Bass 400+ rack case project - help wanted

correapa · #1 10-06-2011, 08:47 PM

I got a wonderful Mesa Boogie Bass 400+ amplifier and want to get an original Mesa Case for it. This product (amp and case) is not alredy manufactured by Mesa and I want to build one in Chile. I can get almost everything in the US and have it in Chile thanks to our NAFTA.
I haven't been able to get drawings or dimensions of it, just some pics that don't add further information about the rails or the way to mount it, wood case thicknes, plywood, how good it cools the amp, etc.
It is the original mesa 4U rack case in Paul McCartney's rig.
Any information or pics you may provide, will be greatly appreciated.
I commit to provide you the corresponding feedback and pics of a DIY project in "the earthquake factory" = Chile
Kind regards

Plinio Correa

Caca de Kick · #2 10-07-2011, 04:00 PM

Building an identicle head case will be really easy, they're built just like a speaker cabinet. I have mine at home and can take some measurements this weekend, and can probably email a few pictures for you.

The difficult thing will be the original aluminum rails: they had a channel with a 6mm nut you can slide up and down, so it makes this very universal to stick any single head in there. You don't need those rails to make this work. My 2nd Mesa head case I somehow lost it's original rails many years ago, so when I started using it again, I simply put in regular modern rack rails.

correapa · #3 10-07-2011, 10:16 PM

Thanks for your prompt response and help. People like you make this forum a great place to share and get information.

Have a nice weekend

correapa · #4 11-09-2011, 01:18 PM

Had a good time with trying to get to a final result as good as the original. Made an improvement moving handles frontwards to balance its location with the amplifiers's centre of gravity and result was really good, no torque effect while lugging it ....... really a heavy thing.
Hope you like it, it was a nice time woodworking.
Special thanks to Caca the Kick for all the information he provided, five stars for him.
Kind regards from "the earthquake factory"

Plinio Correa

hifibass · #5 11-09-2011, 01:27 PM

400+ Mesa's create a LOT of heat. You may want to and a ventilator fan like this to rear rack rails at the top of the case. This will help pull the heat out of the cabinet since the Mesa fan in the side is partially blocked. I did just this with a Mesa Strategy 400 Power Amp powered rack and it worked fine.

NEW PYLE PRO PFN31 19" RACK MOUNT COOLING FAN SYSTEM | eBay

oinkbanana · #6 11-09-2011, 10:56 PM

sexy.
did you use 13ply marine birch?
how heavy is it with the case?

i've been thinking about making a wood shell for my SVT-2pro.

I'm thinking about using edge handles, and making it a bit taller to compensate, and leaving an venting space at the top...

I'll probably also skip putting it on rails, and just screw it into wood, it is going to be permanent.

any ideas for putting a door on the front and back? wouldn't mind if it was a recessed door.

T-Bird · #7 11-09-2011, 11:08 PM

Hi.

Nice job, congrats.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

I'm thinking about using edge handles, and making it a bit taller to compensate, and leaving an venting space at the top...

Unless You'll use 1/2 width rack equipment at some point, don't. While the vent is a good idea, it'll be 3 or 4RU high. Way too much added weight for the (small) benefit of different handles. IMHO anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

I'll probably also skip putting it on rails, and just screw it into wood, it is going to be permanent.

Don't, just use rack rails, those are cheap and You'll be glad you ysed 'em in the future.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

any ideas for putting a door on the front and back? wouldn't mind if it was a recessed door.

A stepped construction with two sheets is the easiest, I always use AH lidmaker extrusions and edges with butterfly latches though.

Regards
Sam

oinkbanana · #8 11-09-2011, 11:55 PM

I could make up for the handle height by going wider. :head scratch)
the amp does vent out the sides & back.

i'll do some measurements and think about it.

T-Bird · #9 11-10-2011, 12:34 AM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

I could make up for the handle height by going wider. :head scratch)
the amp does vent out the sides & back.

i'll do some measurements and think about it.

Now that'd be better.

I do urge You to look at the extrusions Adam Hall and others manufacture, I'm especially fond of the casemaker and lidmaker extrusions.

Sure, those cost quite a bit, but the savings in other materials and especially time, are significant. A definite plus is also a pro-looking case, even if you mess up a bit

.

Regards
Sam

correapa · #10 11-13-2011, 07:18 PM

It weight 68 lbs amp and case.
Yes, since there is no baltic birch plywood available in Chile, I used marine plywood.
Yesterday I had a 3 hour reharsal in a large hall, set the master in 6 and no heating problem at all (it was really loud). There is plenty of room to ventilate around the entire amp. I also set the ventilator at high position.
Anyone that may need additional pics, details and dimension of case, please contact via PM .
Kind regards