Duratex vs. JBL SRX finish

[Mark Coward]

I saw a friend's band play, they were using a pair of SRX series dual 12 - not sure of the model, these cabs are wider than the current SRX722. They purchased these from another friend of mine, whom I know has used/abused these cabs for a couple of years. They still look like new, I would not have known they weren't new cabs had I not learned otherwise. No chipping on the corners, there are no corner protectors, no chips or scratches visible. I know that they do not use any transport covers. I have not yet used the "high build" formula of Duratex, I wonder if it is as tough as this?

[Mark Coward]

bump, can anyone comment about the high-build Duratex? The regular stuff seems prone to chip especially on the corners and edges. I'm trying to decide to try the high-build formula or get my cabs done in Line-X.

[Tim A]

Mark, I've got some but haven't applied it yet. I don't know if it's been out long enough for anyone to comment on how well it holds up. It's going to take a few road trips to be able to tell for sure.

[Tom]

I'm trying to decide to try the high-build formula or get my cabs done in Line-X.

My Line-X covered Titans are holding up well. 100+ load cycles and no "white spots" showing through anywhere. There are a few scratches that don't show up unless you are looking for them.

A "bare" Titan 48 costs around $100US to cover with a 1/8" coating ~ 40 square feet of surface area. Prices go up if they have to fiddle with wheels, handles, and other items that can't be sprayed.

[Tom]

I'm trying to decide to try the high-build formula or get my cabs done in Line-X.

My Line-X covered Titans are holding up well. 100+ load cycles and no "white spots" showing through anywhere. There are a few scratches that don't show up unless you are looking for them.

A "bare" Titan 48 costs around $100US to cover with a 1/8" coating ~ 40 square feet of surface area. Prices go up if they have to fiddle with wheels, handles, and other items that can't be sprayed.

[Mikey]

Maybe a little off-topic, maybe not...

For Weekend Warrior work, vinyl slip covers offer protection from the little dents, dings and scuffs that normally tend to accumulate. The seams are on the corners, so you have double protection. They're especially good for offering some protection to front-loaded drivers and grill cloth. Whether your cabs are covered with Duratex, rat fur, or vinyl, it's worth protecting.

You can buy cheap vinyl for $2.99 a yard at Walmart, and it's adequate for this purpose. Also, buy heavy-duty thread and a heavy-duty needle for the Old Lady's sewing machine. DON'T forget the h-d needle, or you'll probably break the regular needle and be sleeping on the couch! It only takes about an hour to make each cover, and your cost is less than $10 each.

Granted, vinyl covers won't help much if a cabinet inadvertently becomes an air-born projectile, but that's not their purpose. For guys schlepping their own gear, and exercising some degree of caution, vinyl covers help a LOT.

[Mark Coward]

Thanks Mikey, I'd considered some vinyl covers, also considered making them with something like the plastic corner channels.

But, I know several local bands using JBL and Yorkville stuff, they don't use any covers, treat them pretty rough and the cabs still look like new. I just bought a new Yorkville powered mixer, it is rack mount width and has two wooden side pieces with handle cutouts, coated with what seems to be the same stuff I see on their speakers. It has sort of a "sandpaper" look to it, but doesn't feel too rough to the touch. I noticed that there is what appears to be a "seam" down the center of the edge of the wood, makes me wonder what process that they use.

I would prefer to use Duratex so I can do everything "in house" but I'll cart stuff up to Line-X if that's what it takes to get this durable of a finish.

[Tom]

Line-X seems to be the only finish I've tried that has not needed retouching.