j chauvin
04-21-2008, 07:11 PM
I'm investigating a cosmetic mod to my PL 400.
I'm looking at having a custom made black anodized brushed aluminium face plate made -complete with lettering.
I know that many would think this is verboten, but I think this would give a great look to the amp.
I can do this for just myself, but sometimes adding quantity can significantly bring down the price -so, I'm wondering if anybody here would be interested. The more people willing to go in on this would potentially greatly reduce the price.
I'll give you an example of what I mean. If I purchase a single 1/4" x 6" x 19" plate of aluminum, I would pay about $20. This would be just for the plate -not cuts other than to the dimensions above. If I purchase two (my brother might be interested), I would pay about $16 each. If I purchased 20, I would pay about $11 each.
A 1/8" x 6" x 19" plate would actually be more expensive, believe it or not, in the range of about $33-per for a single plate purchased. I didn't investigate beyond that as I think a 1/4" PL would look much cooler -though I have to check if the meters could still be secured.
I have yet to find a place that will "brush" the aluminum face (this place won't) as well as find a place that will cut the rectangle holes for the meters. But I am assuming the cost-per will drop with quantity as well.
I found a place that would also anodize the plates. They charge a minimum $50 per order -though I didn't break down the costs if they anodize 1, 2 or 20. I also found a place that would either screen or laser burn the lettering -though the reps were out for lunch and couldn't get me specifics.
I'm envisioning a PL that is identical to the original -except for the black anodized finish, thickness as well as having a small radius (1/2"?) at the corners. (I also thought of having matching rack handles made and changing the color of the lights to blue.)
When all is said and done, I would not be surprised if I paid $200-$250 for a single plate. I think that cost can be reduced significantly if more people come on board.
And remember, as easy as it is to replace that face plate, this does not have to be a permanent mod. You can go back and forth as your heart desires.
Let me know what you think!
Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. I'm not selling anything nor plan on making any money.
j
I'm looking at having a custom made black anodized brushed aluminium face plate made -complete with lettering.
I know that many would think this is verboten, but I think this would give a great look to the amp.
I can do this for just myself, but sometimes adding quantity can significantly bring down the price -so, I'm wondering if anybody here would be interested. The more people willing to go in on this would potentially greatly reduce the price.
I'll give you an example of what I mean. If I purchase a single 1/4" x 6" x 19" plate of aluminum, I would pay about $20. This would be just for the plate -not cuts other than to the dimensions above. If I purchase two (my brother might be interested), I would pay about $16 each. If I purchased 20, I would pay about $11 each.
A 1/8" x 6" x 19" plate would actually be more expensive, believe it or not, in the range of about $33-per for a single plate purchased. I didn't investigate beyond that as I think a 1/4" PL would look much cooler -though I have to check if the meters could still be secured.
I have yet to find a place that will "brush" the aluminum face (this place won't) as well as find a place that will cut the rectangle holes for the meters. But I am assuming the cost-per will drop with quantity as well.
I found a place that would also anodize the plates. They charge a minimum $50 per order -though I didn't break down the costs if they anodize 1, 2 or 20. I also found a place that would either screen or laser burn the lettering -though the reps were out for lunch and couldn't get me specifics.
I'm envisioning a PL that is identical to the original -except for the black anodized finish, thickness as well as having a small radius (1/2"?) at the corners. (I also thought of having matching rack handles made and changing the color of the lights to blue.)
When all is said and done, I would not be surprised if I paid $200-$250 for a single plate. I think that cost can be reduced significantly if more people come on board.
And remember, as easy as it is to replace that face plate, this does not have to be a permanent mod. You can go back and forth as your heart desires.
Let me know what you think!
Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. I'm not selling anything nor plan on making any money.
j