How does one remove the grilles on a beolab penta mk3?

All the talk about rotting speaker elements, I thought of checking the ones in my parents house this weekend. I don't know how to remove the covers... 

With great care!

Down the sides of the frets/grills there are gaps hidden by the cloth where you can push tabs on the retainig clips to release them. Be very very careful as the clips break easily. On the upper grills you need to start just above the displays and work your way up, release one side at a time.

 

Chris.

I remember that I felt something of a recessed clip/button when I tried to loosen them a few months ago, but to no success. 

I simply didn't dare to try harder, since I wasn't sure I was using the right technique. 

Tried this last weekend, and I couldn't get them to come off... Just didn't feel like using force.

 

I'm going there tonight again and I'm going to give it another try, before taking a beer  

Just take a flashlight and keep it right against the fabric, you can see the innards well enough then...

tournedos:

Just take a flashlight and keep it right against the fabric, you can see the innards well enough then...

 

Thanks Mika!

 

-Now why didn't I think of that  

Hi,

If you do feel the need to remove the grilles (ie. if the shiny light shows up a problem inside), the best way to proceed is by hand, ie. no tools.  Screwdrivers can easily damage the gold trim or the grille fabric.

Start with the top of the lower grille, as this is the easiest to remove.  Gently pull outwards from the back edges of the grille and you should feel it "pop" out of the clips.  Work downwards, aiming for the points where you can see the grille flexing least (ie. near to the clips).  Be very careful with the top grille, as this is better fixed due to running over the top of the speaker.

Be careful not to put a fingernail through the surround on the midrange speakers whilst removing the cover (voice of experience here)!

Best regards,

Steve.

I checked these, and I must say they looked brand new. Had the room dimmed and used a LED flashlight, so I could see them really well. Is the Mk3 Penta less probable for foam rot? Or is it simply because it's younger?

Age is certainly a factor here, but not the only one. Other causes that have been said to increase chances of foam rot are tobacco smoke, UV radiation from sunshine and I would expect excess temperatures to do it also.

The drivers in my 'vox Pentas are fully intact as well, and I don't think they have ever been repaired. These must be 1991 or older, while the Mk.3 'labs were built until 2000...

I think these are from 1997.

Non-smoking environment, light only from the north, and even back against these northern windows. Pretty even temperature I think. Begin to sound like a Penta conservatory

I recently was asked to sell some Pentas for a pupil's father. The flashlight revealed what looked like perfect midranges.
Only when I got them home and took off the grilles, I could feel the foam was tacky. I haven't done anything yet, as I have got a plan!!!!
I won't tell you yet as it will spoil my chances of taking out a patent if it works