[Harp-L] questions about kalamazoo model 1 and 2

[Rockin' Billy]

hello. I have a couple of questions about the kalamazoo model 1 and model 2 amplifiers. those familiar with these great little amps know that there is a board or baffle about 3-4 inches wide that crosses the center of the speaker in the front. 1. does anybody know why this is placed there? (my guess is support) 2. can it be removed in order to not block the sound waves coming out and insure better microphone placement when miking the amp? thanks.............rb

[hawke...@yahoo.com]

Billy...I rebuilt the cabinet to my Zoo a few years ago. Mine had nothing across the cutout. And mine is one of the oldest Model Two's.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[Dave S]

The baffle is made of particle board, as is the amp cabinet. I have
purchased 2 Kalamazoo that had broken up baffles. It is my belief that
the cross bar design was an effort to keep the particle board from
breaking under the weight of the speaker with its' Alnico magnet. I
would not cut the support out of the particle board.

I make a pine replacement cabinet and sell it on eBay. The baffle is
made of birch plywood. You can remove the baffle, trace it on plywood,
then cut the full circle, or if uncomfortable doing that, email me
about a replacement. That said, most recommend placing a mic "off
center" of the speaker anyway. Try that first and if unhappy with the
result, proceed to replace the baffle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121259675318&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Dave

> Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 05:41:37 -0700
> From: "Rockin' Billy" <wil...@earthlink.net>
> Subject: [Harp-L] questions about kalamazoo model 1 and 2

[Greg Heumann]

Hey, Billy

That cross bar was only included on some Kalamazoo’s - they broke very easily and I think the factory later just deleted it altogether. It is not needed for strength, so OK to take it out. It does increase the vulnerability of the speaker to a small degree - so avoid kicking the amp in the front!


/Greg

http://blowsmeaway.com
http://facebook.com/blowsmeawayproductions

[Frank Evers]

Hi

No idea if that was the original intention, but that baffle surely
reduces projection of high frequencies. Expect a brighter sound when
you remove it.

--
Gruß,Frank

[Scott Hotchkiss]

I've had a Zoo2 for years. I put a 10" Celestion in it back when I got it
and worked it up. It sounds freaking amazing and more amazing depending
what bottles I stick in it... and even with the particle board cab and
ersatz baffle, I wouldn't change a damn thing. It ain't broke.


When life asks you to jump in,
Splash!

P.S. Drop a 609 down in front and away we go. It's nice to travel light
sometimes.