GALE: 401 speakers – restoration options

It was suggested by somebody on the Vinyl Engine site I contact you as you may be able to assist with my dilemma. I am in the process of restoring a set of Gale 401A (chrome end) speakers. Unfortunately the cones (and surrounds) in all four 8" bass drivers have also perished (along with the surrounds). I am attempting to source 4 x original bass drivers with cones (surrounds can repaired locally), or 4 x old new stock paper cones to refurbish my bass drivers.

  1. Do you know where I may source such items?
  2. I do not wish to use modern equivalent drivers.
  3. I live in Perth, Western Australia and such items are not easy to locate!
  4. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

First of all there is a dedicated Gale site that possibly you were not aware of. Here it is > http://groups.google.com/group/gale-audio

I had a lot of experience with these speakers. To the best of my recollection the source of the 8" drivers varied and adjustments were made via the crossover by the makers to compensate. I very much doubt if old-new stock is available. The surrounds on all 8" drivers I know of always perished and the reason was given as being an adverse reaction to atmospheric pollution. This is not as far fetched as you might believe. If I were in your position I would contact Wembley Acoustics. They have an excellent reputation. http://www.wembleyloudspeaker.com/

Howard Popeck