Blumenstein Ultra Fi

[Clark B.]

Yeah Dan, thanks so much for having us over.  It was so much fun!

Jim - Indeed, it is the new finish that was the surprise.  You were the first to be in possession of the new Tried and True linseed oil/varnish over 600 grit sanding, which is now the "standard model T finish" for everything that goes out.  So perhaps even the skin deep beauty has grown in depth a bit?  Anyways, that comment of yours in an email some weeks ago really helped urge me to try it (again), so I took my butt down to woodcraft and picked up a can. 

I mention "again" because it was first by Terry Cain's urgings several years ago that I tried out several non toxic finishes.  After doing my homework on them, I did the first 40 pairs or so in Tried and True.  But eventually, I meandered over to the Osmo because the Birch seemed to take to it just a bit more consistently.  But it hadn't occurred to me till you'd mentioned it recently that now that all my stuff is made of bamboo, that the Tried and True might be an even better match, and oh - how it is!

Of course, - just keeping making sure to dump the used rags in a wet air tight bucket, which is a normal precaution with any hand rubbed oil finish (!) 

But oh - The smell of it is so sweet!  It looks like honey.  I've even been able to convince Molly to come and hang out in the shop with me while I'm finishing with this stuff.  I have to be a little more careful than with the Osmo to keep from smudging it after the final wipe down between coats but other than that its pretty straightforward for me to work with.  As you mentioned, Its probably the nicest wood finish available.  I think as peoples' awareness of it grows, so will the company that makes it.  And I swear that it helps the sound just a fraction of a percent...

Cheers,

Clark

[jrebman]

Hey Clark,

Yup, it is a fantastic finish, but I can't take any credit for anything other than being a middleman -- Lee Hankins on this forum is the guy who pointed me to it in the first place.

Given his description of it and the general description of the finish you used (before I knew it was the Osmo) I just wondered if it was the T&T stuff you were using.  Funny how things happen sometimes. 
The end result is spectacular though!  And from my perspective, it feels and smells wonderful.

Should have the new dac and file server back up in the next couple of days, and then I'm expecting even better things, and then it will be the vinyl rig.  Still much to do to get everything online, broken-in and properly setup, but if it gets any better, which it will undoubtedly do,  I may have reached the goal for this system -- one I can more or less leave alone and just enjoy.

-- Jim

[Grainger49]

I admit, this thread is making me want a pair of these just because.  You have said all the things that make me want to hear them, own them. 

But if I read the information right they have to be picked up.  I'm in Knoxville.  I get to the Pacific NW once every two or three years.  

Can the Orcas be shipped?  It will be a while before I can make a purchase that large, I'll have to sell some equipment that isn't being used, but I am interested.

[jrebman]

Grainger,

Yes, the Orcas and BUF subs can be shipped.  I certainly didn't drive up to Seattle to pick up my Nagas and Subs or my Orcas.  It was the Thrashers that Clark didn't want to ship.

And the Orcas came in an approximately 14" cube box.

HTH,

Jim

[Grainger49]

Jim,

Thanks, I can start scheming for a way to get them.