Wanted: Someone who can make MDF panels for restoring Sonab OA14 speakers - Perth

[rherber1]

I am not a wood worker because I do not have the space for the necessary equipment otherwise I would do the job myself.

I require 8 off 12mm MDF panels with straight-line routed slots for making new panels for a pair of vintage Sonab OA14 loudspeakers. If anyone in Perth is capable and willing to assist I will pay fair price for this service. Can contact me by email at rherber1ATbigpondDOTnetDOTau (replace capitals with standard characters).

Ross

[Chris Parks]

That brings back memories, Sonabs were a great speaker, I had a pair loaned to me for a few months when they were new to the Australian market.

[rherber1]

That brings back memories, Sonabs were a great speaker, I had a pair loaned to me for a few months when they were new to the Australian market.

They were very innovative for the time.. The OA14 came out in the mid 70's but even the earlier models used the composite moulded top, bottom and internal bracing panels. The outer panels were glued to these panels in a wrap around fashion. Strangely for a top quality speaker of the era Sonab used cheap chip-board panels rather than the more substantial MDF. Any moisture ingress due to poor storage in sheds etc caused the chipboard to swell and separate from the internal panels. Moisture didn't do the speaker drivers much good either.

I did receive a reply from one member who says he can help...

[derekcohen]

Can you say more specifically what help you need? Sawing up MDF is easy enough. But are these to be wrapped around and a speaker enclosure created (i.e. built with mitres). If so, what thickness, and do you have the MDF panels to saw? What of the finish (veneer, spray?)? Will you glue yourself/ do you want a "kit"?

I remember the Sonab well - my own speakers are from this era (B&W DM 7a), which I purchased new in around 1984.

Regards from Perth (Rossmoyne)

Derek

[Chris Parks]

They were very innovative for the time.. The OA14 came out in the mid 70's but even the earlier models used the composite moulded top, bottom and internal bracing panels. The outer panels were glued to these panels in a wrap around fashion. Strangely for a top quality speaker of the era Sonab used cheap chip-board panels rather than the more substantial MDF. Any moisture ingress due to poor storage in sheds etc caused the chipboard to swell and separate from the internal panels. Moisture didn't do the speaker drivers much good either.

I did receive a reply from one member who says he can help...

My Sonab experience was in the very late 1960's, the novelty was they had to be powered and switched on to work and the placement in the room was not as critical as other speakers for channel seperation. The ones I had were white but I have no idea of the construction details.