Bose 901 Speaker Foam Edge Replacement and Repair

In this video, we show you an easy way to install new surrounds for the Bose 901 speaker system. The same process applies to the professional series Bose 802.
You will learn how to remove the grills, clean the speakers, replace the foam, and re-center the cones and voice coils.
Speaker repair kit used in this video:
FSK-4.5B:
www.simplyspeakers.com/bose-s...
We also stock a lifetime cloth edge surround kit here:
CLSK-4.5B
www.simplyspeakers.com/bose-s...
Shop all of our New-Edge-It® speaker repair kits. America's # 1 brand since 1992!
www.simplyspeakers.com/speake...

[@drprick7432]

I bought four 901's pretty cheap, and of course the foam was gone. I had been told by a repair shop that this was too hard to do and I would have to drive my speakers 5 hours one way to get repaired for $230! After watching this video, I decided I could do this (Don't challenge me!). The repair kit arrived and once I got in the swing of things, it was really easy. It took about 8 minutes per speaker once I had all the old stuff cleaned off. EASY! Just ordered another kit to do the second pair! Here's some things I would add to what this video teaches: - Take your time with the cleanup of old foam. I vacuumed out all the old stuff and dust. -You can do the cleanup with the speaker in it's normal upright position. It keeps the old foam pieces and dust from falling into the speaker and makes it easier to keep clean. - After scraping most of old foam off, rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip works great, plus some on a rag at the end to get the remainder off. I worked around each speaker by quarters. - It was easier for me to hold the new foam in my hand to apply the glue to the foam and hold it while applying glue to the housing. - I timed his installation so that I knew how long I had before the glue set, and I gave it about 2-3 minutes for the initial foam to speaker to set before moving to foam to housing. I used a chopstick to help set the foam into the glue (and cleaned the chopstick with the rubbing alcohol when needed.) - The foam pretty much centers the speakers, and it was easy to feel it they were off. I only had one out of 18 I had to adjust slightly. - There's a chance when working with old speakers like this that your activity will awaken some sleeping spiders LIKE THE GIANT BROWN RECLUSE THAT CRAWLED OUT OF ONE OF THE SPEAKERS! God, I hate spiders.

[@gellenson5159]

What a delight to get such awesome info and instruction without a bunch of annoying music or lame attempts at humor. I'm 100% confident that I can accomplish this task on my '76 series IV 901's. Thanks!! Well done sir!

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@farhorizons3901]

I watched your video because I was thinking of buying some 901's, which I subsequently didn't. Regardless, this is the best and clearest DIY video I have ever viewed and I must compliment you on the entire production. Very professionally made!!

[@robhaskell4043]

All You Tube instructional video should aspire to the quality of this one. Very nicely done. No annoying background music, clearly articulated and good video supporting the work. Well done and thanks. Cheers from Canada!

[@logotrikes]

My brother in law had a pair of these, probably not long enough for the surrounds to rot. He liked them until he didn't, and bought some big Cabasse, which had the potential to leave his 901's for dead, and in fact they did. I always joked that the box the speaker came in sounded better. Never rated Bose myself, but I know bugger all.. This guy is very thorough with his rebuilds I have to say...

[@iggysixx]

Thank you so much for the tips on removing the grille! I found some 901 series IV speakers in the trash yesterday, and wanted to inspect the cones without damaging anything.. (...as well as see the 8-speaker assembly in person.. It looks SO Cool in pictures.. Haha) Every other thing or video I've found either talks about screwdrivers or just skips over the removal altogether ("..and here's how it looks without the grille"... Ok.. But how did you..? :/) Thank you for sharing your knowledge about this. Videos like these are a treasure trove of useful information for people like me. (And also, a very good business card for yourself, as you demonstrate your skill and knowledge of these speakers in different iterations)

[@simplyspeakers]

Thank you! Glad you found the information useful.

[@iggysixx]

@@simplyspeakers Update: I managed to inspect the cones, and - as you predicted - the foam is toast. Weighing my options now. I would like to re-foam (re-cone?) and get them in working condition. (Because it feels like the right thing to do, and because I love the design) However, I DON'T have the 'series IV Active EQ' that the manual (and the internet) says is absolutely necessary for them to sound good.. Do you perhaps have any experience with hooking these speakers up without the active EQ? (I found a schematic on the internet - no crossovers are included.. Not a good sign) Alternatively, I was thinking to use them as a guitar (or bass) cabinet.. (The 8-speaker assembly reminded me a bit of the big Ampeg 'coffin' bass cabinet) Could that work..? Or is it best (since I have no EQ) to sell them on to a restorer? I apologize for the many questions. But my purchase of new foam (or most likely cloth) rings kind of hangs on if the speakers will be useful without the special EQ.. (I live in the Netherlands, so shipping would be expensive, plus I'm on eh.. 'Government assistence' / 'welfare' (?) or whatever the equivalent is called in the US. Simply put; it would be an investment, rather than something I can frivolously throw money at :)) Any information about using them without EQ, or if they could potentially functions as a guitar cab would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for reading this. And I will understand completely if you don't have the time to answer :) Answer or no answer; thank you for the very informative video. And cheers from Amsterdam 🤘

[@richardireland5773]

The best speakers ever made when I frist heard them they were playing the rumours album by Fleetwood Mac while I was in a night club station In Germany

[@jamesdewer]

Been lusting after a pair for years and the eq too. Saw a pair on CL for $500.

