Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

[JDCrae]

So these I just finished up. I built a set for myself about a year ago now. My brother in law really liked them so my sister in law asked me to build him a pair for his 30th Birthday. His style of music worked better for the silk dome variant as opposed to the aluminum dome I went with. The idea behind these was to replicate the look of a cello as he is a cellist. Took an insane amount of hours of finishing but I am very pleased with how the turned out.

Detailed information can be found on Paul's website at https://sites.google.com/site/undefinition/core-2-way

Weston at Melby Audio helped me out huge by making me some flat packs as my tool collection is a bit small to pull this off. He machined the f scrolls in the baffles for me to, which really brought it all together. All told, in finishing alone- I have well over 300 man hours in getting these cabs to look like a cello. Can't even imagine the hours I would have into them if I had to make the cabs myself. Cabs are Maple Ply, baffle is curvy maple.

Thanks again to Weston and Paul.

[JDCrae]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

More pictures

I ended up using butyl tape to seal the baffles to get an airtight seal and allow for wood movement. 1/4 20 threaded inserts into pine cleats with bronze RTA bolts both from Mcfeeley's brought everything together incredibly well I think

Finish wise, I could spend a week and a half going through all the steps. Suffice to say 4 different dyes were used, separately and then mixed to get the colors I was looking for. After sealer, 4 coats of tinted arm-r seal were employed, then another 4 coats of standard. after proper curing time, 4 coats of wax and then a mild buffing to pop the grain. Could not be more pleased, and in a couple of weeks after more break in, we will surprise him with them, and hopefully he will be equally pleased.

[maynardg]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Wow. Really nice.

[djkest]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Those look really nice! I think only having 1 piece of solid wood you will be OK with shrinking /cracking issues.

I'll bet they sound good too, you're a good brother in law!

[Paul Carmody]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

The finish is hypnotic. Great work. If your brother in law doesn't like them, I'm sure there's lots of folks here who would be glad to take them off your hands. ;)

[dustinbagby]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Those are beautiful.

I built Pauls Amigas since I had the drivers on hand, and I am very happy with them. Its nice to get bass that deep without a sub in my apartment.

I need to hear the Cores, the tweeter upgrade should be pretty noticeable.

[Derekj]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Very nice!

[ani_101]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Very nice indeed. Question on the finishing - how did you achieve the dark / black undertone and get that maple to turn brown? Usually I get a very light yellowish finish If i don't stain or dye it.

Regards
Ani

[JDCrae]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Thanks All !

Ani- the method is dark brown dye first, sand back, amber honey next, sand back, half amber half reddish brown next, sand back, reddish brown next, scuff, then seal with dewaxed shellac. Next I applied 4 coats if tinted arm-r-seal, followed by 4 coats of non tinted. Cured for 1 week, then rubbed on wax with 0000 steel wool, buffed with hand buffer and wool bonnet.

[Melby Audio]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

Wow those look incredible. Even better than I had imagined. Finishing curly maple is an art, and you nailed it for sure!

[lightwriter62]

Re: Paul Carmody Core-2 Way's. Luthier Style

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