Sunn Speakers: Repair or Replace ?

[pickinatit]

Original Sunn Speakers 2 X 12  Cab came with my Sunn Solarus when it was purchased new in 1967-68.  They aren't sounding so good these days.  They probably need reconeing at least.  Can this be done and regain the original Sunn sound, or is that gone forever with the  speakers?  Is this a "might as well replace them" situation ?  I'd like to keep them original if it's feasible, but I need them to sound good, not just be original for original's sake.

[Isaac]

Is the voice coil rubbing? Do both drivers work? If both work, and neither is rubbing, I have to wonder if it's your amp or your idea of what sounds good that has changed. If it's your idea of what sounds good, then changing the drivers could do the trick. Or get another cabinet, and use that instead.

[pickinatit]

I guess I need someone with more tech. knowledge to check them out.  I only know that  I still get sound out of both speakers, but there is a noticeable buzzing sound that is particularly effected by low end when I turn the bass on the amp or my guitars up.  It doesn't sound like tube noise, more like the paper in at least one of the cones is ripped or torn. Does that make sense or make the problem clearer?

[Isaac]

Yes. Sounds as though at least one of the drivers is shot.

Now, you have to ask yourself what you want. Do you want the original sound, or would you like something else better?

[pickinatit]

From a strictly sound / tone perspective I would like something a little better.
I was considering either (1) Celestion Vintage 30 with (1) G12H 30  or G12T-75 like Avatar puts in their "Special" cab,  or else (1) Eminence Patriot Black Powder with (1) Eminence Red Coat Governor.

But I only play guitar to amuse myself (I play bass in the band).  So, I can choose to sacrifice a little sound to keep the cab as original as possible.  How would replacement speakers effect the value of the cab campared to repaired / reconed speakers,  strictly from, say.  a collector's point of view ?

[JoeArthur]

You can never know what a "collector" might want.

I suggest you get the speakers that give you the sound you want from the amp...

and keep the original speakers safe, just in case.

[IKOH2OH]

To be honest.  I don't have the knowledge many posess, when it comes to subjects posted on this site.

One possible idea would be to check the connections, the input jack, and mounting screws.
Clean and tighten up as needed.

If you have already looked at these, forgive my assumptions.


IKO