[@canadianbluespower]

Quite simply the very best re-coning video I've yet to see. Thanks for going to all this effort. Cheers! Rob

[@MrAvant123]

Great video - great craftsman..Took me back to my student days in the late 70's when we fiddled with these and the 802's..

[@fastrat37]

Nice job! I bought a pair of 301's for $20, foam was trashed, replaced with new foam and WOW! Easy as pie.

[@simplyspeakers]

That is awesome!

[@jokinboken]

I got a pair of 901 IV's in the early 80's. They haven't been used for almost 15 years now. Having seen this, I'm going to pull the cover off the back and do an inspection. I'm expecting to see dry, cracked foam :-). But, this video gives me confidence they can be brought back in to service.

[@charhead4738]

Same here, mine have been in storage in the basement for 29 years. I thought they were toast and was gonna give them away cheap. After seeing this I’m ordering the kit. Gonna be Rocking them 901s

[@BruceLee-pr3px]

Looks like these guys really know their work and the video truly represents that. I just received my kit to redo my 901s and will look at this video again prior to starting. Thanks for the info..

[@simplyspeakers]

+Bruno Garza Thanks!

[@killbillgrill3287]

Thanks so much for this. I got the old 901s my father had while studying at university and now I'm able to revive them :)

[@slingblayde]

Awesome video, I have four 901's that need re-foaming and I will be ordering from you, and watching this vid again when I do it. Thank you!

[@andrewnguyen7737]

, follow direction as shown in the video. The result was amazing. thank you again.

[@simplyspeakers]

The foam supports and centers the cone for proper movement. It allows the speaker to move while providing a seal around the perimeter of the cone. There are other more technical aspects as well, but these are the primary functions.

[@markfreedman2470]

This is an outstanding procedure. Well done!!

[@mangaman420]

i just finished the foam install with my 901 v5 , the kit is easy but not for beginers. super fast delivery and now my 901's rock!! listening to "i'll be around" form the spinners.... the sound is amazing!

[@MartyCortez]

thank you ...just got my cloth kit in the mail, this was very informative..cant wait to get them done

[@DRam1981]

Thanks for the awesome helpful video! This cleared up all the loose ends for me.

[@raducristiandumitrescu1806]

I know that this video tutorial is one of the best out there.Very detailed at the right time and with much of patience.If i woud have a pair of speakers certainly i would repair my self due to the best explanation that i've seen on YT.Congras, you are a professional !:)

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

Got a kit for my JBL's and it was childs play. Rockin again!

[@simplyspeakers]

Thanks!

[@camjimmerson533]

Fantastic instructional video! I will be purchasing a kit!

[@Jelsick]

I purchased a kit for my old Genesis speakers that I got back in the late 80's. The surrounds on all the woofers and passive radiators had dry rotted and the speakers sat in my spare bedroom for years unused. The kit installed easily and the units sound better than ever. I highly recommend this company if you have vintage speakers that need repairing. Don't throw them out! I love being able to use the old school speakers on my modern Onkyo receiver. Now I need to replace the surrounds on an old pair of Sony speakers sitting in my garage. I look forward to resurrecting them from unused to used. Thanks to Simply Speakers.

[@simplyspeakers]

Great, thank you!

[@hobie1dog]

this video is why I always buy your products

[@simplyspeakers]

Thank you!

[@davidworkman1715]

One of the best "how to" videos. Well done. Thanks.

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tinachavez8712]

Have repaired many surrounds with the Simply Speakers kits..Good parts at fair prices..

[@jimj3078]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad you liked it!

[@simplyspeakers]

Thanks!

[@faisalkhandotcom]

Thank you for this great video, so very helpful.

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mysticmusic100]

Great video sure helped me revive my Bose 901's thanks

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad it helped

[@ledmk2]

Nice vid,.

[@akhtarhussain7957]

Good job brother 901

[@simplyspeakers]

Yes, we use a shop vacuum to clean the debris from around the speaker frames and behind the cone. We describe this step in the video, but we do not show it. Thanks! Sean

[@miamiSincar]

great video

[@bes426]

third set, loving it, ,NOW you should HEAR THEM!!!!!

[@winfield347]

I have a 24 year old pair of aiwa speakers I can let you have if you want.they are shit but are better than your 901s.

