Model 19 Foams

**edfallon** · September 9th, 2011, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by voice of the theater

I have replacement foams installed on my Model 19's (purchased from Paul and Debbie Darst). I have noticed that they fit perfectly at the top and bottom of the horns, but they overlap the sides of the horn on both sides by approx. 3/4 of an inch

I too just received a set of foams from the Darsts with the same problem. I left an email message with them but haven't heard anything back yet.

The sides of the repro foams are actually 1" wider than the original foams so I suspect a mistake has been made. They fit fine otherwise. I plan to cut the mouth opening back to the correct dimensions of 5 1/2" wide which should be easy enough but they will then have to be repainted since the foam is white. I'm concerned leaving it overhang will cause more problems with reflections than it solves since they have a crunchy surface from being painted.

**voice of the theater** · September 9th, 2011, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by edfallon

I too just received a set of foams from the Darsts with the same problem. I left an email message with them but haven't heard anything back yet.

The sides of the repro foams are actually 1" wider than the original foams so I suspect a mistake has been made. They fit fine otherwise. I plan to cut the mouth opening back to the correct dimensions of 5 1/2" wide which should be easy enough but they will then have to be repainted since the foam is white. I'm concerned leaving it overhang will cause more problems with reflections than it solves since they have a crunchy surface from being painted.

Yeah, I've been thinking about cutting mine back to be flush with the mouth opening like the originals were. What will you use to cut yours--exacto knife, scissors? I hadn't thought about painting but you're right--the foam is white and cutting them will leave a white edge. Do you think a black magic marker will work to blacken that edge? (I love that Santana song-- "Got a Black Magic Marker").....

**Altec Best** · September 9th, 2011, 03:45 PM

You should get in touch with them both of you's to tell them that the same mistake is being made.Mine fit perfectly !

**edfallon** · September 10th, 2011, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by voice of the theater

Yeah, I've been thinking about cutting mine back to be flush with the mouth opening like the originals were. What will you use to cut yours--exacto knife, scissors? I hadn't thought about painting but you're right--the foam is white and cutting them will leave a white edge. Do you think a black magic marker will work to blacken that edge?

A single edge razor blade or an exactor knife with a straight edge should do the trick. I'm thinking spray paint is in order to make it look right but you could always try a magic marker first and spray later if you don't like it.

Originally Posted by Altec Best

You should get in touch with them both of you's to tell them that the same mistake is being made.Mine fit perfectly !

I left word with them by email so they are aware of the issue. It's really not that big of a deal. Just sort of bothered that I need to rework something that I paid someone else to do in the first place.

**sonofagun231** · February 25th, 2013, 11:09 AM

Any response from the Darsts lately? I get no email response from them (several emails over a couple of months!).

**Altec Best** · February 25th, 2013, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by sonofagun231

Any response from the Darsts lately? I get no email response from them.

I used to have a phone number for Paul.But can't find it... I haven't talked to them in a couple years so don't know what has become of them... Last time I talked to them they were having issues with their ISP.Would have thought those issues would have been dealt with by now though..If I come across it I will send it to you in a PM.. They said if I knew others to let them have the number so... I'll look again.Sorry, I thought I had saved it.

**voice of the theater** · February 25th, 2013, 03:02 PM

I just sent a PM with the last phone number that I have for the Darsts to (Altec Best) and sunofagun231. I'm not certain that it is a current phone number however. I didn't want to post it publicly on the forum out of respect for the Darsts' privacy but I can PM the number to any member here who needs it.

**sonofagun231** · February 25th, 2013, 04:08 PM

Ok - reason I ask is I used to make and sell these and am considering doing so again (since the Darsts don't seem to be responding) but can't find my drawings showing the pieces and dimensions needed. Can anyone here supply me with that information? And for whatever models you need.

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by voice of the theater

I just sent a PM with the last phone number that I have for the Darsts to John (Altec Best) and sunofagun231. I'm not certain that it is a current phone number however. I didn't want to post it publicly on the forum out of respect for the Darsts' privacy but I can PM the number to any member here who needs it.

What happens when you call the number?

**juniper** · February 25th, 2013, 04:22 PM

Maybe they should advertise more, my 19's came with 2 pairs of their inserts and I sold one of them to a foreign buyer for much more than their price, I felt bad, I didnt think they would sell for more than 20$. The buyer was very pleased, but for a specialty product like they produce they could easily get 150.00 a pair if quality control is kept in check. Good luck to the Darst's very cool that someone started a cottage industry around a 30 plus year old speaker.

**voice of the theater** · February 25th, 2013, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by sonofagun231

What happens when you call the number?

I haven't tried it--I have two pair of foams already (one for each pair of 19's that I own) and I don't want to call the Darsts unless I need to buy something from them....