Paper Cone Speaker Repair- You Can Fix It!!!

[@wadegarret]

I used PVA glue and tissue paper to go over the rip or hole, I found it works ok for me but it's always nice to see other ways of repairing cones.

[@new2uspeakers]

Yes, adding tissue paper when needed to replace missing paper is what I call a "patch" repair. In this cone, all the paper was there, so it just needed to be brought back together. I always try to avoid adding mass to the moving elements as that can change the sound output. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Mrsteve4761]

That the clear adhesive tape doesn't stick to the glue makes this an easy repair. I assume the repair holds up over time; have you had any fail? Nice job!

[@new2uspeakers]

Yes, this repair holds up very well over time. And compared to the cost of reconning a speaker it’s very affordable even if you have to have someone else do it for you. The thinned out glue works like the lignin in the paper making process and the key is using a minimal amount of glue. As long as you pull off the tape before the glue is totally dry, You’ll have no problems.

[@georgemoore1451]

How many coats of glue do you do?

[@new2uspeakers]

One coat of glue is all that is needed. This is because the glue penetrates the paper fibers and becomes part of the cone. An extra coat of glue on top won’t add any more structure to the cone. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@anIntelligentAgent]

Hey there! Thanks for this video. I am trying to repair a tear in my Rega speakers, but I cant seem to get the unit off in order to access the back, I removed the screws but it seems to be glued on also. Do you have any tips for either taking the unit off the housing or repairing the cone if you cant access the back? Thanks in advance :)

[@new2uspeakers]

If the drivers were screwed to the box from the front side, and you can’t pry them out because you think they’re stuck, that likely means they used a butyl sealant between the speaker frame and the box. It will come out, but you have to use constant, steady pressure to lift up one edge with a Corner of a putty knife or a screwdriver. Need to be careful not to damage the wooden edge of the box cut out. Slow steady pressure butyl will start to pull away and separate and then you work your way around the rim of the basket. Rega makes some great speakers so it’s worth the attempt.

[@anIntelligentAgent]

@@new2uspeakers Thanks so much for the in depth reply! I'll give it a go

[@ashscott6068]

Can't you just buy new cones? I got a couple of old Celestion silver series with torn cones. At least I assume that's what they are. They're not greenbacks or vintage 30's. They're from a 1978 Orange 4X12 cab. It still sounds fine, to be fair. It just bugs me knowing the tears are there

[@new2uspeakers]

@@ashscott6068 the answer is “maybe” as far as buying replacement cones. It really depends on each speaker model. There aren’t that many places that sell cones anymore. The dimensions can be quite unique for each model so you have to be careful when buying online. In addition, the time, and therefore the cost, is quite a bit higher to do a reconning job because it’s a significant amount of work to remove the cone, reattach it to the spider, center the voice coil, and refoam the surround. In fact, it’s usually cheaper to find a replacement driver on eBay that is not damaged. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@wadegarret]

​@@new2uspeakers great advice, I put a chair leg through a JBL LE111A and was incredibly lucky to find a nos cone, spider, voice coil and dust cap off eBay. It cost a fair bit but I'm much, much more careful around my speakers. Like you say though, including fixing the speaker it would have been easier getting a used one!