Lower Wood Rotor Size 145

[dannicdem]

Seeking the advice and collective wisdom of the group on my Leslie 45 conversion to a 145. I apologize in advance if the answer is posted on the forum as I have searched high and low for a definitive answer both here and on the web to no avail.

The question is what diameter for the lower rotor is acceptable for the lower rotor of a Leslie 145? I have all original parts from other 145s acquired from auction sites except a lower rotor. It appears the original rotor was 17" in diameter which I do not have. I have an extra 15" diameter lower wood rotor and would like to use that in this project? Will this work without adverse sound loss or other degradation? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance to all that read, respond and provide their collective wisdom

Best!

Dan D.

[Hillbilly]

I guess a different question would be what is the size of the input port of the 15" rotor as compared to the size of the input port on the 17" version.....all things being equal the smaller rotor it would speed up and slow down faster due to less weight.

maybe someone with access to a 17" rotor can provide that info....

Better yet, keep your eyes open for a 17.... be patient:-P Maybe someone on here has one they maybe willing to part with

[jdoc]

15" likely from a 125 and iirc is shorter?

[nonreverb]

The 25 (Orpheus) is taller (like the 147/145) only narrower for 12" speaker.

[Sweet Pete]

15" likely from a 125 and iirc is shorter?

Lowboy(222/247/351) lower rotors are 17" in diameter.They are 2" shorter than a 147 lower rotor.
Less mass = faster ramp up/down times.

[nonreverb]

A good point Pete!

Lowboy(222/247/351) lower rotors are 17" in diameter.They are 2" shorter than a 147 lower rotor.
Less mass = faster ramp up/down times.

[dannicdem]

I guess a different question would be what is the size of the input port of the 15" rotor as compared to the size of the input port on the 17" version.....all things being equal the smaller rotor it would speed up and slow down faster due to less weight.

maybe someone with access to a 17" rotor can provide that info....

Better yet, keep your eyes open for a 17.... be patient:-P Maybe someone on here has one they maybe willing to part with

Thank you for the good thinking! In measuring the top opening of a 17" rotor from a Leslie Tall Boy, that opening is about 12 inches. The top opening of a 15" rotor taken from a Leslie 351 is just under 12" however there is more supporting lattice work on the top plane.

My question still stands... will there be a noticeable difference in sound by using a 15" rotor instead of a 17"?

Thanks to all who provide their expertise!

Dan D.

[Hillbilly]

Thank you for the good thinking! In measuring the top opening of a 17" rotor from a Leslie Tall Boy, that opening is about 12 inches. The top opening of a 15" rotor taken from a Leslie 351 is just under 12" however there is more supporting lattice work on the top plane.

My question still stands... will there be a noticeable difference in sound by using a 15" rotor instead of a 17"?

Thanks to all who provide their expertise!

Dan D.

Based on your measurements.....noticeable difference?.......Just a guess, other than ramp time, I doubt it.

Another thought out of my own ignorance, Is the pulley the same diameter on a 15 vs 17, if the pulley is a lot smaller the belt may effectively become too long
Good luck with the project
-H-

[Goff]

these rotors are expensive. if you have the 15 incher try and use that and see if you like it. i suppose you have the 145 crossover included in your parts list. the exact capacitor values will help attain a ramp character. without having to reconfigure the crossover for capacitor value try loosening the belt and see if the ramp sounds good. the low boy has less bass anyway than the tall boys so you may be able to dial in a ramp speed that works.

[ClavAnother]

IMO, leslies are not difficult to take apart and put together. That said, it won't hurt to try to mount your rotor, I think it will sound good based solely on the fact that leslies are so cool it'll have to sound good.

Personally I would still keep a look out for a proper sized rotor. I see them for up to $125 so I would plan to spend that and try to find one for less if I could. At the end of he day $125 isn't all that much to save up for what you get in the end.

Enjoy it either way!

[Hillbilly]

FYI Ebay has one listed for $89.00

[dannicdem]

Yes, have seen this one. I find the price excessive.

Best!

DD

[Goff]

Yes, have seen this one. I find the price excessive.

Best!

DD

the people that sell these know what they are.

saw one that was cheaper but the lattice was broken where the spindle goes through.

what a pain that would be to fix.

if the whole is greater the sum of its parts, then where-is-as-is is the going price to that whole.

a $1500 leslie can't work without that $89 part.

and you have to find one that isn't flaking its plies...

that's proli why the broken lattice item happened...

[geoelectro]

the people that sell these know what they are.

saw one that was cheaper but the lattice was broken where the spindle goes through.

what a pain that would be to fix.

if the whole is greater the sum of its parts, then where-is-as-is is the going price to that whole.

a $1500 leslie can't work without that $89 part.

and you have to find one that isn't flaking its plies...

that's proli why the broken lattice item happened...

Agree, if I sold one it would be at least $100.

Geo

[nonreverb]

Wow...I should get selling.

Agree, if I sold one it would be at least $100.

Geo