Trace Elliot GP11 Front Panel Template

smudge · November 15, 2020

Tried to get a replacement front plate for my 80s AH350x Trace Elliot amp as mine was trashed. I have found one for the GP7 and 12 (GB Audio) but non for GP11.

Tried a few print shops to make one on a vinyl background, no one wanted to know... so, self help seemed the only option.

I have re-created a template that can be used.

You need the original metal backing plate, clear acetate, double sided tape and self adhesive printable white vinyl (i used matte)... and a shed load of patience!

The acetate replaces the gray plastic template which is on top of the metal backing plate... if yours is good and just the graphics are damaged then that can be used... it is held in place with double sided tape. Mine was tattered and pretty much useless.

If you replace the plastic template, use a fine soldering iron tip to cut the holes required and graphic slider slots once affixed to the back plate(don't cut out where the Increase gain/Decrease gain/OK and the two IN windows for the graphic and pre-shape buttons are, also the window for the main Trace Elliot logo (this is back lit, and also the over heat warning symbol).

Open the .svg file in Inkscape.. a free program or compatible software. I have left the file unlocked so if you need to, you can select the image, ungroup and tweak if you want to. The .PNG images are for reference and will not print at the correct size... you need to print from the .SVG which is scaled correctly.

Print out the template using photo paper and high settings on your printer onto the vinyl sheets (some printers will produce different results with different paper types, make sure you choose the correct side of the paper, unlike dumb donkey here)... i also used a DPI of 350, but i have set the .svg to 600dpi if you want to use that.

I have included two options, A4 or , if you have access to a bigger format printer you can choose the whole graphic.

The real challenge comes when lining the print up with the holes... i used a magnifying light turned upside down so i could match them up.. the vinyl can be moved several times, after 24 hours the adhesive starts to cure.

Trying to join the two pieces together at the seam is difficult... however, patience and bad language will get you there.

Once on... and bubble free, cut the holes again through the printed vinyl using the soldering iron, i then sealed the graphic with varnish/lacquer, you can do this before applying, but depending on what you seal it with depends on how it can be handled.

I have tweaked the position of the "stage output" volume indicator on the .svg so that it lines up with the hole better, you can see it is slightly off on try number 1.

Sorry about the bad photos... the streaks are the varnish drying in one picture, and i have used my original fittings to show how it should look one completed.

I hope this helps someone who may need to refurbish a GP11.