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

Showing 3 responses by stereo5

Good information.  I'm actually thinking of selling my JBL L100 Classic speakers and SVS sub and get a pair of the Cornwall IV.  I understand they are going up in price in September
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 


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.