be better (if possible) then the original design, whatever it takes.

I’d like to state that I prefer the first approach, that is to restore the speakers to their “original” condition !

Regards,
/Erland

[ColesKing]

... for me too I would like to get as close to what Stig Carlsson intended.

My lounge has very good acoustics with wood paneling that breaks up the sound quite well on the walls - for me I really see no need to "improve" the speakers at all. I have a wonderful acoustic experience every evening - I like to sit back for about an hour around 21h00 and let the music take the working day out of me.

I have such a love-affair with Sonabs after having heard the first pair play when I was a student in South Africa in 1979/1980. To me the OA2212 was the nicest/richest, well-mellowed yet clear sound that I ever heard come from speakers that I have, after almost 28 years looked for them again.

I was extremely fortunate in finding a pair of OA2212 in Stockholm in February last year and about 3 weeks ago I found this second pair here in Switzerland where I live now.

I would like to restore this second pair according to the "battery method" that you have explained here out of respect for the wonderful work that Stig Carlsson did - especially when I read how he was treated at one point in his life. If I can get them to look almost brand new, I would feel really good about it and that it would please him to know that there are people who respect what he did in his life.

Many thanks for your help and discussions so far.

[data_foggen]

Hi,
I removed the dustcaps by using thinner and a sharp surgicalknife.
This method did not destroyed the original dustcap, patience is the keyword here.
I follwed this instruction by avr7000.
It is in swedish, but look at the pictures how things are made.
Good luck!
//Hans

[jomicacruz]

Thank you both very much , Colesking and Snoopy, for your effort of giving to others ( me) the experience you have in this matter.
I am still waiting for the rings from the States, it will take about 7 to 10 working days to arrive to Portugal.
I will try first the battery way, cause is the easiest one and a great idea too.
If something bad occurs I will try the Colesking idea.
All the best,
Jorge

[jomicacruz]

Thanks to you too Hans
I tried that way first but the glue here is very strong and I was affraid to destroy the cap with the Sonab name on it.
Anyway it s a very good idea too.
See you soon,
Jorge

[jomicacruz]

Hello again guys & girls
Thank you very much for all your help.
I have the babes in shape now after putting the new four foams in place.
The sound is very good in my living room with 60 sqr meters because it fills the whole space with a clean and natural sound.
Only the bass is a little bit with lack of muscle or it is like this?
I ll put pictures of the system and let you know how I fixed the speakers in next reply.
See you soon
Jorge

[jomicacruz]

What a magnificent sound!!!!!!!!!
After the mids and woofers restoration ( foams ) and put everything in place, I connected the speakers to my Denon amp and Sony cd player and I was amazed with the clear and natural sound coming from them. I have a pair of Celestion spkrs but nothing that can be compared to these Sonab babes.
I have to thankyou all the advices to restore the Sonabs because now they are very nicely repaired and working like in 1975 I suppose.
All the best to you all,
Jorge
Portugal