The long-awaited HUMAN 81 DK is now available.
Best viewed in "landscape" mode.
EPI & Epicure Speakers:
Grills
There are several things I want to say about grills for EPI and Epicure speakers.
- First, there are no "old stock," or original grills in existence to my knowledge. I certainly do not have any.
- Second, although I can do it, I do not want to make grills for people. Even if I did, the price would scare most potential customers away. The set up and manufacturing labor time alone for a simple pair of 11" by 19" or so grills alone would push the price well over $100 for a pair. Demand is too low to make it worthwhile to make several sets at a time to offset the setup costs.
- Third, the same thing goes, pretty much, for reclothing grills. I can do it but I would charge too much.
- I have, however, created instructions on ways to make grill frames, and how to cover them with fresh cloth.
The first line of models from the 1970s had grills that were glued and sometimes also nailed in place. Removal of these grills is covered here:
The foam grills used on some EPI models (later 200's, the 3.0, etc.) are basically impossible to duplicate, and if a replacement is desired, something must be designed and built from scratch. I have seen the flat grill on 200's replaced with masonite type grills, held on with Velcro™, and I know of at least one fanatic who is handy with wood who built new top covers for his 3.0's (and new front grills, too).
The only other approach besides paying me exorbitant fees to do the work or doing it yourself, would be the occasional item that turns up on internet auction sites or in local classifieds. This is hit or miss, of course, but if you're patient I have discovered that eventually just about anything shows up.
If you do have more money than you know what to do with, and you have absolutely decided you want me to either make you a set of grills or cover your old frames with new cloth, this is roughly how it will work. If I have to make the frames, I will need very exact drawings of the front of the cabinet so the grills will fit properly. This is your responsibility to get right. Then it will take me an hour or two to set up the tools and another hour or two to do the cutting, drilling, and routing. Think in terms of auto repair shop rates.
Putting on new cloth also takes an hour or two for a pair of grills. Shipping grills requires great care that they be packed well, as they are rather vulnerable to damage in transit, so there is a bit more labor time there.
If you want to send me a cabinet to use as a template for grill making, factor in the cost of shipping it both ways, and some more careful packing time at this end.
As you can see, I am trying to discourage you from having me do this work. You are better off doing it yourself (if it doesn't work, all you have lost is some time), or seeking the help of a local friend with tools and skills, the only cost in that case might be the celebratory beer after the job is done. If I do take on the work, I will be making sure I absolutely do not lose money on the job, and I will also not want to be rushed by any timetable.
Even though I don't like to do it, I will install new cloth on your existing grills if you want. Here are some basic guidelines to having me do this:
- Shipping is hazardous to grills. They are large, thin, and a bit delicate. They must be packaged well. I suggest a good 2" thick layer of bubble wrap, surrounded by at least another 3" of styrofoam "peanuts," all fit snugly in a sturdy corrugated cardboard box.
- They should be thoroughly insured, since making completely new grills from scratch to match an existing speaker can be expensive. I would suggest insuring grills for at least $200 each.
- I can replace bits of missing Velcro™ or broken plastic pegs fairly easily (so can you).
- Cloth colors are limited - black is a good choice. I do have some brown, but I won't have it forever. White costs extra due to the extreme cleanliness required while working with it.
- Logos can also be cleaned up, or replaced under some circumstances. I have reproductions of the brass logo with "EPI" in that weird round shape available, and a few Harman-style "epicure" logos, but no others. Ratty old plastic logos can be made to look like new with a little dab or silver or gold paint (paint pens work well).
- The standard delivery time does not apply. Although I will try to do your grills as quickly as possible, sometimes they will linger a bit while I work on parts for people whose speakers are actually not working.
- Lastly, plan on it costing a pretty penny. It will take an hour or so, generally, to set up and recloth a pair of grills. Again, think auto repair shop rates.
* * *
Top - Contact
New Speakers -
EPI and Epicure - Genesis Physics
© Copyright - All Rights Reserved
7 Kelsey Road, Lee, New Hampshire 03861
Prices can change and specifications will improve without notice