Build Your Own Pair of Speakers

Art & Science. Together.  Email pete@gowanusaudio to learn about upcoming classes - classes are held on Friday and Saturday evenings in Gowanus, Brooklyn, as needed. Have a friend who'd want to build a pair of speakers with you? Sign up for two slots and save $145 off the regular price of two. You get to spend time together and both walk out with a great pair of speakers. It's an amazing feeling when you hear a song you've heard hundreds of times, but this time it sounds better, there's more to it, and you're hearing things you've never heard before. The fingers on the strings, the slight creak of a chair, a breath, a sense of space, and it makes the experience that much closer to the real thing. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up.  For me, that's what makes this audio stuff so much fun. You can try different ways to make it sound better, and some work better than others. But when they do... Speakers are by far the most important part of any audio system. Not amps, not cables, not digital vs vinyl. Basic gear with great speakers - I'd argue - will sound better than super high-end  gear with cheap speakers nearly every time.  So that's where we're starting with the classes. Building great speakers. Join me to build your own pair of speakers, which will look and sound better than anything new for a comparable price - and you learn a ton while you make them your own. All materials and tools included. Each class limited to 6 participants. Bring helper if you like! Make a pair with a friend. Sign up together with a friend - you both make a pair of speakers and both save a few bucks.   This class is based on the very popular Overnight Sensations designed by Paul Carmody. It's a solid design with a great crossover (the circuit that sends the lows to the woofer and the highs to the tweeter), with bass that belies their size. (He generously allowed me to use his design and receives royalties from these classes.)  We'll glue up the enclosure and apply veneer to the front baffle and apply a finish. We'll also solder the crossover and work on soldering skills. Finally we'll wire them up, test them out, and you take them home.   Classes consist of two sessions - we'll start at 7pm and may go as late as 11pm. Learn a little woodworking, electronics, and what goes into making good speakers.  The week before each class I'll host a little get together at my place, and we can listen to different speaker and amplifier combinations for anyone interested in the class. If you'd like to borrow a pair to listen in your own place, let me know.  Questions? Shoot me an email at pete@gowanusaudio.com Read more about the specs and performance of the audio components here. Enclosure: 3/4" Colorfin (Baltic Birch) - makes for a very rigid enclosure, with only the exposed edges to finish (which can be dyed or left natural), approximately 9" high x 6" wide, 9" deep. Precisely CNC'd to give a perfect fit every time. Each completed speaker weighs about 15lbs. (Easiest way to get them home is usually in some grocery totes.) Front Baffle: 3/4" Baltic Birch, with your choice of veneers. Walnut, cherry, sapele (like mahogany), red oak, or even ebonized and cerused red oak are all options.  Location: Makeville Studio, 125 8th Street, Gowanus - Friday Eves 304 Boerum Street, East Williamsburg - Saturdays