[Jglass4788]


Hey guys-

 

Just joined the community, been a huge audio/video fanatic for as long as I can remember.   I've owned numerous mid-fi to hi-fi speakers.  But one of my "tried and true" have been the Boston VR-M series.

 

I decided to make them a little "prettier" with a new veneer/lacquer finish.

 

Below I'm have my first coat down, and wow--do I like what I see so far.

 

If there is any interest, I still have to do speaker number 2...and can post a "step by step"....and I'm doing set (VR-M 60's) in piano black.

 

 

So far here is where I'm at----I have the veneer complete, and I'm on my first coat of lacquer.

 

 

 

 

[Jglass4788]



 

[Jglass4788]


This pair of VR-M 50's was redone in Rosewood Veneer, with Gloss Lacquer(not complete).

 

I also have a pair of VR-M 60's that I'm refinishing with Piano Black, and Macassar Ebony Veneer on the top in high gloss.

 

And a second set of VR-M 50's that I'm going to re-veneer in (?????)

 

[zieglj01]

Have fun!

 

[losservatore]

Nice!!! keep updating us

.

 

[Jglass4788]


Quick question to anyone who stops by--

 

I'm trying to post pics, but I keep get the notification that I cannot post 3-party website links(my pic hosting), until the moderators review.

 

Does anyone know when this will go away?

 

Thanks,

 

[Gmash]

Those look great! With veneer skills like that you should get into some DIY subs.

 

[Jglass4788]


Thanks guys!

 

This is my first attempt at Veneering, and I can say it is pretty easy.  And the best part I really enjoy it.

 

I took 400 grit to the speaker, and added another coat of lacquer.  I'm currently using the brush on lacquer, but I'm going to thin it, and spray it for the remaining coats.   The brush on levels out pretty nice, but it will never equal a spray finish.

 

Here is the speaker after coat #2.

 

 

 

[Jglass4788]


Here is the second set that I'm working on...

 

I have a pair of VR-M 60's, that I'm doing a Piano Black, and Macasscar Ebony top.

 

I have the speakers primed/prepped, and ready to spray the black down.  After I spray the spray the black/clear coat.  I'll do the veneering on the top.

 

 

 

[losservatore]

Nice job

.

 

[Jglass4788]


So I got another coat of clear lacquer on the Rosewood VR-M 50.  And the spraying didn't go so hot...

 

I tried to thin the brush on lacquer.....but I don't think I thinned it enough.  I have some runs that I need to sand out.

 

I'm going to sand them out, and then buy the Deft-Clear wood Finish.  Respray it...and be done.

 

 

I also got my first color coat on the VR-M 60 today.  I'm using Duplicolor Black lacquer...I purchased it at Autozone.  And all in all...it looks pretty good.  I have a little orange peel I have to sand out, prior to applying the clear coat.    But I think I'm going to get the top Veneer on, and sanded down.  And then I can clear the entire speaker in 1 shot.

 

 

 

[losservatore]

Nice veneer job , I wish to have the skill to build my own speakers.

 

[GusGus748s]

Nice job. I would be very interested in learning the process. If you have time let me/us know the process. Those have a very high WAF.

 

[Jglass4788]


GusGus,

 

I certainly will...    I'm going to finish up both speakers, and then I'll do a step by step on the 2nd speaker for each pair.

 

I can tell you this so far--

 

The re-veneering is much easier, and less labor intensive than the Piano black.   Auto Body/Repair is a hobby of mine, so I have all the proper tools (sanding blocks, spray guns, etc), to do a professional finish.  I actually used auto body filler, primer, paint etc for the finish. 

 

 But if see the picture of the VRM-60, when it was still in gray primer(?)...  There are about 20 steps just to get it that point(and about 10 more to go)

 

Wood (unless your doing high gloss, rubbed out), is just simpler, and much more forgiving.

 

[Jglass4788]


Okay...so the VR-50 is complete.

 

I used about 8-10 coats of "gloss" lacquer.  And the results I feel turned out pretty good.

 

There are a few blems, if you look really close.  And near the rear port, it was about impossible to get it perfect (the port is glued in, so I had to cut around it).  I'm not too concerned about the rear of the speaker, since you rarely ever see it while it is in position.

 

See below ...

 

I'm ready to finish up the VR-M 60 and start the 2nd VR-M 50 (I'm going to add step by step instructions).

 

 

 

[rmbrdaads]


Respect Brother

 

Outstanding job!

 I have the same models VR-M60 (x2 L+R), VR-M50 (x2 RL+RR) and VR-C.

Do you have the center speakers, if you do, will you be doing the same treatment?

Mine has a few dings and nicks but still sings beautifully.