HELP! I think I've found an original 604 in a 605 Cabinet..

**Bobdrfl** · April 2nd, 2013, 12:42 PM

Hello all and thank you for reading this post.

I stumbled upon this Speaker while searching for a job (that's right, I couldn't make that up; I'm not that smart). My son and I were out looking for a small table at a community auction. I saw the cabinet from across the room and my heart started racing. It just couldn't be; after all, my glasses are years out of date (what happens when you lose your health insurance and you're over 50) and it's probably an old radio (front view was blocked). When we made our way through the morass of crap dumped around it I saw the label on the back. I flipped out (as much as an old man still can), we bought it not knowing if it even had a speaker inside of it, and drove home (with no table). We got it home and decided to wait until morning (he's 8 and this was like Christmas for us).

5 AM I'm opening the back expecting to see an empty slot where a speaker once was in place. I opened it and it was clean as could be, with a speaker in place, but too dark outside to see anything (time for a flashlight run). I think we hit the lottery, but until I hear from you folks I will not be certain (probably just need you as the "pinch" so I know it's not a dream).

I'm attaching pictures (may need another post) but the serial number is 1034, Model 604, Impedance 20. I know the cabinet is a 605 (even a blind horse....); what's incredible about the cabinet is it's in near perfect condition on all sides (even the bottom - see picture). It's in better shape than most of our furniture.

Can a few of you who have interest and vast more knowledge than me please take a look and give me your opinions? Much as I'd like to keep it forever, we just have too many needs right now and I have to decide what's best to do for all of us. Thanks much and I'll keep my fingers crossed. Here are the photo's:2013-04-02 11.26.24.jpg 2013-04-02 11.26.03.jpg 2013-04-02 11.25.35.jpg 2013-04-02 11.25.14.jpg 2013-04-02 11.25.14.jpg

**Bobdrfl** · April 2nd, 2013, 12:50 PM

Trying to figure out how to add pictures; here are (hopefully) a few more:

2013-04-02 11.34.00.jpg 2013-04-02 11.49.47.jpg 2013-04-02 11.34.48.jpg 2013-04-02 11.34.24.jpg 2013-04-02 11.49.26.jpg

**Bobdrfl** · April 2nd, 2013, 12:52 PM

Last one; just wanted to show the very bottom (because I mentioned it). There are fewer scratches on the bottom then there are on my truck bumper.

2013-04-02 11.28.03.jpg

**Alien_Shore** · April 2nd, 2013, 01:03 PM

glad you waited until April SECOND to post this. Otherwise I would've said...hahah nice try buddy.

Otherwise, I'm saying nice find there! Yes, that appears to be an original mid-40's 604...a rare find and hopefully it will bring you what you need.

**Bobdrfl** · April 2nd, 2013, 01:41 PM

Dear Alien:

You know, I hadn't even given the date a thought! I agree, had I posted it yesterday it might have looked a bit sketchy. It's funny how things can work out if you keep trying; we just wanted to find a table or something we could use. Going together with him was more important than finding anything. I still feel that way.

If this is indeed what I think it is; I know how important they are and that it should be kept well and preserved. I haven't totally decided yet on how or what to do, but my guess is that eBay is probably the best bet. Maybe even wind up in Abbey Road studios, where it can be put to more good use.

Thanks for the reply and the vote; it's already a better month.

**cradeldorf** · April 2nd, 2013, 03:05 PM

I'd keep the speaker and get rid of the family...but that's just the kind of guy I am.

**juniper** · April 2nd, 2013, 03:13 PM

Welcome aboard Bobdrfl, great find!!! clean it up and send it to the bay, would make a great mono system!!!! If it works properly? it should bring close to 4K.. use some howards products on the cab,it it will do wonders. Just be very careful with that speaker! Good luck, remember we are all just stewards...

**Phil-G** · April 2nd, 2013, 03:39 PM

wow that's beautiful. sure would go a ways on gas and mortgage

GM · April 2nd, 2013, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Bobdrfl

We got it home and decided to wait until morning (he's 8 and this was like Christmas for us).

I'm attaching pictures (may need another post) but the serial number is 1034, Model 604, Impedance 20. I know the cabinet is a 605 (even a blind horse....

Christmas indeed! If it functions properly except for the XO's caps, not quite tantamount to the little old lady's $200 sale priced pristine '57 fuelie 'Vette out back in the barn, but still on a very short list worldwide since apparently most surviving this long have been re-coned as D's.

I put the 'as delivered' price inflated to 2013 as high as $6500 depending on the year, but will need the 391xxx date code to get closer to a realistic rock bottom minimum short of a major distress sale.

GM

**Bobdrfl** · April 2nd, 2013, 06:58 PM

Dear GM: Much appreciated but (from my end) probably not completely understood. My working knowledge of speakers was through my (recently sold) Marshall with a 4X12 Celestion Cabinet. I have not done ANYTHING to this one yet, except to dust it off (no polish, no wiring, nothing). I was (and rightfully so) and am not willing to risk any kind of damage due to ignorance, which I've been particularly blessed with an abundance.

I was hoping in discussions here to get some pointers; should I just hook it up to any old amplifier; should I keep the volume (wattage output) low to comply with the 25 Watts maximum; should I put an electrical meter on it and if so where and to measure what; etc. Years ago (when I still played guitar meaningfully), I had the good fortune of working with "Voice of the Theater" PA Systems, but the thought of hurting one never entered into our minds; in fact, due to copious quantities of alcohol and a host of pharmaceutical friends, not much of anything entered our minds. So now I have to ask to be told like a slower 7 year old (no disrespect implied to 7 year old's the world over) lest I hurt this jewel. For example; what and where are the date codes you refer to ("391XXX") and can I get to them or see them without disturbing or removing the speaker?

I was able to find a line to one that sold back almost 2 years ago (June 2011). It's a few months older but the cabinet and speaker doesn't appear to be in the same condition (his is a bit more used or worn). It sold for $6500 after 15 bids. I don't know how the economy may have effected it as of today, but this one is in better (cosmetic) condition all around (just from what is obvious). I will test it's working condition once I hear from a few of you folk that would not have me destroy it.

I like the metaphor to the 'Vette; only hoping this one works as well as it did in 1944?