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Has anyone ever had to repair the metal pipes on a Conn speaker pipe array? I have a set of the large pipe speakers. This model has small mouths on the front of each pipe, cut into the metal. The pipe has been bent backwards at the mouth and is only connected by about 3/4" of metal at the rear. It will stand up straight, but needs to be repaired. Have you seen this problem? Do you have an approach to fix it?
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Hauptwerk 5.0 VPO
Hammond M tonewheel spinet -
Jordan,
I'm certainly not an expert on the Conn pipe speakers, other than the fact I own and use my 4 sets--2 tall, 2 short--both side models. I'm still looking for the short half-stacks and middle set.
My unprofessional belief is that the pipe could be brazed rather than welded or soldered back in place. If you could tack it somehow on the inside of the pipe, that would be preferable.
Then, there's the task of repairing the gold or silver finish that will ultimately need to be re-plated. I believe they are all electroplated finishes.
I am certainly looking forward to the answers to your questions, as one of my sets could use minor touch-up as well where the gold finish has been dinged. Thanks for the question.
MichaelLast edited by myorgan; 04-26-2015, 02:21 PM.Way too many organs to list, but I do have 5 Allens:- MOS-2 Model 505-B / ADC-4300-DK / ADC-5400 / ADC-6000 (Symphony) / ADC-8000DKC
- Lowrey Heritage (DSO-1)
- 11 Pump Organs, 1 Pipe Organ & 7 Pianos
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An experienced TIG welder would be the first place I would try.
They can do amazing work with incredibly thin material.
The key is going to be determining what kind of metal it is.
Restoring the finish is likely to be the biggest headache. You may have to resort to refinishing the whole set if you want them to match.'Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence.' --N. Bonaparte
My friends call me Steve, won't you be my friend?
The cast, in order of appearance:
Kawai K5, Yamaha PSR-85, Thomas Trianon A-6820, Gulbransen 621-K, Conn 580 T-2, GEM WK1 ST
Hammond H-112, Ser. #16518, from 8/16/1971
Oh, and let's don't forget the Jaymar!Comment
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I had not thought of TIG welding. I will look into it. I figured that whatever I did, it would require full refinishing of all the pipes. This is a project that will not be enjoyable as I have two sets that should match. I may go from bronze to nickel color.
Thanks for the ideas.Hauptwerk 5.0 VPO
Hammond M tonewheel spinetComment
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As this is a subject of some interest, please keep notes on pipe diameter, length, wall thickness, and material of construction.
More than a few forum denizens would love to reverse-engineer their own set.'Never ascribe to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence.' --N. Bonaparte
My friends call me Steve, won't you be my friend?
The cast, in order of appearance:
Kawai K5, Yamaha PSR-85, Thomas Trianon A-6820, Gulbransen 621-K, Conn 580 T-2, GEM WK1 ST
Hammond H-112, Ser. #16518, from 8/16/1971
Oh, and let's don't forget the Jaymar!Comment
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