[@cristalili1189]

Thank you

[@simplyspeakers]

You're welcome

[@denniswalsh8476]

I've done four 901 IV cabs, 36 speakers is ENOUGH experience for life for me. One set rotted in an attic. That set was easy and no problems with rubs. The second set were actually "played" with deteriorated surrounds. About 5 or 6 of those couldn't be "saved" (they rubbed) and had to be replaced with other 901 IV speakers. I assume "playing" those speakers with bad surrounds somehow deformed the coil former and voice coil.

[@denniswalsh8476]

First set with treated fiber, one set with foam.

[@6ixss]

I have some ooold speakers and i decided to watch a video how to fix the foam because and i found this! and you actually have the same speakers with me lol!

[@simplyspeakers]

Nice!

[@Zapzdoughnut]

Great video. I recently found a set of these in an attic of my old house. I need to repair them. Also does anyone know of a receiver I could purchase that would work well with these? thanks!

[@simplyspeakers]

Mike, We use our special adhesive part # MI-3035 for the edge replacement. See our website for details. We include the adhesive with the repair kits. Sean

[@hodge1970ify]

do you guys have a kit for the realistic Mach two woofers

[@torbjorniversen]

Thanks :-)

[@strangeyd6721]

hi what glue do you use in this video?............many thanks mike

[@westonclark7844]

Very detailed instructions, and a clear understandable voice. At this time I have seen Bose 901 rubber surrounds with M-roll. They claim a good sound, lifetime durable, etc. Do you have an opinion about this? Thanks!

[@TYGucci]

Thanks for this encouraging video. I am ready to start this painstaking job for 18 speakers. The kit was delivered to Japan just one week after the order. Since the spearkers stay mounted, will there be special care to be considered to prevent the debris from dropping inside the cabinet? I did not see the air blow or vacuum cleaner in the video. Thanks!

[@tomiossi8092]

Very disappointing that Bose put so little engineering (none?) into grill attachment. Thank you so much for this tutorial. All aspects are clear.

[@simplyspeakers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drcrutch]

Please forgive me if this question has already been asked and answered: Do the 901 Series V and Series VI require these foam replacements. I read on the internet that Series 5 and 6 do not have the foam prone to rot.

[@simplyspeakers]

Most of the series V and higher use a treated surround that lasts much longer than earlier versions. Give the surrounds a light "pinch". If they hold up to this test, there is no need to repair them.

[@billbettencourt7053]

I have a set of 901 series 2, that I bought as new back in the 70s. How do I know if mine need to be refoamed? They still sound great, and I don’t hear a diminished quality of sound. Could mine be in good shape, or was mine not using foam? I. Have never taken the grill cloth off to see the speakers. I’m a bit hesitant to take the grill cover off. I think I see one staple on each side, not three staples on each side. Somewhere I thought I read/heard that series 2 did not use the foam that is prone to deteriorate. Any thoughts you can provide for me are appreciated. I feel like they are not broke so I don’t need to fix them, etc.

[@simplyspeakers]

Early versions used a cloth surround driver that does not need service. We can advise once we see them. Email a photo of the cabinets to: [e-mail] and we will be happy to take a look for you. Thanks!

[@azzinny]

For attaching the rear grill, you suggested the adhesive for the foam surround. Is there other good alternatives? Hot glue or double-sided foam tape?

[@simplyspeakers]

All great ideas, or try Velcro at each corner.

[@TomJohnson121]

Amazing video - I'm about to buy some 901s always wanted them - but was very worried about the drivers - now I have seen this I feel reasured to go ahead & buy them - -only other thing is if there are lose wires or any crossovers in the unit which i guess there are - and if those are broken -how do get to them - is there any videos on that -BUT a stunning video relly helpful - always wanted apair - now if the seals can be repaired -thats ace news - very good video 10 out of 10 :)

[@chuckschillingvideos]

There are no crossovers or active electronics in the 901 speakers - they have 9 identical drivers that would not benefit from crossovers (though some might argue they might benefit from active EQ.

[@TomJohnson121]

Just done mine ....as said you need some time to do these .BUT the result is stunning ..I practiced on another old single base speaker first to get the idea ...* One thing I found was I left the glue and -th cap got stuck .and wouldn't come off..so wrecked a tube of glue ...got one speaker to finish off so how fast can we order the GLUE ..i lve in the U,K is there a VERY similar U,K substitute.p,s i used a bic blunt pen .when it felt centred .found useful tip - & wipe glue off the pen as go around ..watch the video several times and care .you dont slip with knife on removing foam ...easy to do ..care with the cone !

[@MsOddood]

What is the purpose of the foam edges?

[@christopherAwaite]

The fabric kit looks nicer

[@FlatsRunner]

if the cloth surrounds work just as good as the foam ones and last forever why would you not just use them on all the repairs . excellent repair anyway .

[@robertojuarez959]

😲😮😍🤩💖👍‼️

[@sydviscous7006]

BTW, is it just me, or does this guy sound a little like Jimmy Stewart?