Hemp drivers illegal to sell in U.S.?

[G]

Why is it That hemp acoustics are so limited in availability in the U.S.? Is it not legal to sell them in the states? What is the problem with getting the 6.5" and 4.5" in the states?

[Scottmoose]

I gave up on mucking about with Hemp Acoustics a long time ago. The cones are no longer fully hemp either, but a matrix with other materials like Kevlar in as well.

There will be alternatives using genunie hemp cones coming soon... I best not say more at this stage.

[G]

Originally posted by Scottmoose
I gave up on mucking about with Hemp Acoustics a long time ago. The cones are no longer fully hemp either, but a matrix with other materials like Kevlar in as well.

There will be alternatives using genunie hemp cones coming soon... I best not say more at this stage.

Thanks for the reply. I look forward to any additional info when you can give it.

[pjanda1]

To my knowledge, the cones NuWay designed (that A Brown Sound still sells) are only about 60% hemp. There's plenty of Latex in there. (You can also see some various other materials as spelled out in their patent application.) What percentage qualifies as "genuine hemp" for you? From what I understand, it's very hard to bind the hemp fibers, so you end up using a bunch of something like latex.

Obviously kevlar is no binder, but supposedly included along with other things to make the new "hemp matrix" cone considerably smoother in the treble. I haven't heard them, but I've no reason to doubt the graphs.

I think E-speakers will have the new Hemp Acoustics models the same time everyone else does. They just haven't put them on their page yet. I don't think anyone actually has drivers in stock right now. You can sell hemp stuff in the U.S. There is plenty of hemp clothing on the market legally.

pj

[planet10]

Originally posted by pjanda1
What percentage qualifies as "genuine hemp" for you? From what I understand, it's very hard to bind the hemp fibers, so you end up using a bunch of something like latex.

Hemp can be used as a feedstock material to build a huge range of bio-chemical products including binders & even plastic. So you could build a 100% hemp cone. But i don't think that is a target on its own. What you want to do is to build a cone with the desired properties.

I believe that the 6.5 & 4.5 are in limited quantity because they haven;t built very many yet.

dave

[binarywhisper]

Originally posted by planet10


Hemp can be used as a feedstock material to build a huge range of bio-chemical products including binders & even plastic. So you could build a 100% hemp cone.

Agreed. I'm a huge proponent of making hemp a full main stay product and allowing farmers to grow it relatively unimpeded but that said I'm not sure there is any advantage to using hemp in speakers beyond the marketing aspect. It sounds cool but I'm not sure it sounds any better.

[planet10]

Originally posted by binarywhisper
I'm not sure there is any advantage to using hemp in speakers

The same reasons why the US suspended the illegality of growing hemp during WW II... the long, tough fibres were unmatched for keeping the Navy in decent rope.

Since the fibre in hamp can be tailored to make everything from rope to cloth almost indisquishable from silk.

dave

[Scottmoose]

A goodly number of guitarists the world over swear by hemp cones, including, if memory serves, people such as Robert Fripp & John Williams (when he needs to be amplified). It's a tonal thing. Discriminating types for the most part. And, as Dave says, as a material it offers distinct advantages too.

[pinkmouse]

That sounds like a cracking advertising ploy. Guerrilla marketing at it's best!

[hempacoustics]

Hello everybody.. once more I have been summonded to the round table..
Firstly I wanted to address G. concerning the last thread I just wanted to apologise to you for my quick reply.

I scanned the thread too quickly and thought you had posted those T/S specs. Occasionally my enthusiasm for our products gets the best of me. I see now the specs were Vadim's, and I know he has older versions of our drivers. Perhaps he and I can talk more about the differences between our and his measurements.

I get jumpy when I see trademark names used. There are some competing products on the market, and I want consumers to know that there are differences. I feel ethically bound to avoid such public conversation as much as possible. If anyone has questions about our current or upcoming products, I encourage you to email me, or the distributer that covers your area. I'm very excited about our drivers, and I really appreciate all of your interest. It's fantastic to see so many of you pondering the best way to use our Hemp Fullrangers.