Olds Counterweight

[Geordie]

Any idea if a counterweight from an 1960s Olds Recording will fit on a 1950s Olds Special?

[Geordie]

As footfall seems to have increased lately, thought I’d bump this and see if any new arrivals can help.

[mwpfoot]

I've got the counterweight, and the Recording it lives on, and a Super that it fits too, but no Special with which to compare.

Are braces same?

[Geordie]

Not sure if the dimensions are the same.

[mwpfoot]

OK, I wrapped a piece of wire around the Recording post(s) on which the counterweight fits, straightened it out, and measured, giving the post an approximate outer diameter of 1 5/8".

If someone can do this with a Special, we'll have our answer. Slightly smaller would be ok, to a point - the counterweight can be padded a bit on the inside with cloth tape or similar.

(Hopefully my Super is out at my parent's place, can't find it!)

[Geordie]

Thank you. Appreciated.

[Arrowhead]

I have both horns but don't know off the top of my head unless i dig them out of the basement. I've always felt that the older Special doesn't really need a counterweight, unless you like to use a bucket mute. The mid 70's version came with the oblong counterweight. I believe the braces are the same on the 70's Special as compared to the older L.A. Specials. But compared with the Recording...... guess would be.....not really? I'll check tomorrow.....

[Arrowhead]

So I tinkered around with various Olds horns and the result is...
No, the Recording counterweight is too big for the Special.
The Studio counterweight however, will fit the Special.

[Geordie]

Very interesting and very helpful. Thank you.

[mwpfoot]