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Good fix-- Have you scratched the wood on your Cornwall IVs?

In the spring, I noticed that I had somehow lightly scratched the lovely walnut wood on one of my Cornwall IVs.  I was incredulous as I baby these things and excellent take care of my stuff.  Then, this summer, I noticed a few other scratches on the other speaker.  UGH!!!

When examining the wood, it looks like the finish is very minimal in application. The grain is pretty high up and open.  To figure out what was going on I had to do a test scratch with something soft to see what it is I'm dealing with.  Wouldn't you know it?  I could scratch the finish with a fingernail or a record cleaner handle, and so on.  Yikes.  These things are way sensitive. 

So, I tried a product line that I've used before and got very lucky that it worked perfectly.  I used Howard's Restore a Finish in Dark Walnut (my CWIVs are just Walnut and do not appear dark), and after it was dry (they recommend only 30 minutes; I waited an hour) I applied Howard's Feed & Wax. 

Both of these products go on easily with no staining, no brushes, etc.  I took a bit of a gamble in trying them, as you really never know with wood until you experiment.  I didn't even have to use 0000 very fine steel wool when applying the restorer, as recommended for scratches by the manufacturer.  

This was an easy job.  Total time was 20 minutes for the restorer and a good 10 minutes for the Feed & Wax.  The finish looks no different than brand new in tone, all scratches are completely gone, and the finish has a bit more protection now.  

I've seen folks on the Klipsch forums talking about putting poly urethane on them, which would not be a bad idea yet I didn't want to commit to changing the finish right now.

At any rate, if you have this wonderful speaker this process should work wonders for you as it did me. 
128x128jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@mijostyn,  Good intel.  I think my scratches were so superficial that they just easily vanished using a no-sanding method. 

I think Klipsch should have a better manual.  They should explain how to care for the loudspeaker's finish.  I believe Tannoy does this and they make recommendation on oils, waxes and sealers. but I might be wrong. I much prefer the furniture grade wood cabinet on these speakers than the modern designs I've owned with glossy, space age finishes.  These blend into the domestic environment in a certain way that is pleasing to some design profiles.

My CWIVs look good as new--if not better. It's good to know there is a fix, it is easy, and it restores things perfectly to new. 

@ebm,  can you please tell us what you are trying to say in a complete sentence?  I'm assuming you are saying this discussion is sad.  How positive of you if that's the case.  It's not sad. Instead, it's informative. And, no one should fault Klipsch (other than failing to explain how to care for their furniture grade cabinets).  But please, if you have something to say or offer, GO FOR IT.  Contrarian views are welcome.  Terse, childish criticism...not a crowd pleaser. 


stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,265 posts
 
As much as I would love to try the Cornwalls at their pre-price increase, there is no way to sell my JBL's and sub and order the Cornwalls before the end of August.   There is nothing wrong with the JBL and sub combo, I would like to try something different is all and Steve Guttenburg's review got me thinking.  To be honest, I am really kicking myself for selling the GE Triton Ones.  They were perfect in my office and no sub needed.  Sometimes its best to leave well enough alone.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
@stereo5 , I see nothing wrong with going back to the Golden Ears is you enjoyed them.  
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,265 posts
 
@jbhiller 


I gave the speakers away for I think $2200 or close to that.  It would cost me more to buy another pair.  This is the third time in my 50+ years that I let a pair of speakers I really loved, get away.  Some people never learn.

I would like to try the Cornwall IV though.  I have our daughters wedding coming up in October, postponed from last year so I will be having more expenses.   We shall see.
zlone
416 posts
 
Almond scratch repair sticks are pretty magical. I have used one for a number of different finishes and they do the trick. Used to own a set of Klipsch and guess it would work well on that oil finish. Not perfect, but a nice quick fix. 
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