OC 703/Guilford of Maine Cover Alternatives?

[laoded]

Hey all, I'm picking up some 1" and 2" 703 fiberglass pieces and was looking for cost-effective alternatives to Guilford of Maine cover fabric.

I gave them a call, but before shelling out the cash, I wanted to check in here and see if anyone can recommend anything else...I live in NYC and was thinking of checking out the Garment District for fabrics, but don't really know what to look for. Seems like something like felt wouldn't be a good idea since that's probably reflective?

Thanks.

[edham]

I am about to do the exact same thing. (in nyc).

Any fabric that breaths (as in you can easily breath into it) should work fine. I am not buying that only Guilford fabrics are acoustically transparent.

From my first forays into this it seems great fabrics are available much cheaper than guilford.

Please let me know what you come up with - I'll do the same!

ed

[kenny_popper]

You can get some muslin at Joann Fabric. They have several different colors...I went with the off white + stapled it on to the frames I built for the bass traps I built.

Best,

Kenny

[nativenat]

In my studio experience you want to make sure you buy a fabric that is fire rated like the guilford of Maine stuff

here's a link to a couple different options for acoustic fabric, but i cna tell you its going to be more expesive than the regular stuff because it has a fire rating and can be applied legally to building code......

http://www.acousticalsolutions.com/p...rics/index.asp

nn

[tINY]

Fire rating is the bugaboo - and they take you to the rails for it..

Realistically, applying a fire ******ant spray to cotton or muslin fabric should be fine. But, the city inspector may not see it that way.....

In a home project studio, you can get away with normal, breathable fabric.




-tINY

[chriscoleman]

Originally Posted by laoded

Hey all, I'm picking up some 1" and 2" 703 fiberglass pieces and was looking for cost-effective alternatives to Guilford of Maine cover fabric.

There are ready-made bagging solutions like www.readytraps.com (to which I have no affiliation).

I went with GIK Acoustics panels and they've been great.

[Stormkloud]

I used felt for all mine. Its very breathable and comes in a ton of different colors. It can be found at any fabric store and is pretty cheap.

[Phunkeman]

I used speaker grill material from Jo Annes. But like the other guy that used felt as long as you can blow air through it.

I just could not put muslin or burlap in my little dinky place.

I wanna look uptown baby!

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by chriscoleman

There are ready-made bagging solutions like www.readytraps.com (to which I have no affiliation).

I went with GIK Acoustics panels and they've been great.

Testify brother!!!

Hey man when you get a second send me some pictures of your room. My employees love to see them.

Glenn

[bpape]

Lightweight muslin will work fine. The breathability is important - but moreso when you're putting it in front of speakers (like in a home theater.) Also, if a fabric is too dense, it can tend to act like a membrane and actually reflect some things.

Also, a fire rating is very important - purely from a safety standpoint. Just remember the Great White nightclub fire. No, you're not going to be shooting off effects - but things still happen. Not only is it for your own safety but also to CYA. If you were to have a fire and the insurance inspector comes out and finds that you have non-rated materials mounted to the walls, they are well within their rights to deny paying you.

Bryan

[laoded]

I actually ended up buying some felt from Joanne Fabric, and everything is working out great. I'm using these as portable pieces, but if/when I decide to permanently mount the 703s, fire rated material will be first on the list!

[KingUgly]

Guilford of Maine will send you a free sample. Take that sample down to your local fabric store and match it as best you can. Then you'll at least be in the ballpark and know what it is you're looking for and/or can get by with.

[UPRYZ]

You can get some nice burlap (in many colors) from the James Thompson company in Maryland. $1.70 a yard (42" wide). I used the oyster color and had to use double layers so as not to see the yellow 703 peeking through the weave (still breathable.) You can also buy flame ******ant spray by the gallon (use with air compressor or regular squirt bottles). In the end you're looking at about $4 a yard vs. $15-$20/yd for Guilford. Yes the burlap is a bit bulkier and not as smooth of a texture but still a very respectable finish if done right.

Dan Fox