Thiel Owners

Long time reader of this forum, it is such a wealth of information. I committed to reading from the beginning and have just recently made it to current posts! I just love these speakers and reading of others experiences. Thanks to all who have shared their knowledge with this group. 

Have a finishing question for Tom Thiel. Have a pair of Birdseye Maple 3.7's and am ready to apply a finish to a Birdseye Maple turntable stand I've built. When you were involved, what was the finishing process for Birdseye Maple? I've been researching finishing technique's for Birdseye Maple, and thought I would reach out and learn Thiel's process.

I know they will never be an exact match and would like replicate the finish as close as possible.

Thank-you jafant!

Owner of 3.5's which hooked me on Thiel. Have since acquired an SCS3 and a pair of SCS4T's for home theater use. Came across a pair 3.7's that I couldn't pass up, there went my amplifier upgrade budget :). Also running a pair of Thiel SS2's and PX05's running in stereo. Found a pair of 1.6's for my daughters room, she cherishes them.

Currently running Theta Casablanca III, Bryston BDP-2, Lexicon RT-20, McCormack DNA-1, DNA-2, and DNA-HT3. Using various MIT cabling to connect it all together with Cardas and Audioquest power cabling. Enjoying the sound and am always looking to experiment with different gear.

In the process of getting my Sota Sapphire turntable setup. New to turntables and will be a fun journey, I'm hoping!

vair68robert

Thanks for the link, upgrading these has always been on my mind.

Yes, I do have the vacuum hold down. It’s a Star III table. I’ve just installed new springs and finishing up the stand. On the lookout for a decent phono preamp, currently have a Schiit Mani to get me started. Would like a PS Audio Stellar at some point when my budget allows. 

Understand and so much appreciated Tom!

tomthiel

Thank-you for taking the time to write this up. You are a wealth of knowledge on many subjects. Thanks for being such a helpful resource to us all.

My take away is let the natural beauty of the wood standout and provide a finish that does not inhibit this.

Some of the techniques I came across started with a coat of Boiled Linseed Oil or Danish oil, then non-waxed shellac, then top coated with polyurethane for durability. Likely Boiled Linseed Oil or Danish oil was not used on the 3.7 finish I have. With the raw Birdseye it's stark white in comparison to the finished 3.7's and wondered if any of these oils had been used to darken.

Sounds as the Shellac will provide the warm amber look of the 3.7's and allow the beauty of the wood to shine through. I assume the 3.7's have darkened over time. I'll pick up the supplies you suggested and trial on scrap pieces and see how it looks!

Heading out on family vacation so it will be a bit before I get back to this. Will keep you posted.

Thanks again!

tomthiel - 

I finished up my turntable stand and am so happy with the results. I used Sherwin Williams SHER-WOOD Precat Lacquer over shellac just as you suggested. I just love the finish and the depth it gives to the Birdseye Maple, such beautiful wood. It is a bit lighter than the speakers, but fully expected that. I believe time will darken it.

I posted a picture in my virtual system page. The depth in the Birdseye maple is difficult to capture in a photograph.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

silvanik-

Congrats on your purchase, going to be a long two weeks!

When I was looking for a pair to replace my 3.5’s the 3.7’s and 7.2’s were both at the top of my list. Came across a pair of 3.7’s first that were nearby. I absolutely love the 3.7’s, but the 7.2’s maintain that classic Thiel aesthetic.

trickeydude

I would estimate around the 5-6k range.

@dmanzi0219 Remove the screws on the outer edge of the amplifier plate to remove from the rear.